Become an organ donor or participate in medical research

In Australia one must explicitly request to become an organ donor. Previously it was an option when applying for or renewing a driver’s licence, however this is no longer the case. You can join or check your status on the Australian Organ Donor Register to taking a step towards providing a life for someone, and towards reducing or eliminating the need for unnecessary xenotransplantation experiments on animals.

You can also directly participate in research which helps diversify the population who is available to take place in medical research by joining databases, such as Join Us.

If you are really dedicated to helping others and progressing human-relevant research, you might consider donating your body to medical research.

Improve your nutrition

Better health approaches are a cost-effective way to ensure animals aren’t used in medicines you take. By reducing your chance of illness, or the impact of your existing illness, you reduce your reliance on medical intervention.

Plant-based dieticians are specially educated and carry qualifications, and can discuss an adequate diet for the approach you decide is best for you and your family.

Doctors for Nutrition in Australia promote whole-food plant-based approaches to health and illness prevention and recovery, and host significant resources and links for further nutritional education.

• Talk to your doctor or alternative-care provider about which medicines are, or contain, animal ingredients as they may be able to offer appropriate alternatives.

• When purchasing products which are labelled ‘vegan’ or ‘free-from’, ask the manufacturer directly if their product contains traces of dairy, eggs, or any other animal products.

• Find a dairy alternative which suits you and your taste. It may take a few tries, but it is definitely worth the effort. Be careful to avoid environmentally damaging alternatives such as those made with almond.

• Evaluate your own existing skills or interests to see if they might be able to contribute towards removing animals from research. You may be able to speak directly to research facilities to learn of any gaps in their operations.

• If you grow your own food in a vegetable garden, encourage insects into your garden and keep them there by building sanctuaries.