Big or small, our bag follows us throughout the day! Here are some of my suggestions to help you fill your bag with useful items not tested on animals. You’ll discover that making small changes towards ethical and animal-friendly products isn’t so complicated!
Welcome back to school!
1. Vegan leather wallet
Several companies offer great accessories make from vegan leather or recycled materials. Matt & Nat, with its trendy and fully-vegan items and bags, is a good example! Also, discover Pinkstix and Pixie Mood!
2. Water bottle
This handy reusable bottle avoids spending extra dollars for drinks on-the-go, in addition to being eco-friendly!
3. Healthy snacks
To fill a craving or boost your energy, carry a fruit, mixture of nuts with dried fruit or even a vegan granola bar in your bag.
4. Deodorant
Vegan and cruelty-free deodorants are becoming increasingly available in stores. Discover Druide, Nature’s Gate, Purelygreat, JASÖN, Schmidt’s, Maison Jacynthe, and many more!
5. Floral mists (hydrosols)
Floral mists, such as those by Divine Essence, are perfect to refresh your face throughout the day or to help set your makeup.
6. Natural hand sanitizer
My personal favorite is Nubia’s organic hand sanitizer made from aloe and essential oils.
7. Perfume
Choose a natural, vegan and non-toxic fragrance. This is both good for you and the environment! Pacifica, in particular, offers a divine variety.
8. Mouthwash tabs
Lush Cosmetics mouthwash tabs are very practical and easy to transport on the go!
9. Natural lip balm
Lip balm is a must-have for the backpack or handbag to keep your lips moisturized throughout the day! Hurray! Druid and Lush Cosmetics offer excellent ones. And if you want to embark on making homemade cosmetics, click here to learn how to make your own balm.
Finally, I always carry a few flyers and stickers from various Montreal SPCA campaigns to help raise awareness whenever I get the chance! You will have the chance to obtain your own at the upcoming Pop-up sale on Saturday, September 9th at the Montreal SPCA!
Marie-Noël Gingras
Marie-Noël Gingras works in the Department of Animal Advocacy at the Montreal SPCA. In the past few years, she has collaborated on numerous projects related to animal rights and welfare (the Vert et Fruité and Vegan Portraits blogs, the Montreal Vegan Festival), as well as collaborated with the Défi végane 21 jours book, published in spring 2016 (Éditions Trécarré). You can follow her on Facebook.
