Recently, eleven of the largest cosmetic firms (including three of the top four: Avon, Revlon and Faberge) have announced permanent bans on animal testing of their finished products. Other companies include Amway, Bonne Bell, Christian Dior, Clinique, Estee Lauder, and Shaklee.

What You Can Do:

EDUCATE YOURSELF AND USE CONSUMER POWER: Purchase only cruelty free products that do not use animal testing and encourage stores and hair dressers to stock cruelty free alternatives. Contact the Humane Society in your area for information and what you can do.

Resources:

Write to or call:

• THE TORONTO HUMANE SOCIETY, 11 River St, Toronto, ON, M5A 4C2. 416-392-2273 Fax: 416-392-9978.

• THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE U.S., 2100 L St NW, Washington, DC, 20037. 202-452-1100.

They provide a free list of cruelty free cosmetics and household products as well as further information on testing and its alternatives and what you can do to help.

THE CARING CONSUMER'S CRUELTY FREE SHOPPING GUIDE, by People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals (PETA), PO Box 42516, Washington, DC, 20015. 301-770-PETA.

A free catalogue and excellent mail order service is provided by the following companies:

• BEAUTY WITHOUT CRUELTY, 26 Day St, Cambridge, ON, N1S 3P9. 519-621-5986.

• THE BODY SHOP, Mail Order Department, 15 Andrew Place, Don Mills, ON, M3C 2H2. 416-441-3202.

The Body Shop also offers biodegradable products, recycled paper and even offers a refill service. As part of their philosophy, the Body Shop is also actively committed to environmental and community issues.