Brutus the Brown Bear weighs more than 360 kilograms but that doesn’t stop him being best friends with an animal curator.

We definitely agree, don’t try this at home!

To view this video in high definition and other animal videos from across the globe, visit our Adore Animals Foundation You Tube channel

Shark researchers often use this technique to gather information about sharks.

It also provides for some pretty awesome animal interaction, although we do not suggest you try this!

Thanks to one of our friends on our You Tube channel for showing us this video!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=slsIfINSKNU

To view this video in high definition and other animal videos from across the globe, visit our Adore Animals Foundation You Tube channel

For a limited time, Starvin Marvins will give away one free 450g pack of treats to every online purchase of our book. Yep, just purchase our book online and your dog will be munching happily in no time at all.

A link to the offer and a promotional code will be included in your purchase receipt, which is emailed to your nominated address after you order the book.

Simply click on the link, fill in the form and presto – happy dog! Hurry, this offer is only for a limited time. To purchase, click here

Please note: You must have an Australian address to receive this promotion.

The Newspoll on Pets and Single People, conduted in July 2010, also found that despite this, pets are helping single men and women to make friends, with 36 per cent confirming that they’ve met someone who became a friend as a result of owning their pet.

Pets are not just important in creating friendships; the research clearly shows single Australians consider their pets to be their friends. Of course. For 67 per cent of single women and 51 per cent of single men, the most important characteristic in a pet is a friend who’s always there for them. In fact, the majority of single pet owners (73 per cent of woman and 70 per cent of men) think their pets understand them as well as, or better than, their friends do. Familiar feeling?

If it is a familiar feeling, you know those conversations you regularly have with your pet? Normal – officially! Sixty-one per cent of single women say that they talk things over with their pet. (No research though on the quality of the answers.)

This Newspoll, conducted for the Petcare Information and Advisory Service (an organisation doing great work promoting socially responsible pet ownership) also showed where pets of single men and single women sleep. Thirty-seven per cent of single women and 22 per cent of single men let their pet sleep on their bed. From the bed to the backyard, 28 per cent of single men put their pets out at night, while just 14 per cent of single women do the same.

In a final word to anyone who wants to know more about the single pet owner … it’s all in their pet’s personality! Sixty-three per cent of single men and 54 per cent of single women think that people pick pets with similar personalities to themselves. The pet’s looks were not a high priority in selecting a pet for either single men or women, with just 3 per cent saying it was important.

The mulch, sold at home and garden centres is made from cocoa bean shell, which contains theobromine, most commonly found in chocolate. Dogs, in particular, are likely to ingest it as it smells like chocolate and many find it palatable. Because dogs metabolise theobromine much more slowly than humans, poisoning can occur, hence, why you should never feed your dog or cat chocolate.

Theobromine is also toxic to cats (particularly kittens), horses and parrots. The first signs of theobromine poisoning are vomiting and diarrhoea. In severe cases, muscle seizures and tremors occur and eventually death.

If your pet has ingested this mulch, we recommend you seek immediate veterinary care for your pet.

Apparently, this was also a problem in America several years ago. For more information on the email campaign and the facts surrounding it click here.

One – Have a very cooperative elephant to raise her leg

Two – Place your right hand over her ear

Three – Hoist yourself up and pretend you’re getting on a very massive horse!

Elephants are simply amazing creatures, gentle giants who are also intelligent and as individual as any human – although on the whole much more patient and kind. Asian elephants are smaller than their African cousins and many rely on the partnership they have with their mahout (elephant carers) for survival, as has been the case for generations of Asian elephants. Unfortunately, changing habitats and changing work means that the Asian elephant is highly endangered. In 2007, it was estimated (and it’s only an estimate) only 60,000 Asian Elephants were left; about 45,000 in the wild and around 15,000 domesticated elephants. In a continent where hundreds of thousands of elephants used to roam, habitat loss is the single most influencing factor in the decline of Asian Elephants.

We visited two places in Asia to see elephants – Laos and Thailand. In Laos, the elephant population is thought to be between only 500 to 1,000. At the Elephant Village we attended in Laos, all their elephants are ex-logging. Two are blind in one eye, in their 60s and are best friends. I fell in love with both of them, they were the grand dames of the village – Mae Cot and Mae Boun Nam.    

We’ll have a series of elephant articles coming up in the next few weeks.

Photo: Christina Wolfe – Adore Animals Foundation’s Lisa Louden with elephant Mae Nam at Elephant Village near Luang Prabang, Laos.

The global trend for sustainable cosmetics has been largely driven by changing consumer purchasing habits. Consumers not only want to feel good while using products, but feel good about them too. Cosmetics are a luxury item and consumers can invest substanial money in them. The challenge for cosmetics producers is that the industry has a long-held marketing mantra ‘to stand out from the crowd’, so many products come in expressive, elaborate and often unnecessary packaging.   

So, how can the industry make profits and respond to consumer demand for sustainable and ethically produced cosmetics?

Sustainable products have in the past been price prohibitive, but with the acknowledgment of global warming and international agreements to reduce environmental impacts, new business opportunities have grown. The growth in infrastructure businesses such as chemical-free printers, commercial recyclers and green products on the whole are driving competitive alignment, so the cost barrier to engage in sustainable business practices is fast losing steam. In fact, a study conducted by leading US Consulting firm AT Kearney found that post-GFC, companies that were meaningfully committed to sustainability out-performed their competitors by 15 per cent. It is up to cosmetic producers to actively source new and more sustainable ways of producing its products.

In order to work, however, there must be an end-to-end commitment. No longer is it okay to have a product with all-natural ingredients then claim that it is sustainable. This is misleading to the consumer and damaging to the industry as a whole. Cosmetic production, distribution and waste should be transparent for the eco-friendly tag to be permissible.

Government initiatives, school curriculums, benefits of CSR programs and social media are all pushing organisations to build sustainability into their product development so over time the personal care industry will have to shift. However, those companies that are quickest to market with well communicated, detailed programs who are able to deliver quality and value for money, that are most likely to benefit from brand awareness and longer term consumer loyalty in an otherwise saturated and often confusing market.

Founder and Director of Adorn Mineral Cosmetics, Briony Kennedy, is a ten year veteran of the cosmetics industry and former salon owner. She’s committed to animal welfare and the environment, and to  finding better ways to produce, distribute and dispose of personal care products. She regularly writes for the beauty media and supports a variety of social groups and organisations. www.adornmineralcosmetics.com.au

The cosmetics industry until recently has had very little reason to achieve third-hand accreditations, mostly due to its inability to meet standards and criteria. However, the shift in public demand for natural and organic personal care products along with the establishment of product and lifestyle organisations have meant that products are more likely to be held up to closer scrutiny and lynched if manufacturer claims are not backed by certification.

This sentiment was echoed by Jeff Binder from the North American organic make-up retailer Saffron Rouge. A survey of 1,252 of its customers revealed that 77 per cent have trust and confidence in third party certification, whereas 72 per cent did not trust natural and organic claims made by brand owners.

So who are the main players in cosmetic endorsement and what does is mean if a product has been either registered or certified with them?

 Choose Cruelty Free:  CCF is an Australian independent, non-profit organisation which actively promotes a cruelty-free lifestyle. They encourage producers and service providers to adopt a cruelty-free ethic and their criteria for accreditation is one of the most rigid of all accreditations.

CCF will not accredit a manufacturer if any of its products contain any ingredients that are:

• Derived from an animal killed specifically for the extraction of that ingredient
• Forcibly extracted from a live animal in a manner that occasioned pain or discomfort
• Derived from any wildlife
• That are by-products of the fur industry
• That are slaughterhouse by-products of a commercially significant value

CCF also will not accredit companies unless all parent and subsidiaries are also accredited. This is one of the reasons that lists produced by other organisations may include companies that CCF would not accredit. Companies applying for accreditation by CCF must sign a legally-binding contract to the effect that what they have said in their application is the truth about their practices.

CCF regularly updates its list of accredited companies. This can be found on the CCF website

Founder and Director of Adorn Mineral Cosmetics, Briony Kennedy, is a ten year veteran of the cosmetics industry and former salon owner. She’s committed to animal welfare and the environment, and to  finding better ways to produce, distribute and dispose of personal care products. She regularly writes for the beauty media and supports a variety of social groups and organisations.

Sometimes ‘100 per cent natural’ is not ‘100 per cent’ natural at all, so we’ve invited Briony Kennedy, Founder and Director of Adorn Mineral Cosmetics – who create and sell only cruelty-free, vegan and environmentally sustainable products – to share a few of her home truths …

Moisturisers: We have been conditioned to believe that moisturisers are essential. Dry skin is a sign of photo-ageing and thus moisturisers become a useful camouflage as the years pass. Moisturisers plump up the epidermis temporarily by increasing its water content. They have no long term benefit but there is no harm in using one if it is understood that the effect is temporary. Oily, acne or eczema prone skin has special moisturising needs. For sensitive skin or skin with dermatitis, a moisturiser is necessary. Usually, a thicker moisturiser is recommended as more moisture retention is required. If your skin is oily or acne prone, use a moisturiser low or free of oils.

Cleansers: Cleansers should be simple and not overly drying. A cleanser removes the oily top layer of the skin in which daily grime largely inhabits. A separate eye make-up remover is recommended as the eye area is traditionally dry. Lines around the eye is one of the first signs of ageing. An oil-based eye make-up remover with camomile is particularly effective for the removal of makeup, but also for its naturally relaxing qualities. A handy tip: if you use an oil-based make-up you must use an oil-based make-up cleanser to remove it. Similarly, if using water-based make-up, then use a water-based cleanser. It’s simple – water and oil do not mix, and one will not clean the other.

Exfoliating: As we age, the ability to turn over and create new skin cells becomes sluggish, leaving the skin looking dull.  If you use loose, mineral foundation then you have the added benefit of a light exfoliation each day from the mechanical process by which you apply your foundation (best with a Kabuki brush).  I recommend one to two times per week exfoliating your entire face (avoiding your eyes), neck and chest area with Bicarb of Soda or rice powder mixed with your cleanser until you get a gritty consistency.  Apply as you would normally when using an exfoliant.  Avoid exfoliating if you are sunburnt, have recently had a chemical peel, are using any acne medications or are having regular dermabrasions.

Toners: Toners dry the skin unnecessarily and should not be used.

Make-up: Your make-up should be hypoallergenic because allergies may develop over time. For acne prone skin, products should be non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging).  Mineral make-up is best and generally suits all skin types.  Be sure to check if your brand is pure and does not contain talc or any synthetic chemicals and fillers.  Since its popularity has increased, some brands have come on board offering products that appear or suggest that they are pure minerals when in fact they are not and are simply no better for your skin than traditional forms of make-up. 

Sunscreen: Use at least a SPF 20+ sunscreen daily, but avoid sunscreen abuse. Sunscreen is important but no substitute for sun avoidance.

In some cases, 100 per cent natural ingredients aren’t necessarily best for humans, the earth or animals, so steer clear of products containing:

• Carmine: crushed then boiled, dried insects, usually the female insect-cochineal. Used as a dye for its red colour.
• Palm oil, palm oil derivatives: Palm oil plantations are endangering the orangutan and it is said these beautiful creatures will be extinct in the next ten years if their habitats are not saved from further palm oil plantations.
• Talc: is derived from the mineral magnesium silicate. Its ability to absorb oil and moisture strips the skin and leaves it looking and feeling dry.  It can be hazardous to one’s health, and is toxic with prolonged inhalation. Some talc is found to contain amphibole particle, which is typically found in asbestos, which is cancer causing and a known lung irritant. Scientific studies have shown that women who use talc in the genital area are 3.28 times more likely to contract ovarian cancer (Journal Cancer 1982).
• Bismuth Oxychloride: This is considered a heavy mineral and requires ongoing buffing. Mineral make-up companies advise this in order to force it into the skin and pores to keep it from sliding off of your face. Over-buffing of minerals can cause irritation and ongoing inflammation of sensitive skin types. It can also make acne cystic by congesting pores and cause rosacea to flare.  Put simply, a real no no if you have sensitive skin, just had laser treatment or a chemical peel. If you use a mineral foundation, make sure to double check the ingredients list.
• Kaolin (clay) in foundations: This ingredient also ‘bulks’ up a product and is used for its silky feel on the skin.  While I feel it is an ingredient that can be used in other cosmetics without irritation – using clay in foundations is not something I endorse.  Just like talc, it dries the skin out due to its oil absorbing qualities.  This is why when using face masks you rarely leave them on for more than 10 minutes –they dry out your skin! 
• Mineral Oil: A liquid mixture of hydrocarbons gathered from petroleum. It coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores. It interferes with skin’s ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders. It slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging. Used in many products (baby oil is 100 per cent mineral oil!) any mineral oil derivative can be contaminated with cancer causing PAH’s (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is cheap.

I will be touching on synthetic chemicals, fragrance and parabens in an upcoming article and their impact on our health and our environment, if you have any comments or would like to share or your experiences please contact me at info@adornmineralcosmetics.com.au .

Briony Kennedy is a ten year veteran of the cosmetics industry and former salon owner. She’s commited to finding better ways to produce, distribute and dispose of personal care products, and to the environment. She regularly writes for the beauty media and supports a variety of social groups and organisations. www.adornmineralcosmetics.com.au

My first elephant experience will be a mahout’s course in Luang Prabang, Laos. Experiencing life as a mahout is about the needs of the elephant and offers the chance to follow this natural rhythm, including bathing and feeding them. This program is part of a conservation project, rescuing elephants from logging. Click on this link for more information

The next animal experience involves another conservation project, and for this one you stay in tree houses! It’s a little wild and we’ve heard many different stories about this one. ‘The Gibbon Experience’ is in the Bokeo Nature Reserve in north-west Laos and is a unique project designed to help conserve the forest by utilising tourism in a very different way. Using ’flying foxes’ to get around, this is a hands-on, bird’s eye view of the forest and its occupants. I’ll be sure to tell you all about this one. For more information, check it out here.

Lastly, is Elephant Stay, which we have done quite a number of articles on in the past. I’ve heard so many positive stories about this non-profit, who are one of the most successful breeders of elephants in the world (if not the best), I just know it’s going to be amazing! Their relationships are simply incredible and show just how important the family bond is to elephants. For more information on Elephant Stay click here.    

For all of you, while I’m away, we’ll be running a series on articles on the beauty industry from Briony Kennedy, Founder and Director of Adorn Mineral Cosmetics. An Australian company, Adorn’s products are cruelty-free, environmentally sustainable and vegan, so stay tuned for those articles.  

See you in a month!

Lisa Louden, MD Adore Animals Foundation