Did you know that more than 110 million (that’s MILLION with an M) animals are killed in labs around the world each year? It’s inhumane, expensive, unnecessary and it needs to stop. I have dedicated eight years of my life to promoting cruelty free beauty products, and I REALLY wish more brands would join me. With the recent loss of NARS as a cruelty free company, I have been feeling more and more hopeless. But, thankfully, one company out there makes me want to keep fighting the good fight.
Lush is not just “that brand that makes those bath bombs”. They are one of the only companies out there that puts their money where their mouth is, and actively campaigns to stop animal testing. Since the business started in the UK in 1995, Lush has sold only 100% cruelty free products, and they have undertaken huge campaigns to make their voices (and the voices of those who can’t speak) heard.
Today, Lush Cosmetics, in partnership with Ethical Consumer Research Association, is seeking out the brightest brains in scientific research dedicated to finding alternatives to animal testing, to award them the Lush Prize. Now in its sixth year, the world’s largest annual prize fund in the non-animal testing sector annually awards $445,000 USD to scientists and campaigners from across the world, seeking an end to animal testing.
I was lucky enough to be invited to the Lush Prize awards ceremony last year. It was just as inspiring as I had hoped it would be. Click here to see more about my trip to visit Lush in Vancouver.
Around $2 million has already been provided to 76 winners in 26 countries, aiding them in their search for that ‘Eureka moment’ that will bring an end to animal testing, for good. As a truly global prize, it has supported scientists and activists in countries as diverse as China, Kenya, Iran, Ukraine and India, as well as New Zealand, Brazil, UK and 12 European countries.
With innovations like a 3D model that explores brain disorders, a ‘placenta-on-a-chip’ and artificial organs where will the alternatives to animal testing take us next?
More interesting facts:
- More than 30 countries have already banned chemical testing on animals and the sale of animal-tested cosmetics.
- The US is way behind the curve, having just this month introduced the Humane Cosmetics Act legislation, which would eventually phase out and ultimately end chemical testing on animals.
Nominations for 2017 are now open until July 24. Scientists who are making a difference in this field are invited to apply for the award here. For more details, watch the Lush Prize video here.
I love LUSH products and this makes me love them as a company even more!
I’ve always loved LUSH products and their philosophy, I wish more brands would get on board! Great post!
I was so disappointed to learn about Nars. I had just ordered their liquid blush but I’ll avoid buying from them in the future as a protest. I admire LUSH even though I can’t use their products.
The US is way behind the curve in so many things, and unfortunately, we can’t expect it to change any time soon. But voting with consumer dollars does make a difference. It is disappointing to see that NARS felt that selling in China was worth alienating a big chunk of their domestic customer base. I hope they’ll change their minds. But on a more positive note, so glad to hear about the LUSH prize and that you got to go to the ceremony. Bravo to the prize winners!
Hopefully LUSH would never succumb to animal testing in the name of money. LUSH produscta are a bit strong for me but I like that they remain true their philosophy and values.
I think LUSH was the brand that made me aware of the animal testing issue in the first place. It’s great that the company stays true to their message, and hopefully animal testing for cosmetics and drugs can be eliminated for good soon.
I love Lush! I don’t see why any cosmetic company needs to test on animals…Greed that is what I see with these other cosmetic companies.