Re: Honey & Beeswax

[Guest guest]

Francine,

I really learned alot from your post. Thanks for this detailed info

belle

> As a beekeeper who loves and cares for bees, I am highly offended by PETA

and

> their deliberate misinformation in order to advance their radical

ideology.

>

> Bee Pollen.

> Microsporic grains in seed plants gathered by bees then collected from

> the legs of bees. Causes allergic reactions in some people. In

> nutritional supplements, shampoos, toothpastes, deodorants.

> Alternatives: synthetics, plant amino acids, pollen collected from

> plants.

>

> PETA is contradicting itself

> Pollen is collected by bees on ALL flowering plants - flowers, fruit

trees,

> melons, cucumbers, peas, beans, wildflowers, etc. Bees go from flower to

> flower collecting pollen and dropping pollen, thus effecting pollination.

> Some wind pollination occurs, but the majority is done by bees.....no

bees,

> no food! Bees in no way steal seeds from plants causing a shortage of

future

> plant life...if anything, they increase it. Why do you suppose almond

> growers, melon growers, and other farmers in California and other states

pay

> beekeepers to bring in bees to pollinate their crops? For higher yield,

of

> course! As for the honey produced by the bees for an almond crop....they

get

> to keep all of it - it's much too bitter for human consumption. Bees use

it

> to build up their depleted winter stores and for brood rearing, thus

> producing more bees.

>

> Bee Products.

> Produced by bees for their own use. Bees are selectively bred. Culled

> bees are killed. A cheap sugar is substituted for their stolen honey.

> Millions die as a result. Their legs are often torn off by

> pollen collection trapdoors.

>

> These statements are absolutely ridiculous! Millions die - A Boldface

LIE!

> Bees are selectively bred for gentleness, disease resistance, and honey

> production. There are no culled bees! Bees have a very short life span,

so

> the population of the entire hive changes every six weeks. A worker bee's

> job changes within the hive structure...when first born a worker becomes a

> nurse bee taking care of the larvae and baby bees. After a week or two,

the

> nurse bees become field bees to replace the ones that have died of " old

> age " . As for the legs of bees being torn off in the pollen or propolis

> collection process, this is false! Bees walk over wire screens which are

> designed to simply scrape off some of the larger pollen grains. Not all

of

> the pollen drops off - there is more than enough for the bees to use to

feed

> their brood as well as for human use. Think about this....a beekeeper is

> never going to do anything to harm his bees....why would a beekeeper take

all

> of the pollen and not leave any for the bees to feed to their brood. This

> would bring about the demise of the hive. As for propolis, bees do not

eat

> propolis - it is used by the bees to glue things together in the hive as

well

> as seal cracks, etc. Propolis is tree rosin. As for substituting cheap

> sugar for honey....another ludicrous statement! Bees do not care if sugar

is

> ten cents a pound or two dollars a pound - sugar is sugar. The only time

> bees are fed sugar is to ward off starvation if a hive does not have

enough

> winter stores of honey (usually caused by a hive with a small population)

or

> the beekeeper has divided an overcrowded hive and started a new hive.

> Feeding the bees sugar or sugar syrup enables them to start building

comb,

> feed their hatching brood, and avoid starvation. Sugar has no ill effect

on

> bees, and is metabolized by them the same as honey is. As soon as the

bees

> have their own honey stores to feed on, sugar supplements are

discontinued.

> Keep in mind that the nectar of flowers also contains sucrose and

fructose.

>

> Beeswax. Honeycomb.

> Wax obtained from melting honeycomb with boiling water, straining it,

> and cooling it. From virgin bees.

>

> Beeswax is made by bees to store nectar in, which is then ripened and

> thickens, producing honey. The beeswax that is taken from the hive is a

> surplus that are actually the cappings which the bees use to seal in the

> honey. Also, these frames of honey that are taken from the hive for human

> consumption are never from the brood chambers, but are extra supers that

are

> put above the brood chambers during the spring and summer nectar flows.

In

> my part of California, that is beginning to happen now. In a few days, I

> will put supers on my 6 hives and this is how I will obtain my honey crop.

> In no way am I depriving the bees of honey - they have had time to build

up

> their own stores in the brood chambers, so this is all surplus. If I did

not

> put on supers, the hives would become " honey bound " , with the bees taking

up

> any extra comb cells for nectar, thus not leaving the queen any open cells

to

> lay eggs and thus causing a reduction in population. Also, all the worker

> bees are virgins with the queen being the only one who has mated and thus

is

> able to lay eggs. The queen is the mother of the entire hive. Drones are

> males who serve only one function - to mate with the queen (this only

happens

> once), and they are then driven out of the hive by workers because their

> usefulness has ended. Royal jelly is also another surplus product. Royal

> jelly is produced by the bees and is used to feed only the larvae that is

set

> aside to become a queen bee. Not all larvae are fed royal jelly. Since

the

> first queen to hatch in a hive stings the rest of the emerging queens

killing

> them, the royal jelly harvested in no way affects the well being of the

hive.

>

> I hope this sets the record straight regarding bees and their hive

products.

> If a person chooses to use an alternative product, that is their choice.

My

> main purpose in writing this was to let everyone know that PETA is not to

be

> trusted. The have and do deliberately mislead people using lies and

> misinformation.

> Francine

[Guest guest]

Tamika,

As Tammy says, it really isn't scary keeping bees. It's just a matter of

working slowly and carefully and trying not to crush any bees; that's when they

release alarm pheromones which get the rest of the hive in a guard mode. Also,

wearing proper clothing and using a smoker are essential. Weather conditions,

time of day, and whether or not a nectar flow is going on are all factors in

working with bees. During a nectar flow, there are not many bees in the hive -

most are very busy out foraging and the ones that are in the hive are either

transferring the nectar into the cells for ripening or taking care of brood -

consequently this is an ideal time to work in the hives. During the end of the

season when the nectar flow is over, then the bees tend to be a little more on

guard. I have had the same experience that Tammy had where I actually opened up

a hive in early October (usually a no-no) and had a whole cloud of bees fly into

my face. Fortunately, I had my smoker and my bee attire, so I did not get stung

at all. I just did what I had to do (put in medication for wintering over),

closed up the hive and that was that. It is challenging, but fun. Bees are

very fascinating creatures - and my children love to help me when I work the

hives. They love to hold the frames covered with bees and get a fingerful of

honey and beeswax to chew. They have never gotten stung when they've helped

out. If you are interested in exploring the possibility of keeping bees, you

might check to see if there is a local beekeepers association in your area.

They usually have monthly meetings that you can attend (you don't have to have

bees as a prerequisite) and that way you will be able to learn first hand what

is involved and if it is something that you would like to do.

Take care,

Francine

R & T Shields wrote:

> > Francine, that was way cool, i never knew o much about bees. i love honey

> and

> > i think beeswax candles are the best to burn but now i am thinking if i

> wan't

> > so scary having a hive would be really neat. i could help the environment

> and

> > myself to some yummy honey thanks for that informative article,tamika

>

> Tamika~

>

[Guest guest]

Bev,

I use the antibiotic Terramycin to prevent American Foulbrood and European

Foulbrood. AFB is the most destructive of all the brood diseases, and when

colonies show signs of this disease, everything must be burned. EFB is not as

serious as AFB and can be treated with drugs and the colony requeened. I

remedicate in very early Spring as there is a 45 day waiting period before honey

supers can be put on the hives. Another medication I have used (and used by the

majority of beekeepers) is Apistan Strips to kill Varroa mites, which was first

reported in the US in 1986 and is now one of the major killers of ber colonies.

Unfortunately, because of overuse and the fact that it was the only safe EPA

approved pesticide treatment available, Varroa mites are showing signs of

becoming immune. Alternative treatments and products are being tested, some

with moderate success and others not so successful. Beekeepers are closely

monitoring their hives and using sticky boards (mites drop on the sticky stuff

and can't get off to reattach to the bees), along with other measures.

Researchers and bee breaders are working on mite resistant bees, but that hasn't

happened yet.

Take care,

Francine

Emerald wrote:

> Hi Francine,

> out of curiousity what medication do you put in for wintering over?

> I know nothing at all but what I have learned from these lists on beekeeping

> but am curious aboutthis? have always wondered how the bees lived through

> our so cold Canadian eastern winters.

>

> huggs

> Bev who is deathly afraid of bees<LOL>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Bev,

Oops! Forgot to answer the rest of your question. Since I am in California, I

have no problems with wintering over because it doesn't get that cold here. In

areas where winters are severe and temperatures a very cold, beekeepers usually

wrap the hives in black roofing material or special insulating material that one

can buy in order to keep the colonies from freezing. Windchill is a big factor,

so wooden devices (entrance reducers) are inserted into the hive entrance to

reduce the size keeping wind out as well as mice. Beekeepers also place their

hives in sheltered locations so they don't get the brunt of the weather.

Francine

[Guest guest]

Hi Francine,

out of curiousity what medication do you put in for wintering over?

I know nothing at all but what I have learned from these lists on beekeeping

but am curious aboutthis? have always wondered how the bees lived through

our so cold Canadian eastern winters.

huggs

Bev who is deathly afraid of bees<LOL>

[Guest guest]

Hi Francine,

thanks for the explaination. I woudl think that AFB can hurt many bee

farmers.

I wish this never happens to you nor anyone .

that can only be very devastating to bee keepers.

huggs

bev

[Guest guest]

I just wanted to say that I've enjoyed the informative posts on beekeeping!

When I was around 12 years old, a bumble bee somehow got caught under my

shirt and stung me five times (so much for the theory of bees only stinging

once and dying! - this one didn't, anyway). Since then I've been afraid of

bees, but lately have been trying to stay calm when one is buzzing around

me. Needless to say, I have great respect for them and find them very

interesting.

Thanks for all the info - can't say I would ever consider beekeeping, but

the information has been great!

Sparks

www.inthebuffsoap.com

[Guest guest]

I am not going to personally discuss my personal choices of

manufacturing online. This is not list relevant.

I am willing to talk about what I believe is ethical labeling and

ingredients and group discussion. I have pasted the PETA list below.

This is just a brief description on some of the Vegan standards.

First off your reply to post was one mixed with another who posted. I

never mentioned milks etc...

As follows is my whole post,

In the Vegan community, honey and beeswax are animal products.

These must be omitted to receive any kind of Vegan/Animal Free

recognition.

In the cosmetic industry to be animal free according to PETA and other

organizations one must omit all animal ingredients.

I personally feel that is you can make a stellar product without the

animal ingredients then do so. One it saves our natural resources and it

prevents animals being exploited for fat pockets in their backs and bees

for their honey by products.

Honey, royal jelly, pollen and our bees are resources that are being

abused. This is not to say their are not tons of reputable bee keepers.

I have friends who keep bees and they take very good care of their

hives. But bees are having a rough time now with globalization and

everyone wanting to make a buck off their products and infestations of

mites. I know the bee discussion has gone around before and I read both

sides ..... I choose to conserve rather than use, although I am an

herbalist first and a toiletries manufacturer second.

Many of you probably don't want to have Vegan companies, this is fine

and your right of course. Many of you will choose to sell animal free

products when the market dictates different standards. Many say not

tested on animals but they contain animal products this is not stating

animal free. Personally I believe these claims are made to drum up sales

and to prey on an uneducated market. I am not saying any of you do this,

I am speaking generally of larger companies.

I have mentioned before that I have a different philosophy and I have

received outraged emails and people viciously defending their choice,

this is your choice and your right to make what ever you want, it is

also mine. As one who follows the strict standards dictated to be an

animal free company I will disagree and try to clarify when I can, it is

would be unethical of me not too.

I understand that the emails will be coming and everyone should state

their point of view, but a question I should have asked earlier and I

haven't is why do non animal product companies bother some group members

so much? This is not a doctrine that forces everyone to think the same.

We are all different and the animal product stuff causes so many to get

upset. I don't know why.

Demetria

I have never spoken against farmers and I hope that was not portrayed by

my post. The American farmer has been ravaged enough and if you are

insinuating I soap against them because I do not believe in animal

products then I am afraid that is your fear. I am one who supports local

farmers wholeheartedly, buying from them all of my produce, some of the

herbs and we need each other to survive in a small town in a global

world.

I am not asking anyone to draw a line. Just to use accurate and ethical

language on the purposes of their products. I am sure some use lard in

their soap I personally do not see the value but obviously someone does.

" Cows and goats need to be milked, and we have the choice of using the

milk

or throwing it down the drain. I believe it would be a much greater sin

to

throw it down the drain. "

Why do they need to be milked, where are their young, what hormones are

they on?

I know plenty of people who raise goats and cattle in an ethical fashion

and they are milking when they have babies and allowed to follow the

process in a more natural manner without hormones. Many cattle are given

hormones to produce more milk, search rBGH or BGH, Bovine Growth

Hormone. These are practices I have ill feelings about which I did not

bring into these conversations.

" This is usually bs because if your product contains any chemicals, they

have

probably been tested on animals somewhere along the line. "

All of my products are of superior quality and I believe almost

" chemical " free.

I do not use irradiated herbs, fragrance oils, M & P, any products that

have been treated with a chemical pesticide or herbicide.

I only use certified organic herbs, oils, essential oils and I use

potash for soap(wood ash).

I also try to use customer response, their feed back and completely

factual claims in my descriptions. Many of my comments come from

customer response. I will admit to not being the world most aggressive

sales person, I have to believe that my product will sell itself and I

do most of my business by word of mouth. If you cannot eat it, other

than an essential oil, I don't use it, and yes you can eat wood ash,

LOL...I am truly trying to have a business that comes up to my standards

of purity, environmental responsibility and comfort. I am aware that

everyone has a different level and I do not understand why these level

differences are to cause so much discomfort for many. I do not give

people a hard time about products I feel are something I would never

promote, and I often hear it when I say I abstain from something. I

believe this has to do with everyone's individual comfort level and if

it causes so much grief ask why.

I have played in the business world for a long time and I choose to

follow my own beat, one I can back up and live with. That is just the

way I do things.

Demetria

Adrenaline.

Hormone from adrenal glands of hogs, cattle, and sheep. In medicine.

Alternatives: synthetics.

Alanine.

(See Amino Acids.)

Albumen.

In eggs, milk, muscles, blood, and many vegetable tissues and fluids. In

cosmetics, albumen is usually derived from egg whites and used as a

coagulating agent. May cause allergic reaction. In cakes, cookies,

candies, etc. Egg whites sometimes used in " clearing " wines. Derivative:

Albumin.

Albumin.

(See Albumen.)

Alcloxa.

(See Allantoin.)

Aldioxa.

(See Allantoin.)

Aliphatic Alcohol.

(See Lanolin and Vitamin A.)

Allantoin.

Uric acid from cows, most mammals. Also in many plants (especially

comfrey). In cosmetics (especially creams and lotions) and used in

treatment of wounds and ulcers. Derivatives: Alcloxa, Aldioxa.

Alternatives: extract of comfrey root, synthetics.

Alligator Skin.

(See Leather.)

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids.

Any one of several acids used as an exfoliant and in anti-wrinkle

products. Lactic acid may be animal-derived (see Lactic Acid).

Alternatives: glycolic acid, citric acid, and salicylic acid are plant-

or fruit-derived.

Ambergris.

From whale intestines. Used as a fixative in making perfumes and as a

flavoring in foods and beverages. Alternatives: synthetic or vegetable

fixatives.

Amino Acids.

The building blocks of protein in all animals and plants. In cosmetics,

vitamins, supplements, shampoos, etc. Alternatives: synthetics, plant

sources.

Aminosuccinate Acid.

(See Aspartic Acid.)

Angora.

Hair from the Angora rabbit or goat. Used in clothing. Alternatives:

synthetic fibers.

Animal Fats and Oils.

In foods, cosmetics, etc. Highly allergenic. Alternatives: olive oil,

wheat germ oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, almond oil, safflower oil,

etc.

Animal Hair.

In some blankets, mattresses, brushes, furniture, etc. Alternatives:

vegetable and synthetic fibers.

Arachidonic Acid.

A liquid unsaturated fatty acid that is found in liver, brain, glands,

and fat of animals and humans. Generally isolated from animal liver.

Used in companion animal food for nutrition and in skin creams and

lotions to soothe eczema and rashes. Alternatives: synthetics, aloe

vera, tea tree oil, calendula ointment.

Arachidyl Proprionate.

A wax that can be from animal fat. Alternatives: peanut or vegetable

oil.

Aspartic Acid. Aminosuccinate Acid.

Can be animal or plant source (e.g., molasses). Sometimes synthesized

for commercial purposes.

Bee Pollen.

Microsporic grains in seed plants gathered by bees then collected from

the legs of bees. Causes allergic reactions in some people. In

nutritional supplements, shampoos, toothpastes, deodorants.

Alternatives: synthetics, plant amino acids, pollen collected from

plants.

Bee Products.

Produced by bees for their own use. Bees are selectively bred. Culled

bees are killed. A cheap sugar is substituted for their stolen honey.

Millions die as a result. Their legs are often torn off by

pollen-collection trapdoors.

Beeswax. Honeycomb.

Wax obtained from melting honeycomb with boiling water, straining it,

and cooling it. From virgin bees. Very cheap and widely used but harmful

to the skin. In lipsticks and many other cosmetics (especially face

creams, lotions, mascara, eye creams and shadows, face makeups, nail

whiteners, lip balms, etc.). Derivatives: Cera Flava. Alternatives:

paraffin, vegetable oils and fats. Ceresin, aka ceresine, aka earth wax.

(Made from the mineral ozokerite. Replaces beeswax in cosmetics. Also

used to wax paper, to make polishing cloths, in dentistry for taking wax

impressions, and in candle-making.) Also, carnauba wax (from the

Brazilian palm tree; used in many cosmetics, including lipstick; rarely

causes allergic reactions). Candelilla wax (from candelilla plants; used

in many cosmetics, including lipstick; also in the manufacture of rubber

and phonograph records, in waterproofing and writing inks; no known

toxicity). Japan wax (Vegetable wax. Japan tallow. Fat from the fruit of

a tree grown in Japan and China.).

Benzoic Acid.

In almost all vertebrates and in berries. Used as a preservative in

mouthwashes, deodorants, creams, aftershave lotions, etc. Alternatives:

cranberries, gum benzoin (tincture) from the aromatic balsamic resin

from trees grown in China, Sumatra, Thailand, and Cambodia.

Beta Carotene.

(See Carotene.)

Biotin. Vitamin H. Vitamin B Factor.

In every living cell and in larger amounts in milk and yeast. Used as a

texturizer in cosmetics, shampoos, and creams. Alternatives: plant

sources.

Blood.

From any slaughtered animal. Used as adhesive in plywood, also found in

cheese-making, foam rubber, intravenous feedings, and medicines.

Possibly in foods such as lecithin. Alternatives: synthetics, plant

sources.

Boar Bristles.

Hair from wild or captive hogs. In " natural " toothbrushes and bath and

shaving brushes. Alternatives: vegetable fibers, nylon, the peelu branch

or peelu gum (Asian, available in the U.S.; its juice replaces

toothpaste).

Bone Char.

Animal bone ash. Used in bone china and often to make sugar white.

Serves as the charcoal used in aquarium filters. Alternatives: synthetic

tribasic calcium phosphate.

Bone Meal.

Crushed or ground animal bones. In some fertilizers. In some vitamins

and supplements as a source of calcium. In toothpastes. Alternatives:

plant mulch, vegetable compost, dolomite, clay, vegetarian vitamins.

Calciferol.

(See Vitamin D.)

Calfskin.

(See Leather.)

Caprylamine Oxide.

(See Caprylic Acid.)

Capryl Betaine.

(See Caprylic Acid.)

Caprylic Acid.

A liquid fatty acid from cow's or goat's milk. Also from palm and

coconut oil, other plant oils. In perfumes, soaps. Derivatives: Caprylic

Triglyceride, Caprylamine Oxide, Capryl Betaine. Alternatives: plant

sources.

Caprylic Triglyceride.

(See Caprylic Acid.)

Carbamide.

(See Urea.)

Carmine. Cochineal. Carminic Acid.

Red pigment from the crushed female cochineal insect. Reportedly, 70,000

beetles must be killed to produce one pound of this red dye. Used in

cosmetics, shampoos, red apple sauce, and other foods (including red

lollipops and food coloring). May cause allergic reaction. Alternatives:

beet juice (used in powders, rouges, shampoos; no known toxicity);

alkanet root (from the root of this herb-like tree; used as a red dye

for inks, wines, lip balms, etc.; no known toxicity. Can also be

combined to make a copper or blue coloring). (See Colors.)

Carminic Acid.

(See Carmine.)

Carotene. Provitamin A. Beta Carotene.

A pigment found in many animal tissues and in all plants. Used as a

coloring in cosmetics and in the manufacture of vitamin A.

Casein. Caseinate. Sodium Caseinate.

Milk protein. In " non-dairy " creamers, soy cheese, many cosmetics, hair

preparations, beauty masks. Alternatives: soy protein, soy milk, and

other vegetable milks.

Caseinate.

(See Casein.)

Cashmere.

Wool from the Kashmir goat. Used in clothing. Alternatives: synthetic

fibers.

Castor. Castoreum.

Creamy substance with strong odor from muskrat and beaver genitals. Used

as a fixative in perfume and incense. Alternatives: synthetics, plant

castor oil.

Castoreum.

(See Castor.)

Catgut.

Tough string from the intestines of sheep, horses, etc. Used for

surgical sutures. Also for stringing tennis rackets and musical

instruments, etc. Alternatives: nylon and other synthetic fibers.

Cera Flava.

(See Beeswax.)

Cerebrosides.

Fatty acids and sugars found in the covering of nerves. May include

tissue from brain.

Cetyl Alcohol.

Wax found in spermaceti from sperm whales or dolphins. Alternatives:

Vegetable cetyl alcohol (e.g., coconut), synthetic spermaceti.

Cetyl Palmitate.

(See Spermaceti.)

Chitosan.

A fiber derived from crustacean shells. Used as a lipid binder in diet

products, in hair, oral and skin care products, antiperspirants, and

deodorants. Alternatives: raspberries, yams, legumes, dried apricots,

and many other fruits and vegetables.

Cholesterin.

(See Lanolin.)

Cholesterol.

A steroid alcohol in all animal fats and oils, nervous tissue, egg yolk,

and blood. Can be derived from lanolin. In cosmetics, eye creams,

shampoos, etc. Alternatives: solid complex alcohols (sterols) from plant

sources.

Choline Bitartrate.

(See Lecithin.)

Civet.

Unctuous secretion painfully scraped from a gland very near the genital

organs of civet cats. Used as a fixative in perfumes. Alternatives: (See

alternatives to Musk.).

Cochineal.

(See Carmine.)

Cod Liver Oil.

(See Marine Oil.)

Collagen.

Fibrous protein in vertebrates. Usually derived from animal tissue.

Can't affect the skin's own collagen. An allergen. Alternatives: soy

protein, almond oil, amla oil (see alternative to Keratin), etc.

Colors. Dyes.

Pigments from animal, plant, and synthetic sources used to color foods,

cosmetics, and other products. Cochineal is from insects. Widely used

FD & C and D & C colors are coaltar (bituminous coal) derivatives that are

continously tested on animals due to their carcinogenic properties.

Alternatives: grapes, beets, turmeric, saffron, carrots, chlorophyll,

annatto, alkanet.

Corticosteroid.

(See Cortisone.)

Cortisone. Corticosteroid.

Hormone from adrenal glands. Widely used in medicine. Alternatives:

synthetics.

Cysteine, L-Form.

An amino acid from hair which can come from animals. Used in hair-care

products and creams, in some bakery products, and in wound-healing

formulations. Alternatives: plant sources.

Cystine.

An amino acid found in urine and horsehair. Used as a nutritional

supplement and in emollients. Alternatives: plant sources.

Dexpanthenol.

(See Panthenol.)

Diglycerides.

(See Monoglycerides and Glycerin.)

Dimethyl Stearamine.

(See Stearic Acid.)

Down.

Goose or duck insulating feathers. From slaughtered or cruelly exploited

geese. Used as an insulator in quilts, parkas, sleeping bags, pillows,

etc. Alternatives: polyester and synthetic substitutes, kapok (silky

fibers from the seeds of some tropical trees) and milkweed seed pod

fibers.

Duodenum Substances.

From the digestive tracts of cows and pigs. Added to some vitamin

tablets. In some medicines. Alternatives: vegetarian vitamins,

synthetics.

Dyes.

(See Colors.)

Egg Protein.

In shampoos, skin preparations, etc. Alternatives: plant proteins.

Elastin.

Protein found in the neck ligaments and aortas of cows. Similar to

collagen. Can't affect the skin's own elasticity. Alternatives:

synthetics, protein from plant tissues.

Emu Oil.

From flightless ratite birds native to Australia and now factory farmed.

Used in cosmetics and creams. Alternatives: vegetable and plant oils.

Ergocalciferol.

(See Vitamin D.)

Ergosterol.

(See Vitamin D.)

Estradiol.

(See Estrogen.)

Estrogen. Estradiol.

Female hormones from pregnant mares? urine. Considered a drug. Can have

harmful systemic effects if used by children. Used for reproductive

problems and in birth control pills and Premarin, a menopausal drug. In

creams, perfumes, and lotions. Has a negligible effect in the creams as

a skin restorative; simple vegetable-source emollients are considered

better. Alternatives: oral contraceptives and menopausal drugs based on

synthetic steroids or phytoestrogens (from plants, especially

palm-kernel oil). Menopausal symptoms can also be treated with diet and

herbs.

Fats.

(See Animal Fats.)

Fatty Acids.

Can be one or any mixture of liquid and solid acids such as caprylic,

lauric, myristic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic. Used in bubble baths,

lipsticks, soap, detergents, cosmetics, food. Alternatives:

vegetable-derived acids, soy lecithin, safflower oil, bitter almond oil,

sunflower oil, etc.

FD & C Colors.

(See Colors.)

Feathers.

From exploited and slaughtered birds. Used whole as ornaments or ground

up in shampoos. (See Down and Keratin.)

Fish Liver Oil.

Used in vitamins and supplements. In milk fortified with vitamin D.

Alternatives: yeast extract ergosterol and exposure of skin to sunshine.

Fish Oil.

(See Marine Oil.) Fish oil can also be from marine mammals. Used in

soap-making.

Fish Scales.

Used in shimmery makeups. Alternatives: mica, rayon, synthetic pearl.

Fur.

Obtained from animals (usually mink, foxes, or rabbits) cruelly trapped

in steel-jaw leghold traps or raised in intensive confinement on fur

" farms. " Alternatives: synthetics. (See Sable Brushes.)

Gel.

(See Gelatin.)

Gelatin. Gel.

Protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with

water. From cows and pigs. Used in shampoos, face masks, and other

cosmetics. Used as a thickener for fruit gelatins and puddings (e.g.,

" Jello " ). In candies, marshmallows, cakes, ice cream, yogurts. On

photographic film and in vitamins as a coating and as capsules.

Sometimes used to assist in " clearing " wines. Alternatives: carrageen

(carrageenan, Irish moss), seaweeds (algin, agar-agar, kelp-used in

jellies, plastics, medicine), pectin from fruits, dextrins, locust bean

gum, cotton gum, silica gel. Marshmallows were originally made from the

root of the marsh mallow plant. Vegetarian capsules are now available

from several companies. Digital cameras don't use film.

Glucose Tyrosinase.

(See Tyrosine.)

Glycerides.

(See Glycerin.)

Glycerin. Glycerol.

A byproduct of soap manufacture (normally uses animal fat). In

cosmetics, foods, mouthwashes, chewing gum, toothpastes, soaps,

ointments, medicines, lubricants, transmission and brake fluid, and

plastics. Derivatives: Glycerides, Glyceryls, Glycreth-26, Polyglycerol.

Alternatives: vegetable glycerin-a byproduct of vegetable oil soap.

Derivatives of seaweed, petroleum.

Glycerol.

(See Glycerin.)

Glyceryls.

(See Glycerin.)

Glycreth-26.

(See Glycerin.)

Guanine. Pearl Essence.

Obtained from scales of fish. Constituent of ribonucleic acid and

deoxyribonucleic acid and found in all animal and plant tissues. In

shampoo, nail polish, other cosmetics. Alternatives: leguminous plants,

synthetic pearl, or aluminum and bronze particles.

Hide Glue.

Same as gelatin but of a cruder impure form. Alternatives: dextrins and

synthetic petrochemical-based adhesives. (See Gelatin.)

Honey.

Food for bees, made by bees. Can cause allergic reactions. Used as a

coloring and an emollient in cosmetics and as a flavoring in foods.

Should never be fed to infants. Alternatives: in foods-maple syrup, date

sugar, syrups made from grains such as barley malt, turbinado sugar,

molasses; in cosmetics-vegetable colors and oils.

Honeycomb.

(See Beeswax.)

Horsehair.

(See Animal Hair.)

Hyaluronic Acid.

A protein found in umbilical cords and the fluids around the joints.

Used in cosmetics. Alternatives: plant oils.

Hydrocortisone.

(See Cortisone.)

Hydrolyzed Animal Protein.

In cosmetics, especially shampoo and hair treatments. Alternatives: soy

protein, other vegetable proteins, amla oil (see alternatives to

Keratin).

Imidazolidinyl Urea.

(See Urea.)

Insulin.

From hog pancreas. Used by millions of diabetics daily. Alternatives:

synthetics, vegetarian diet and nutritional supplements, human insulin

grown in a lab.

Isinglass.

A form of gelatin prepared from the internal membranes of fish bladders.

Sometimes used in " clearing " wines and in foods. Alternatives: bentonite

clay, " Japanese isinglass, " agar-agar (see alternatives to Gelatin),

mica, a mineral used in cosmetics.

Isopropyl Lanolate.

(See Lanolin.)

Isopropyl Myristate.

(See Myristic Acid.)

Isopropyl Palmitate.

Complex mixtures of isomers of stearic acid and palmitic acid. (See

Stearic Acid.)

Keratin.

Protein from the ground-up horns, hooves, feathers, quills, and hair of

various animals. In hair rinses, shampoos, permanent wave solutions.

Alternatives: almond oil, soy protein, amla oil (from the fruit of an

Indian tree), human hair from salons. Rosemary and nettle give body and

strand strength to hair.

Lactic Acid.

Found in blood and muscle tissue. Also in sour milk, beer, sauerkraut,

pickles, and other food products made by bacterial fermentation. Used in

skin fresheners, as a preservative, in the formation of plasticizers,

etc. Alternative: plant milk sugars, synthetics.

Lactose.

Milk sugar from milk of mammals. In eye lotions, foods, tablets,

cosmetics, baked goods, medicines. Alternatives: plant milk sugars.

Laneth.

(See Lanolin.)

Lanogene.

(See Lanolin.)

Lanolin. Lanolin Acids. Wool Fat. Wool Wax.

A product of the oil glands of sheep, extracted from their wool. Used as

an emollient in many skin care products and cosmetics and in medicines.

An allergen with no proven effectiveness. (See Wool for cruelty to

sheep.) Derivatives: Aliphatic Alcohols, Cholesterin, Isopropyl

Lanolate, Laneth, Lanogene, Lanolin Alcohols, Lanosterols, Sterols,

Triterpene Alcohols. Alternatives: plant and vegetable oils.

Lanolin Alcohol.

(See Lanolin.)

Lanosterols.

(See Lanolin.)

Lard.

Fat from hog abdomens. In shaving creams, soaps, cosmetics. In baked

goods, French fries, refried beans, and many other foods. Alternatives:

pure vegetable fats or oils.

Leather. Suede. Calfskin. Sheepskin. Alligator Skin. Other Types of

Skin.

Subsidizes the meat industry. Used to make wallets, handbags, furniture

and car upholstery, shoes, etc. Alternatives: cotton, canvas, nylon,

vinyl, ultrasuede, pleather, other synthetics.

Lecithin. Choline Bitartrate.

Waxy substance in nervous tissue of all living organisms. But frequently

obtained for commercial purposes from eggs and soybeans. Also from nerve

tissue, blood, milk, corn. Choline bitartrate, the basic constituent of

lecithin, is in many animal and plant tissues and prepared

synthetically. Lecithin can be in eye creams, lipsticks, liquid powders,

hand creams, lotions, soaps, shampoos, other cosmetics, and some

medicines. Alternatives: soybean lecithin, synthetics.

Linoleic Acid.

An essential fatty acid. Used in cosmetics, vitamins. Alternatives: (See

alternatives to Fatty Acids.)

Lipase.

Enzyme from the stomachs and tongue glands of calves, kids, and lambs.

Used in cheese-making and in digestive aids. Alternatives: vegetable

enzymes, castor beans.

Lipids.

(See Lipoids.)

Lipoids. Lipids.

Fat and fat-like substances that are found in animals and plants.

Alternatives: vegetable oils.

Marine Oil.

From fish or marine mammals (including porpoises). Used in soap-making.

Used as a shortening (especially in some margarines), as a lubricant,

and in paint. Alternatives: vegetable oils.

Methionine.

Essential amino acid found in various proteins (usually from egg albumen

and casein). Used as a texturizer and for freshness in potato chips.

Alternatives: synthetics.

Milk Protein.

Hydrolyzed milk protein. From the milk of cows. In cosmetics, shampoos,

moisturizers, conditioners, etc. Alternatives: soy protein, other plant

proteins.

Mink Oil.

From minks. In cosmetics, creams, etc. Alternatives: vegetable oils and

emollients such as avocado oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil.

Monoglycerides. Glycerides. (See Glycerin.)

From animal fat. In margarines, cake mixes, candies, foods, etc. In

cosmetics. Alternative: vegetable glycerides.

Musk (Oil).

Dried secretion painfully obtained from musk deer, beaver, muskrat,

civet cat, and otter genitals. Wild cats are kept captive in cages in

horrible conditions and are whipped around the genitals to produce the

scent; beavers are trapped; deer are shot. In perfumes and in food

flavorings. Alternatives: labdanum oil (which comes from various

rockrose shrubs) and other plants with a musky scent. Labdanum oil has

no known

Myristal Ether Sulfate.

(See Myristic Acid.)

Myristic Acid.

Organic acid in most animal and vegetable fats. In butter acids. Used in

shampoos, creams, cosmetics. In food flavorings. Derivatives: Isopropyl

Myristate, Myristal Ether Sulfate, Myristyls, Oleyl Myristate.

Alternatives: nut butters, oil of lovage, coconut oil, extract from seed

kernels of nutmeg, etc.

Myristyls.

(See Myristic Acid.)

" Natural Sources. "

Can mean animal or vegetable sources. Most often in the health food

industry, especially in the cosmetics area, it means animal sources,

such as animal elastin, glands, fat, protein, and oil. Alternatives:

plant sources.

Nucleic Acids.

In the nucleus of all living cells. Used in cosmetics, shampoos,

conditioners, etc. Also in vitamins, supplements. Alternatives: plant

sources.

Ocenol.

(See Oleyl Alcohol.)

Octyl Dodecanol.

Mixture of solid waxy alcohols. Primarily from stearyl alcohol. (See

Stearyl Alcohol.)

Oleic Acid.

Obtained from various animal and vegetable fats and oils. Usually

obtained commercially from inedible tallow. (See Tallow.) In foods, soft

soap, bar soap, permanent wave solutions, creams, nail polish,

lipsticks, many other skin preparations. Derivatives: Oleyl Oleate,

Oleyl Stearate. Alternatives: coconut oil. (See alternatives to Animal

Fats and Oils.)

Oils.

(See alternatives to Animal Fats and Oils.)

Oleths.

(See Oleyl Alcohol.)

Oleyl Alcohol. Ocenol.

Found in fish oils. Used in the manufacture of detergents, as a

plasticizer for softening fabrics, and as a carrier for medications.

Derivatives: Oleths, Oleyl Arachidate, Oleyl Imidazoline.

Oleyl Arachidate.

(See Oleyl Alcohol.)

Oleyl Imidazoline.

(See Oleyl Alcohol.)

Oleyl Myristate.

(See Myristic Acid.)

Oleyl Oleate.

(See Oleic Acid.)

Oleyl Stearate.

(See Oleic Acid.)

Palmitamide.

(See Palmitic Acid.)

Palmitamine.

(See Palmitic Acid.)

Palmitate.

(See Palmitic Acid.)

Palmitic Acid.

From fats, oils (see Fatty Acids). Mixed with stearic acid. Found in

many animal fats and plant oils. In shampoos, shaving soaps, creams.

Derivatives: Palmitate, Palmitamine, Palmitamide. Alternatives: palm

oil, vegetable sources.

Panthenol. Dexpanthenol. Vitamin B-Complex Factor. Provitamin B-5.

Can come from animal or plant sources or synthetics. In shampoos,

supplements, emollients, etc. In foods. Derivative: Panthenyl.

Alternatives: synthetics, plants.

Panthenyl.

(See Panthenol.)

Pepsin.

In hogs' stomachs. A clotting agent. In some cheeses and vitamins. Same

uses and alternatives as Rennet.

Placenta. Placenta Polypeptides Protein. Afterbirth.

Contains waste matter eliminated by the fetus. Derived from the uterus

of slaughtered animals. Animal placenta is widely used in skin creams,

shampoos, masks, etc.Alternatives: kelp. (See alternatives to Animal

Fats and Oils.)

Polyglycerol.

(See Glycerin.)

Polypeptides.

From animal protein. Used in cosmetics. Alternatives: plant proteins and

enzymes.

Polysorbates.

Derivatives of fatty acids. In cosmetics, foods.

Pristane.

Obtained from the liver oil of sharks and from whale ambergris. (See

Squalene, Ambergris.) Used as a lubricant and anti-corrosive agent. In

cosmetics. Alternatives: plant oils, synthetics.

Progesterone.

A steroid hormone used in anti-wrinkle face creams. Can have adverse

systemic effects. Alternatives: synthetics.

Propolis.

Tree sap gathered by bees and used as a sealant in beehives. In

toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, supplements, etc. Alternatives: tree

sap, synthetics.

Provitamin A.

(See Carotene.)

Provitamin B-5.

(See Panthenol.)

Provitamin D-2.

(See Vitamin D.)

Rennet. Rennin.

Enzyme from calves' stomachs. Used in cheese-making, rennet custard

(junket), and in many coagulated dairy products. Alternatives: microbial

coagulating agents, bacteria culture, lemon juice, or vegetable rennet.

Rennin.

(See Rennet.)

Resinous Glaze.

(See Shellac.)

Ribonucleic Acid.

(See RNA.)

RNA. Ribonucleic Acid.

RNA is in all living cells. Used in many protein shampoos and cosmetics.

Alternatives: plant cells.

Royal Jelly.

Secretion from the throat glands of the honeybee workers that is fed to

the larvae in a colony and to all queen larvae. No proven value in

cosmetics preparations. Alternatives: aloe vera, comfrey, other plant

derivatives.

Sable Brushes.

From the fur of sables (weasel-like mammals). Used to make eye makeup,

lipstick, and artists' brushes. Alternatives: synthetic fibers.

Sea Turtle Oil.

(See Turtle Oil.)

Shark Liver Oil.

Used in lubricating creams and lotions. Derivatives: Squalane, Squalene.

Alternatives: vegetable oils.

Sheepskin.

(See Leather.)

Shellac. Resinous Glaze.

Resinous excretion of certain insects. Used as a candy glaze, in hair

lacquer, and on jewelry. Alternatives: plant waxes.

Silk. Silk Powder.

Silk is the shiny fiber made by silkworms to form their cocoons. Worms

are boiled in their cocoons to get the silk. Used in cloth. In

silk-screening (other fine cloth can be and is used instead). Taffeta

can be made from silk or nylon. Silk powder is obtained from the

secretion of the silkworm. It is used as a coloring agent in face

powders, soaps, etc. Can cause severe allergic skin reactions and

systemic reactions (if inhaled or ingested). Alternatives: milkweed

seed-pod fibers, nylon, silk-cotton tree and ceiba tree filaments

(kapok), rayon, and synthetic silks.

Snails.

In some cosmetics (crushed).

Sodium Caseinate.

(See Casein.)

Sodium Steroyl Lactylate.

(See Lactic Acid.)

Sodium Tallowate.

(See Tallow.)

Spermaceti. Cetyl Palmitate. Sperm Oil.

Waxy oil derived from the sperm whale's head or from dolphins. In many

margarines. In skin creams, ointments, shampoos, candles, etc. Used in

the leather industry. May become rancid and cause irritations.

Alternatives: synthetic spermaceti, jojoba oil, and other vegetable

emollients.

Sponge (Luna and Sea).

A plant-like animal. Lives in the sea. Becoming scarce. Alternatives:

synthetic sponges, loofahs (plants used as sponges).

Squalane.

(See Shark Liver Oil.)

Squalene.

Oil from shark livers, etc. In cosmetics, moisturizers, hair dyes,

surface-active agents. Alternatives: vegetable emollients such as olive

oil, wheat germ oil, rice bran oil, etc.

Stearamide.

(See Stearic Acid.)

Stearamine.

(See Stearic Acid.)

Stearamine Oxide.

(See Stearyl Alcohol.)

Stearates.

(See Stearic Acid.)

Stearic Acid.

Fat from cows and sheep and from dogs and cats euthanized in animal

shelters, etc. Most often refers to a fatty substance taken from the

stomachs of pigs. Can be harsh, irritating. Used in cosmetics, soaps,

lubricants, candles, hairspray, conditioners, deodorants, creams,

chewing gum, food flavoring. Derivatives: Stearamide, Stearamine,

Stearates, Stearic Hydrazide, Stearone, Stearoxytrimethylsilane,

Stearoyl Lactylic Acid, Stearyl Betaine, Stearyl Imidazoline.

Alternatives: Stearic acid can be found in many vegetable fats, coconut.

Stearic Hydrazide.

(See Stearic Acid.)

Stearone.

(See Stearic Acid.)

Stearoxytrimethylsilane.

(See Stearic Acid.)

Stearoyl Lactylic Acid.

(See Stearic Acid.)

Stearyl Acetate.

(See Stearyl Alcohol.)

Stearyl Alcohol. Sterols.

A mixture of solid alcohols. Can be prepared from sperm whale oil. In

medicines, creams, rinses, shampoos, etc. Derivatives: Stearamine Oxide,

Stearyl Acetate, Stearyl Caprylate, Stearyl Citrate, Stearyldimethyl

Amine, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Stearyl Heptanoate, Stearyl Octanoate,

Stearyl Stearate. Alternatives: plant sources, vegetable stearic acid.

Stearyl Betaine.

(See Stearic Acid.)

Stearyl Caprylate.

(See Stearyl Alcohol.)

Stearyl Citrate.

(See Stearyl Alcohol.)

Stearyldimethyl Amine.

(See Stearyl Alcohol.)

Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate.

(See Stearyl Alcohol.)

Stearyl Heptanoate.

(See Stearyl Alcohol.)

Stearyl Imidazoline.

(See Stearic Acid.)

Stearyl Octanoate.

(See Stearyl Alcohol.)

Stearyl Stearate.

(See Stearyl Alcohol.)

Steroids. Sterols.

From various animal glands or from plant tissues. Steroids include

sterols. Sterols are alcohol from animals or plants (e.g., cholesterol).

Used in hormone preparation. In creams, lotions, hair conditioners,

fragrances, etc. Alternatives: plant tissues, synthetics.

Sterols.

(See Stearyl Alcohol and Steroids.)

Suede.

(See Leather.)

Tallow. Tallow Fatty Alcohol. Stearic Acid.

Rendered beef fat. May cause eczema and blackheads. In wax paper,

crayons, margarines, paints, rubber, lubricants, etc. In candles, soaps,

lipsticks, shaving creams, other cosmetics. Chemicals (e.g., PCB) can be

in animal tallow. Derivatives: Sodium Tallowate, Tallow Acid, Tallow

Amide, Tallow Amine, Talloweth-6, Tallow Glycerides, Tallow Imidazoline.

Alternatives: vegetable tallow, Japan tallow, paraffin and/or ceresin

(see alternatives to Beeswax for all three). Paraffin is usually from

petroleum, wood, coal, or shale oil.

Tallow Acid.

(See Tallow.)

Tallow Amide.

(See Tallow.)

Tallow Amine.

(See Tallow.)

Talloweth-6.

(See Tallow.)

Tallow Glycerides.

(See Tallow.)

Tallow Imidazoline.

(See Tallow.)

Triterpene Alcohols.

(See Lanolin.)

Turtle Oil. Sea Turtle Oil.

From the muscles and genitals of giant sea turtles. In soap, skin

creams, nail creams, other cosmetics. Alternatives: vegetable emollients

(see alternatives to Animal Fats and Oils).

Tyrosine.

Amino acid hydrolyzed from casein. Used in cosmetics and creams.

Derivative: Glucose Tyrosinase.

Urea. Carbamide.

Excreted from urine and other bodily fluids. In deodorants, ammoniated

dentifrices, mouthwashes, hair colorings, hand creams, lotions,

shampoos, etc. Used to " brown " baked goods, such as pretzels.

Derivatives: Imidazolidinyl Urea, Uric Acid. Alternatives: synthetics.

Uric Acid.

(See Urea.)

Vitamin A.

Can come from fish liver oil (e.g., shark liver oil), egg yolk, butter,

lemongrass, wheat germ oil, carotene in carrots, and synthetics. It is

an aliphatic alcohol. In cosmetics, creams, perfumes, hair dyes, etc. In

vitamins, supplements. Alternatives: carrots, other vegetables,

synthetics.

Vitamin B-Complex Factor.

(See Panthenol.)

Vitamin B Factor.

(See Biotin.)

Vitamin B-12.

Usually animal source. Some vegetarian B-12 vitamins are in a stomach

base. Alternatives: some vegetarian B-12-fortified yeasts and analogs

available. Plant algae discovered containing B-12, now in supplement

form (spirulina).Some nutritionist caution that fortified foods or

supplements are essential.

Vitamin D. Ergocalciferol. Vitamin D-2. Ergosterol. Provitamin D-2.

Calciferol. Vitamin D-3.

Vitamin D can come from fish liver oil, milk, egg yolk, etc. Vitamin D-2

can come from animal fats or plant sterols. Vitamin D-3 is always from

an animal source. All the D vitamins can be in creams, lotions, other

cosmetics, vitamin tablets, etc. Alternatives: plant and mineral

sources, synthetics, completely vegetarian vitamins, exposure of skin to

sunshine. Many other vitamins can come from animal sources. Examples:

choline, biotin, inositol, riboflavin, etc.

Vitamin H.

(See Biotin.)

Wax.

Glossy, hard substance that is soft when hot. From animals and plants.

In lipsticks, depilatories, hair straighteners. Alternatives: vegetable

waxes.

Whey.

A serum from milk. Usually in cakes, cookies, candies, and breads. In

cheese-making. Alternatives: soybean whey.

Wool.

From sheep. Used in clothing. Ram lambs and old " wool " sheep are

slaughtered for their meat. Sheep are transported without food or water,

in extreme heat and cold. Legs are broken, eyes injured, etc. Sheep are

bred to be unnaturally woolly, also unnaturally wrinkly, which causes

them to get insect infestations around the tail areas. The farmer's

solution to this is the painful cutting away of the flesh around the

tail (called ?mulesing?). " Inferior " sheep are killed. When shearing the

sheep, they are pinned down violently and sheared roughly. Their skin is

cut up. Every year, hundreds of thousands of shorn sheep die from

exposure to cold. Natural predators of sheep (wolves, coyotes, eagles,

etc.) are poisoned, trapped, and shot. In the U.S., overgrazing of

cattle and sheep is turning more than 150 million acres of land to

desert. " Natural " wool production uses enormous amounts of resources and

energy (to breed, raise, feed, shear, transport, slaughter, etc., the

sheep). Derivatives: Lanolin, Wool Wax, Wool Fat. Alternatives: cotton,

cotton flannel, synthetic fibers, ramie, etc.

Wool Fat.

(See Lanolin.)

Wool Wax.

(See Lanolin.)

REFERENCES

Buyukmihci, Nermin. " Cardillo's List of Animal Products and Their

Alternatives. "

Cosmetic Ingredients Glossary: A Basic Guide to Natural Body Care

Products. Petaluma,

Clif.: Feather River Co., 1988.

Mason, Jim, and Singer. Animal Factories. New York: Crown

Publishers, Inc., 1980.

Ruesch, Hans. Slaughter of the Innocent. New York: Civitas, 1983.

Singer, . Animal Liberation. New York: Random House, 1990.

Sweethardt Herb Catalogue.

Webster's Third New International Dictionary. Springfield, Mass.:

Merriam-Webster Inc.,

1981.

Winter, Ruth. A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients. New York:

Crown

Publishing Group, 1994.

Winter, Ruth. A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives. New York: Crown

Publishing

Group, 1994.

Goddess Garden~ Where Herbs are our Heartsong~

http://www.demetria.com <http://www.demetria.com/>

Heart of Herbs

http://www.heartofherbs.com <http://www.heartofherbs.com/>

Herbal Correspondence, Apprenticeships and Workshops

Re: Honey & Beeswax

> From: " Demetria " <demetria@...>

> In the Vegan community, honey and beeswax are animal products.

> These must be ommitted to recieve any kind of Vegan/Animal Free

> recognition.

Can you explain the reasoning for this? I can understand why a vegan may

not

want to use milk, because it comes from within an animal and has animal

fat

in it, but wax and honey are manufactured by the bee.

> I personally feel that is you can make a stellar product without the

> animal ingredients then do so.

For some products, I agree, beeswax is not always the best choice, the

alternative is plant wax, but then there are people that think we

shouldn't

exploit plants either, so where do you draw the line?

One it saves our natural resources and it

> prevents animals being exploited for fat pockets in their backs and

bees

> for their honey by products.

> Honey, royal jelly, pollen and our bees are resources that are being

> abused.

I believe the opposite is true. Most people that have invested their

time

and money are not going to risk losing it by exploiting the bees. This

does

not even take in to consideration that many people that raise bees have

a

love for it.

I choose to conserve rather than use, although I am an

> herbalist first and a toiletries manufacturer second.

Cows and goats need to be milked, and we have the choice of using the

milk

or throwing it down the drain. I believe it would be a much greater sin

to

throw it down the drain.

Many say not

> tested on animals but they contain animal products this is not stating

> animal free.

This is usually bs because if your product contains any chemicals, they

have

probably been tested on animals somewhere along the line.

Personally I believe these claims are made to drum up sales

> and to prey on an uneducated market. I am not saying any of you do

this,

> I am speaking generally of larger companies.

If you are in business, you are going to make claims. Otherwise you

won't be

in business very long. All claims are designed to drum up business;

there is

nothing wrong with this. If you are going to play in the business world

then

you must promote your business. Don't you make claims for your business?

> We are all different and the animal product stuff causes so many to

get

> upset. I don't know why.

This is a large group and there are many that raise animals and bees.

There

are many more that come from a farm background. I don't belong to any of

those groups, although my Grandparents farmed and I was brought up in a

small town where the farmland started at the end of our street. I think

your

beliefs threaten the people that raise animals, whether you come right

out

and say it or not, your lifestyle implies it. When people see your

beliefs

as a threat, they are naturally going to defend themselves.

Pat.

Peace, Joy, Serenity.

www.houseofscents.com

Cosmeticinfo