Prior to our AGS diagnosis, most of us never found it important to understand the difference between leaping bunny, plant based, vegan, or vegetarian. If you are finding yourself overwhelmed and confused by the amount of symbols, I want you to know that you are not alone. Many of us struggled trying to figure this out, including myself.
Leaping bunny- means the product is cruelty-free but does NOT mean that it is vegan.
Plant based- means that the product contains some plant-based chemicals but may or may not also contain any animal byproduct.
Vegetarian- means the product may contain animal byproduct that does not require harming or slaughtering the animal.
Vegan- means the product does not contain any animal byproduct.
There is not a single certification project so many products with the same type of certification may have different symbols. Some certifications are easier or cheaper to obtain than others and companies may even include symbols of their own so that a product appears to be certified. I believe its important to mention that PETA recently added a new symbol and certification that is their own version of leaping bunny, meaning that just because a product may contains Peta symbol, it is not necessarily vegan. A PETA certified vegan product will specifically say vegan on the symbol. I know this is a lot to take in, but it does get easier. (Are you tired of hearing that yet? It’s okay, I was too!)
Not all of need to but if avoiding animal byproduct is your goal, the easiest way to do so is by focusing on the company rather than the product. This is especially useful when purchasing personal hygiene and household products.
Ive comprised a small list of companies that are among my favorites.
Attitude – found online and through Amazon, they have an impressive selection of both personal hygiene and household products. I particularly like their deodorant, dish soap, and dishwasher pods.
Method – found online and in many stores. I was delighted surprised by the amount of Method products I recently discovered that my local hardware store! I regularly use their furniture polish, glas cleaner, bathroom cleaners, and hand soaps. Method does also have a large selection of body wash, including a mens line that my husband enjoys.
Raw Sugar – this brand is easily sourced in store and online. It seams to have a generous selection of hand soaps and body washes that I do purchase regularly.
7th Generation – found both online and in stores. I did not use them prior to AGS, but it seems as though they are one of the grandfather vegan & eco friendly companies. I remember seeing their laundry soap and kitchen spray years ago and currently make many of the harder to source products such as trash bags, paper towels, and tissue papers.
Ecos – I knew little about this company prior to AGS, but I have to admit that I have become a fan of their economically priced laundry soap that is easy for me to find on Amazon or Walmart.
Dr. Bronners – I saved them for last but they are certainly not least! I think of Dr. Bronners of being in a league of their own because they are so well known for a single product that is capable of handling so many jobs. When I was first trying to navigate this crazy AGS road that we are on, they were my go-to for everything. Seriously, I purchased two large refill containers and used them for dishes, soap, laundry, cleaning, and even washing my fruits and vegetables! I do still keep a foaming dispenser next to my kitchen sink to tackle both hand and vegetable washing, a bottle of their sugar soap in my shower for when I feel like I need to strip any products from my hair, and when I can afford a small splurge I do still like to use it to launder my sheets. I won’t lie to you, the product can get a little pricey, but it works for pretty much everything and my sheets are never more soft than they are when I use Dr. Bronners to wash them! I do also keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in my purse for when handwashing isn’t an option while on the go.
Not everyone needs to give up their favorite products, as I mentioned earlier, but if you there is a need or just a desire to take a more eco-friendly route, this list should help you narrow down some great products! If there is a company or product that is working well for you, please reach out so I can give them a shot as well!
