Compassionate Shopping

 Make your voice heard!

We've produced some fact files and template letters to help you campaign for more ethical policies. If you get a reply, do send us a copy!

Hints and tips for letter writing

Letters to Companies

Here are just a few points you might like to include when writing to companies that have not as yet committed to cruelty free:

• Tell them why you’re disappointed their policy isn’t animal friendly.
• Mention a similar company who do have cruelty free credentials.
• Explain the principle of having a fixed cut off date: "Companies which adopt a fixed cut off date will not use any of the newly developed ingredients that have been tested on animals after a specific date - the fixed cut off date."
• Urge the company to reviews its position and contact Naturewatch for support in adopting a more animal friendly testing policy.

Make sure your letter is polite, as it will receive more consideration. If you do receive any replies, please forward them to the Naturewatch office.

Letters to MPs

Writing to your MP is likely to be much more effective than writing directly to Government Departments. After all, your MP hopes to receive your vote, whereas if you write just to a Department you will only reach the civil servants in the Direct Communications Unit, from which you will receive yet another standardised response.

As always, using your own words is likely to be more effective than using a template letter - although a template letter is better than no letter!

• Explain your own concerns on the issue, e.g. the testing of household products on animals…
• Wherever possible, quote relevant facts and figures to support your point of view, such as those on this site.
• Enquire about your MP’s own views on this issue, and if your MP’s response is supportive, then write back to thank them.
• Be clear in telling your MP what you would like them to do about the issue - such as lobbying the relevant Government Department,
• Request a reply to your letter.

Letters to Newspapers and magazines

Letters pages and even beauty supplements in newspapers and magazines provide opportunity for you to tell others about cruelty free products and the ongoing animal testing issues surrounding personal and household care products.

Here are just a couple of ideas...

• Your letter might review some of the outstanding cruelty free products available in your locality, encouraging others to shop cruelty free.
• Highlight a specific issue, such as continued animal testing of household products in the U.K.
• Inspire others to boycott products that don’t live up to their ethical expectations, and use the pounds in their pocket to support companies which are committed to cruelty free.