Archive - March 2012 (clear)
Let's Be Cruelty-free in North America
On March 11, we celebrated a tremendous victory in the fight against animal testing. The European Union became the world's biggest cruelty-free market - banning the sale of newly animal tested products and ingredients.
Unfortunately, we're falling far behind in Canada, the United States and the rest of the world. Unlike in Europe, companies producing and selling cosmetics in North America are still allowed to perform cruel and unnecessary tests on animals. At this very moment, there are thousands of animals trapped in laboratories across our countries. They're being subjected to painful toxicity tests; substances forced down their throats, smeared on their skin or dripped into their eyes.
There's no excuse for animal testing, and it's our responsibility to speak out on behalf of the voiceless animals locked away from public view. We've partnered with HSUS to continue our fight against animal testing, and now it's time to end animal testing in North America. Enough is enough.
HSUS
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization, rated the most effective by its peers. Since 1954, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. We rescue and care for tens of thousands of animals each year, but our primary mission is to prevent cruelty before it occurs. ...
Ojoba Women's Shea Butter Collective: Empowering Women with Ethical Trade
Who knew that a nut so small could create such change?
Twice a year, we buy ten tons of Shea butter directly from the Ojoba Women's Cooperative in Ghana, West Africa, and we use it in everything from massage bars to lip balms for its rich, moisturizing effect on the skin. This past February, we embarked on the adventure of a lifetime and traveled to the Upper East Region of Ghana to meet the women of Ojoba and witness the impact making Shea butter has had on their lives...
"It's always been about the people", said Johan, "We fell in love with them. You will too."
It was 2003; Johan and Tracy Wulfers were traveling through Ghana when they visited a group of forty women processing Shea butter by hand beneath a baobab tree. Curious, they struck up conversation to inquire about the mysterious substance they were furiously kneading in rhythmic, swooping motions. The women quickly derailed their curiosity, however, as they began to talk about their lives. They spoke of their children, their families and the daily struggle they faced to provide even the most basic necessities. The more they shared; the more Johan and Tracy wanted to work with them.
Having previously spent time in Western Africa as volunteer teachers, Johan and Tracy had seen firsthand the challenges faced by communities lacking financial resources.
They brought the Shea butter home to Portland with them and began selling it at local markets- the response was overwhelmingly positive. An o...
