Logo to Look for! The Leaping Bunny

"Leaping Bunny" logo

With all the claims being made by various products on the market these days, how can we be sure that we’re actually buying products that have not been tested on animals?  There are plenty of ways that companies get around the issue.  For example, a cosmetics line can say they don’t test on animals by hiring outside companies to do the testing for them.  Or — just as slimy a move — they may test individual ingredients on animals without testing the “product” when all the ingredients are put together into that one fragrance, lipstick, or chocolate bar.  Sneaky, sneaky, sneaky.   And, I don’t know about you, but I don’t like corporations treating me like a schmuck.  The ultimate insult is when companies create their own logos that mislead us into thinking something is cruelty-free. However, the good news ia that there are some logos out there that can be relied on as meaningful.

The Leaping Bunny Program, founded by The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), provides the best assurance that no animal testing has been used in any phase of product development by the company, its laboratories, or suppliers; companies with products developed long ago with testing can still join the cruelty-free club, by ensuring a cruelty-free process after a specified date. Independent on-site audits assess the validity of each company’s “no animal testing” claim, to verify that cosmetics and household products have, in fact, not been associated with any animal testing.

For Consumers:

• Pocket-Sized Shopping Guide
  The Leaping Bunny web site is a good resource/database for consumers to look up products and companies.  Leaping Bunny also provides a pocket-sized Compassionate Shopping Guide to cosmetics, personal care products, household products, and animal care products.  You can select to order the guide and receive by mail or simply download – either way, it’s completely FREE!
• iPhone app
  To make things even easier, Leaping Bunny has an iPhone app available for FREE at iTunes.  Download today and you’ll be able to do quick checks while shopping.  Especially if you’re just starting to become familiar with companies’ animal testing policies, this will make it easier to learn as you go along.  When I bought my iPhone, this app was one of the first I downloaded!  For another very cool cruelty-free app that was at the top of my list for my own iPhone essentials, you’ll have to check back with me later this week.

 For Companies
In addition to the half of the web site devoted to helping consumers become more aware and make better choices, the Leaping Bunny site also has a section for companies who are looking to join the program and become licensed to use the Leaping Bunny logo on their own products.  The web site asks poses these questions:

1. Are you ready to ban animal testing for finished products and ingredients?
2. Are your suppliers ready to end animal testing for the ingredients and formulations supplied to your company?
3. Are you ready to make a commitment against any new animal testing from this day forward?
4. Do you want to be included in the only internationally recognized non-animal testing program of its kind?

As more and more consumers start choosing cruelty-free alternatives, more and more companies will be answering, YES YES YES YES.

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   Michele C. Hollow says:

   April 8, 2012 at 10:18 am

   I’m the one standing in the store reading the small print on the labels. Shopping takes longer, but at least I know I’m bringing home products that don’t harm animals. Thanks for the post.

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     sharondisco says:

     April 9, 2012 at 4:31 pm

     Thanks, Michele. Leaping Bunny and Caring Consumer also have iPhone apps that make it easy to look up products while you’re shopping.

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