Since 2014, over one million people have signed up to take part in Veganuary, challenging themselves to stick to a plant-based diet for 31 days. Concern for the environment influenced product purchases for 45% of consumers in 2018, and brands are being challenged to look for more ethical and responsible sourcing of ingredients, as well as to think about packaging, waste and harmful by-products.
As more people shift to modify their intake and lifestyles for the sake of animals and the environment, we’re asking: ‘how vegan is your home, really?’ – highlighting just a few of the household products that contain hidden non-vegan friendly ingredients to inspire eco-conscious consumers to consider alternatives.
What do they contain? If you’re considering making vegan changes, take a look at your current haircare products. Watch out for animal-sourced Keratin, milk, beeswax and honey. It’s also worth checking to see if the products are marked as cruelty-free.
The alternative? There are plenty of vegan alternatives on the market – look out for brands such as Faith in Nature, Dr Paw Paw, Neal & Wolf and Moo Hair.
What does it contain? Many scents use animal musk – the secretions from otters, beavers and deer – as a fixative as it reduces the rate of evaporation and makes fragrances last longer.
The alternative? Search for vegan perfumes and you’ll receive a surprising number of results, including options from big brands including Ghost and Calvin Klein. Eden Perfumes is also vegan and has a line of ‘dupes’ of all the best scents.
What do they contain? Traditional laundry powder, surface cleaning sprays, polishes, common household detergents and branded cleaning products can contain as many as five to 10 animal-derived ingredients such as: lanolin, tallow (rendered beef fat) and animal glycerol.
The alternative? Choose from The Vegan Society’s approved range of cleaning products, like Bio-D!
What do they contain? The vegan world was pretty upset when it came out that fruity Rekorderlig, Bulmers and Strongbow were all off limits – some because they use gelatine, others because they use cochineal (which comes from beetle shells). Most wine is made using the fining agent isinglass, to make it appear clearer and brighter, and the same goes for a lot of beers.
The alternative? There are alternatives for all your favourite tipples, don’t worry. Old Mout ciders are vegan, as is pear-flavoured Magners. Lots of small breweries are vegan too, so seek them out.
What’s in it? Anchovies!
The alternatives? Just look up ‘Vegan Worcestershire Sauce’ and you will be rewarded.
