Suicide Girls: Animal Testing Breaks Hearts November 6, 2009

Posted by Shannon Phillips at November 6, 2009 2:30 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack

What better way to celebrate the end of the week than a new video and photo slideshow with our favorite punk pinups? That's right—the Suicide Girls are back to spread the word that "animal testing breaks hearts" with a new photo slideshow and video in support of buying cruelty-free cosmetics.

So what's the big deal about testing on animals? Every year in testing laboratories, millions of animals including rabbits, mice, guinea pigs, and rats (just like the ones you may have as companions at home!) are forced to inhale and ingest products like hairspray and household cleaners and have cosmetics rubbed into their eyes. Since these animals are significantly different than humans, these cruel tests often lead to inaccurate and misleading results. Thankfully, there are more than 700 cruelty-free companies who have banned animal testing and use more humane methods like computer models, cell cultures, and voluntary human studies to research and test their products.

This is why some of our favorite pinups—Moxi, Zoli, Sash, and Bob—joined forces to talk about their favorite cruelty-free products (Urban Decay was a popular choice!), and why animal testing breaks their hearts. Check it out ...

Can't get enough of the Suicide Girls? Check out our new "animal testing breaks hearts" slideshow with the girls here, or check out their past campaign against fur here.

Happy Friday!

Summer Fashion Must-Haves June 22, 2009

Posted by Tiffany Wright at June 22, 2009 4:42 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBack

I'm sure most of you have already started getting your closets ready for summer. We're super lucky, this year, because there's a ton of different trends to play with; from florals to studs, to neon and denim. Since there's so much to choose from, I've put together a list of MY top five cruelty-free must-haves for summer. Get ready 'cause you just might have to make some more room in your closet.

For the Ladies:

The Long Dress

This super-cute purple jersey maxi dress from Old Navy features a deep v-neck and empire waist. The best part about this dress is its versatility. Not only is it perfect for shopping trips to the mall, it also works great for a first date.




























The High-Waisted Skirt

Yes, 80s fashion will be continuing on this summer. The high-waisted skirt is yet another throwback from the days of Whitney Houston and Cyndi Lauper. This is great news for us ladies since the skirt works well with pretty much any body type. The floral print cotton skirt pictured above can be found at UrbanOutfitters.com.






















The Platform Sandal

These brown faux leather platform sandals, available at Target, are accented by metallic studs — another hot trend this summer. These shoes go great with dresses or jeans so you're sure to get a lot of wear out of them.















For the Guys:

Deep V-Neck Tee

The Deep V is no stranger to ladies fashion but, this year, the style has worked its way into mens fashion. You can find the Kelly Green Deep V, pictured here, at American Apparel's online store. Props to all you fellas man enough to rock this tee. Just do us ladies a favor and shave your chest!













Wayfarers

First made famous by legendary rock and roll singer Buddy Holly, wayfarers are THE hottest accessory this summer. Check out these retro two-toned frames from Urban Outfitters. Not only are they supa dupa fly, but they come with 100% UV protection.

















Happy shopping!

Win the New War Tapes CD! May 27, 2009

Posted by Megan Rondeau at May 27, 2009 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 16 ) | TrackBack

Considering I have my headphones on pretty much all day every day, I'm always on the lookout for new music. One of the best things about my job is discovering new bands that are awesome and that care about animals. So I'm sure you can imagine my glee in discovering self-proclaimed "heart-quaking doom pop" band War Tapes.

peta2 caught up with Matt and Becca of the California quartet at this year's SXSW festival in Austin, TX. Here they are in their own words ...

What prompted you to want to go vegetarian?

Becca: Growing up I always had pets, and animals have always been a really big part of my life. I worked on farms when I was a little kid and I just couldn't imagine ever killing an animal just to eat it. As people we have the right to make a conscious decision on what to eat ... if I can chose to not eat an animal why would I choose otherwise? You don't eat your dog. You don't eat your cat. Why would you eat a cow or a pig? It just doesn't make sense.
Matt: Yeah, I have a much less intellectual answer actually. I think in middle school I got really into Morrissey and that definitely sparked the interest.

What animal issues are close to your heart?

Becca: Pretty much anything involving animal cruelty is really close to our hearts. The over population of domestic animals is definitely a big issue. I'm a really big proponent of adopting your pets. There are so many rescued animals in shelters. There are so many people giving away their animals because they can't keep them. There's just so many options rather than going to a pet store where dogs are from puppy mills.

Any thoughts on fur?

Becca: (I'm) definitely anti-fur. It's disgusting. It's cool too because I feel like now you can find cool things that are not made of leather. There are a lot of stores that are using plastic synthetic leather for shoes, or canvas, and it looks just as good. There are a lot of good options today, so I think it makes it a lot easier to choose non animal products.

How do you feel about companies that test products on animals?

Becca: I think animal testing in general is barbaric and archaic. I don't think it needs to exist anymore. It's just a really cheap way for these companies to get their testing done. They make so much money, I think they could invest in safer ways of testing their products. It just doesn't make sense and I think it needs to be publicized more.

What advice can you give fans who want to be more involved in animal rights?
Becca: Daily choices you make are really a great way to start. I think it all starts inside, so if you decide that (animal rights is) something that's important to you, and hopefully it is, I think it's easy to start vegetarianism everyday. Every menu in every restaurant is going to have a vegetarian option. You can request things be made without meat. It's really easy and it tastes just as good. Starting where you can is the simplest way, and making those decisions everyday ... once you get comfortable with that it's so much easier to expand upon. You can do research online; you can find local groups ...
Matt: There's definitely some issues where it's up to you. I learn a lot from Becca and it's become part of our daily lives.

You can catch War Tapes on tour with VNV Nation this summer and their new album The Continental Divide is available now. You can purchase the album on Amazon or iTunes, but it just so happens that I have 5 copies of their new CD to give away to you! For a chance to win, leave a comment with your favorite song to put on a summer mixtape. The 5 entries with the most creative songs will be chosen by June 2 and notified by June 9.

Just so you know ... by commenting here, you're acknowledging that you've read and agreed to our privacy policy.

Also by commenting, you are agreeing to the following terms and conditions.

Prom Cheat Sheet! April 14, 2009

Posted by Marta at April 14, 2009 1:11 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 46 ) | TrackBack

Prom season is upon us, and you know we want to help you find a cruelty-free look from head to toe! Are we going to buy everything for you? Heck no! We're not made of money, people. However, I put together this little prom cheat sheet, peta2-style, to help you out.

Dresses/Suits

Avoid it: Silk—it's basically tons of dead insects. Silk is derived from the silkworm, and once in the pupae stage, most silkworms are steamed or gassed alive in their cocoons to make silk. It's hard to imagine that anyone could feel beautiful covered in dead insects on prom night ...
And guys, ditch the itchy old wool suits. What is this—1979?

Buy it: Satin dresses made out of polyester or nylon. Tulle is also a really popular choice—you know, usually the bottom part of your dress that makes you feel like a princess—and it's almost always made from a plant. As for suits—Pulin recommends polyester, cotton, or "a nice microfiber."

Nugget is stoked to have a date who is all about being cruelty-free!
Make-up

Avoid it: Products tested on animals. More and more companies are putting the fact that they don't test right there on the label—so keep an eye out for it! If you're still unsure, check out our guide to shopping cruelty-free.

Buy it: Cruelty-free products, of course! If you've got the money and the time, you can always go to a make-up counter and get your make-up done (fun!). Since more and more companies are ditching animal testing than ever before it's ridiculously easy to find cruelty-free companies. Try MAC, Urban Decay, Clinique, or Revlon. To find others, our guide to shopping cruelty-free works for that too.

Hair Styling/Personal Care Products

Avoid it: Animal testing, again! There's no need to subject an animal to cruel testing just to make sure you smell nice for your date—especially when so many alternatives exist.

Buy it: You guessed it—cruelty-free options! Keep your pearly whites in picture-ready form with Tom's of Maine toothpaste and keep yourself from sweating all over your date with Mitchum deodorant. And to keep your hair in place for all that dancing, try products by Giovanni (all products available in most major drugstores).

To complete your night, all you need is the perfect date (and/or an awesome group of friends) and you'll be set! If you put together a great cruelty-free look and would like to get some Street Team points for it, e-mail your photo to us at StreetTeam@peta2.com and we'll give you 1,500 points. And be sure to post your cruelty-free look on your Facebook or MySpace (like you weren't gonna upload tons of prom photos anyway) so all your friends can see just how easy it is to be cruelty-free.

Have fun! Maybe you'll score a kiss like Nugget did!

Cruelty-Free Fashion Show at UNCW! April 5, 2009

Posted by Ryan at April 5, 2009 1:52 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack

Written by Theresa Morini, president of Students for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (SETA) at UNC - Wilmington

The idea for the cruelty-free fashion show was brought up in SETA's UNCW chapter meeting while discussing peta2's "Whose Skin Are You In?" campaign. Rather than leafleting and petitioning like we have done in the past, we thought this would be a fun way to educate people on clothing alternatives. I e-mailed each company from PETA’s list of vegan companies to see if they would be willing to donate any articles of clothing. We were amazed to find how many companies were so generous and willing to help. Cow Jones Industrials, Ideal North, Kitty Gallery, Mink Shoes, neverleatherland, and Vegan Queen all contributed to our fashion show. Their pieces were auctioned off after the show in a silent auction and SETA's proceeds went to the local Humane Society.

Speaking with students after the show, I found that many of them had initially come just to see a fashion show and had been oblivious to the facts and what has actually been happening in the industry. They enjoyed the show and were glad that we brought this to their attention. Many people were surprised to find how realistic the faux products were and how fashionable cruelty-free clothing can be.

Cruelty-Free Valentines at Concordia University! April 5, 2009

Posted by Ryan at April 5, 2009 1:43 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack

Written by Lucas Solowey, President of the Concordia Animal Rights Association at Concordia University

This Valentines Day, students with CARA (Concordia Animal Rights Association) joined forces with peta2 to hand out awesome cruelty-free Valentines Day cards that urged students to "have a heart for animals – buy cruelty-free". Fellow students helped make cards, give them to awesome guys and gals and even handed some out in front of a company giving out free Colgate toothpaste (tested on animals).

After talking to kick-ass college kids about how much animal testing sucks, and how easy it is to buy cruelty-free, we headed over to the student union to place a special little v-day card in each student organization's mailbox.

Overall, it was a great day!

LUSH Cosmetics Takes a Stand Against Seal Slaughter March 23, 2009

Posted by Tiffany Wright at March 23, 2009 3:17 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 11 ) | TrackBack

As you know, the annual Canadian seal slaughter has begun and hundreds of thousands of seals are being brutally massacred. Even though the vast majority of American and Canadian citizens oppose the seal slaughter, the Canadian government continues to support it.

One of peta2's favorite cruelty-free cosmetics companies, LUSH, is demanding the Canadian government put an end to this horrific practice. Last year, more than 205,000 individual seals were killed. Most of them were babies less than four weeks old who hadn't even had their first swim yet.

Not only is LUSH urging people to sign their online petition to help ban this senseless, barbaric slaughter, but they're also donating 100% of the proceeds from the sales of their First Swim Limited Edition Bubble Bar to Sea Shepherd Conservation Society— a non-profit that seeks to end the slaughter of wildlife in the world's oceans. So be sure to visit their website and get yours ASAP! It smells sooooooo good!

Victoria's Secret's Vegan Skincare! February 26, 2009

Posted by Tiffany Wright at February 26, 2009 3:38 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 6 ) | TrackBack

Victoria's Secret has gone green and vegan with their brand new line of cruelty-free beauty products called Pink Body. This is VERY exciting news, especially for us female staffers at peta2. Not only will we all be running to the mall to grab some for ourselves, but we can add Pink Body to our growing list of cruelty-free brands.

These products, ranging from tinted lip butter to an energizing sugar scrub (sounds yummy!), include great skin-nourishing ingredients like oat extract and soy milk, and body-purifying antioxidants like grape seed oil. And these products are so eco-friendly that even the packaging is made from recycled material. Props to Vicky's Secret!

You can check out these amazing products for yourself here.

Oh—and did I mention that they are all COMPLETELY VEGAN?!?!

Free Stuff Friday: Fanciful Fox Cruelty-Free Products! January 23, 2009

Posted by Marta at January 23, 2009 12:07 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 280 ) | TrackBack

All of you never cease to amaze me. We hear from you guys saying that we're an inspiration for you—but guess what? We get inspired by the things you all are doing each and every day, too. Take Amanda Fox, a sixteen-year-old from Pennsylvania, for example. She and her mom, Kathie, started a completely vegan, cruelty-free, fair-trade shop called the Fanciful Fox in Scranton, PA. Check out the pictures of the awesome goodies you can win from the Fanciful Fox and get inspired by what Amanda has to say, then find out how you can enter to win below!

Why did you and your mom decide to start the store?
My mom and I began making soap and candles about three years ago on a boring afternoon. Yes, I'm one of those cool kids who enjoys hanging out with their mom. After that, our hobby kind of exploded. Once our basement began filling with shampoo galore, we couldn't just give it away anymore. Our friends suggested that we open a store, and it sounded like fun. So, here we are all this time later.

Why did you go vegan?
I became a vegetarian when I was eleven, after I had a dream about animals. I woke up and decided that I would rather not eat something that had a face and family. But, about a year and a half ago I decided to go to Vegetarian Summerfest, out in western PA, with my mom. After all those classes I took, I decided it was completely idiotic that I wasn't a vegan, so from that day forward I've banished all dairy from my diet.

How important is it to you to educate people about cruelty-free/fair trade products?
In my quest to be a compassionate human being, educating people is my number one concern. I talk all the time about how people shouldn't test on animals, and how fair trade is important. I don't, however, shove it down people's throats. That gets us nowhere. I politely educate instead of informing people how to live their lives. I believe all people are compassionate humans—they are just uninformed and unaware.

What do you do in your spare time?
My store takes up almost all of my time, which I don't mind. But, surprisingly, I do have a life, and in that time I am part of my high school ecology club. Also, a main part of my life is going to the Panamanian/Costa Rican rainforest in the summer, to spend time with indigenous people. Therefore, time from my life goes to planning for that. I have friends, again surprisingly, and we do sixteen year old type activities.

What advice do you have for people who feel like one person can't make a difference?
One person can make a difference. No matter how small you believe your voice is, you can make things happen. One suggestion to another human being about cruelty to animals makes a difference. Also, just buying cruelty free or fair trade products makes a difference in this world. By buying that one item on that one day, the demand for a product that was tested on animals and made in a sweat shop went down. That sounds pretty important to me.

Amanda and her mom were awesome enough to donate a shampoo, conditioner, shea body wash, lotion, bar soap, and a pink pig scrubbie in a cute drawstring spa bag for one of you to win. The fragrance is Guava baby, which Amanda describes as smelling like passion fruit and guava. We're giving away the set to one of you lucky people, so to enter to win, comment below with why you think all companies should make like the Fanciful Fox and go cruelty-free.

This contest ends February 6, 2009, and the winner will be chosen and notified by February 13, 2009!

Just so you know ... by commenting here, we're taking that as acknowledgment that you've read and agreed to our privacy policy.

Also by commenting, you are agreeing to the following terms and conditions.

Happy New Year!!! December 31, 2008

Posted by Lara Sanders at December 31, 2008 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 9 ) | TrackBack

Happy New Year everybody! What are you doing tonight? I think I'm going to eat delicious vegan Thai food and go to an 80's prom party. Whatever you do, make sure you have fun and be safe!

Do you have a New Year's resolution yet? Mine is to spend more time playing with my two cats Frank and Clementine, and not to favor Frank too much. Check out what other peta2 staff are resolving to do in the New Year below!

Ashleigh: My resolution is to be a healthier vegan. Ditching all the junk food and eating more fruits and veggies!

Dan: My resolution is to spend more time playing with my two kitties Aggie and Percy. They miss me when I'm gone at work all day and I want to spend more time showing them I miss them too.

Marta: My resolution is make more delicious vegan food for my non-veg friends to try and love!

Sarah: To always speak out if I see a friend buying something that isn't cruelty-free, and politely show them an alternative product. If I see someone wearing fur, I will remind them of the pain and suffering inflicted on those animals. We're the ones with the voice and we need to use it!

If you still need a New Years resolution and want to help animals, fight world hunger, and save the planet in 2009—check this out!

Happy New Year!