One major barrier to adopting a cruelty-free lifestyle is cost and availability. Encouraging companies to produce ethical, affordable options whether in food, cosmetics, or fashion—will make it easier for people to make the switch. This is where people should focus: on asking their local government to help and support companies in this direction. The more pressure is added on local authorities, the better.

One effective way to encourage a cruelty-free lifestyle is by highlighting the everyday accessibility of compassionate choices. By showcasing local markets, restaurants, and brands that prioritize cruelty-free products, we can create a sense of community around ethical consumption. Social media can play a pivotal role in this movement—sharing visually appealing recipes, personal testimonials, and engaging stories about the positive impacts of cruelty-free living can inspire others to make small but significant changes.

I believe Education is key. Workshops and events that offer hands-on experiences, such as cooking classes or DIY skincare sessions using cruelty-free ingredients, empower individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Collaborating with influencers who embody a cruelty-free ethos can amplify these messages, reaching wider audiences and sparking curiosity. By fostering an environment of support and understanding, we can encourage more people to explore the joys and benefits of living compassionately, ultimately creating a wave of potentiality that transforms perceptions and habits for the better.

You know, this is a really interesting topic to navigate. I've spent the last 19 years devoted to bettering the lives of farm animals and all animals who find themselves as commodities to humans.

Here are a few things I've learned:

1. Make digestible requests. Asking someone to go vegan right off the bat will typically be met with more resistance than if you ask them to try a vegan recipe, or to simply have a conversation with you about the industry - no strings attached.

2. Approach the topic from a very nonjudgmental perspective. Use diplomatic language, validate their feelings, and relate to where they are in their journey. Most of us weren't always vegan. There was a time when we were unaware of how farm animals were really treated. Be empathetic. 

3. Ask the right people. I think it's important to understand where people are in their journeys: some people are VERY against veganism, some are passively against veganism, some are passive for, and some are vegan. The two categories in the middle are very important! People who are passively against/for veganism are most open to a civil discussion. 

4. Make veganism / plant-based diets seem exciting and fun! I like Delia's suggestion re: cooking classes. Education such as this makes veganism feel more accessible than people believe. 

5. Ultimately, I think planting seeds while appealing to someone's interests and feelings is effective. Guide them to the connection and support them along the way entirely.