Students spread cruelty-free message creating homemade beauty products


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Participants at the Student Advocates for Vegetarianism and Veganism event working to make vegan and cruelty free products on Feb. 28 in Anspach Hall. 

More than 40 students engaged in cruelty-free fun Feb. 28  in Anspach 151 during D.I.Y Vegan Products, hosted by the Student Advocates for Vegetarianism and Veganism.

"Our organization helps spread knowledge to students of a plant-based lifestyle, through tabling events promoting vegan and vegetarian products, and allowing students to make their own products," said McKenna Wietecha, event coordinator of SAVV.

The event began with the organization informing students about the importance of using cruelty-free products, as products tested on animals involves great harm  or even death done to animals such as rabbits, cats and mice through chemical injections.

SAVV also explained to students how to search for natural and cruelty-free products that are free of carcinogenic dyes and fragrances, and that homemade products are the easiest and cheapest alternative, protecting the environment by using reusable bulk products such as mason jars. 

Students then broke into stations where they could make their cruelty-free beauty products. Students were able to create products including:

  • Tooth paste from baking soda
  • Bentonite clay and peppermint oil rollers from various essential oils like eucalyptus and tea tree oil 
  • Face scrubs with coconut oil, vegan cane or brown sugar and essential oils

Thao Nguyen, a sophomore from Vietnam, felt the event helped her be more aware of the benefits of homemade products. 

"I've always thought about transitioning to vegan or vegetarian products, but found difficulty in finding certain products," Nguyen said. "After the event and making some of my own products, I became more aware of the dangers of using products tested on animals and now want to make my own products and share my knowledge with others." 

Holt sophomore Claire Lewis, a member of Student Environmental Alliance, was fond of the variety of products that could be made at the event. 

"I have been vegan for almost two months, and my connections with other students, as well as members of Student Advocates for Vegetarianism and Veganism, made the transition a lot easier and (more) enjoyable for me," Lewis said. "I've found out about a lot of options and various ways to make and use my favorite beauty products while protecting myself and the environment." 

While making the switch to live a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle can be rewarding, the transition can be very difficult, explained Rockford sophomore Logan Evans.

"Changing your entire lifestyle, from what you eat to what products to use, takes a lot of commitment, and can be gruesome," Evans said. "However, having a support group to help you on your journey is the most important element of pursuing a healthy lifestyle. Also, the dining halls provide convenient and tasty vegan and vegetarian food options that everyone should try." 

Wietecha said she was satisfied with the turnout of the event. 

"I believed our event help challenge students to try new things and think about making that change to pursue a plant-based, healthy lifestyle." 

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