 | MSA's Kind Model Series is baaaack! When we first found this enchanting animal lover, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to interview her. Her words of wisdom, passion of all things sustainable, and desire to one day open a farm animal sanctuary were not only impressive, but also inspiring. Check out what this down to earth beauty has to say about diet, animal cruelty, the fashion industry, and more! |
Alice Cimino
Georgia (originally UK)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/botanicalalice/
Website: https://botanicalalice.wordpress.com/
Georgia (originally UK)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/botanicalalice/
Website: https://botanicalalice.wordpress.com/
| Alice Cimino is a passionate Animal Rights Activist, Actor & Artist, originally from the U.K she grew up in rural Herefordshire. When she wasn’t exploring the surrounding woodland or in school, she could be found rehabilitating injured wildlife & rescuing dogs from unwanted homes. The former model lives with her husband and three pets. In her spare time, she spends time reading & hanging out with her and her husband's rescue dog Moose, writes on her blog BotanicalAlice, sharing herbal recipes, topics on animal rights & tips for green, compassionate living. And when the weather is nice, you can often find her pottering around in the garden growing flowers & medicinal herbs. One day she hopes to open a sanctuary for abused farm animals. |  |
MSA: Why did you become vegetarian/vegan?
Alice: Simply because of my great love for animals & our natural world. I realized that my love was far greater than any want for a burger or a slice of cheese. I keep myself very aware of what goes on across the world with factory farming & the dairy industry. Once you have seen what goes on, you can't un see it, you can't hide from it. Being vegetarian also makes me feel far more peaceful as a person.
Alice: Simply because of my great love for animals & our natural world. I realized that my love was far greater than any want for a burger or a slice of cheese. I keep myself very aware of what goes on across the world with factory farming & the dairy industry. Once you have seen what goes on, you can't un see it, you can't hide from it. Being vegetarian also makes me feel far more peaceful as a person.
MSA: What animal cruelty issues are you most passionate about and why?
Alice: So many. The dolphin hunt that takes place in Taiji each year, killing thousands of dolphins for meat & selling the rest for a life in captivity. These creatures are intelligent, sentient beings, they have families, they love, they feel pain, and what we as humans do to them is unforgivable. Cetacean captivity is a very real problem, keeping Orca and dolphins in small tanks to perform tricks, surrounded by loud music, screaming people and fed dead fish. These are animals that travel hundreds of miles daily to hunt, they stay within their pods throughout their lives & have individual names for one another. Places like SeaWorld, traveling circuses etc., they should be closed down. They
aren't educational in the slightest, the tricks they are made to perform are so far from natural behavior patterns it unbelievable.
The dairy industry, meat industry, fur industry. Hundreds of thousands of animals are abused simply for our want, because of consumerism. Of course, so many companies have such great marketing skills. For example, they lead you to believe dairy cows are frolicking about in the field, happy & healthy. This isn't the case, to keep a milk supply they are unnaturally forced to calf, year after year. Then their calves are taken and used for veal & we take their milk. Once they are too old to calf anymore (normally around 5 years of age) they are sent to slaughter. Nothing about any of these industries is "humane" and I really believe the only way we can change the lives of these animals is through education. We have to educate people, not hate. That never gets anyone anywhere. The sad truth is, so many people are walking around completely unaware of what goes on and the cruel practices within these industries, but I do feel the animal rights movement is beginning to make an impact and that people are starting to become aware, especially due to so many great documentaries exposing so many practices.
Alice: So many. The dolphin hunt that takes place in Taiji each year, killing thousands of dolphins for meat & selling the rest for a life in captivity. These creatures are intelligent, sentient beings, they have families, they love, they feel pain, and what we as humans do to them is unforgivable. Cetacean captivity is a very real problem, keeping Orca and dolphins in small tanks to perform tricks, surrounded by loud music, screaming people and fed dead fish. These are animals that travel hundreds of miles daily to hunt, they stay within their pods throughout their lives & have individual names for one another. Places like SeaWorld, traveling circuses etc., they should be closed down. They
aren't educational in the slightest, the tricks they are made to perform are so far from natural behavior patterns it unbelievable.
The dairy industry, meat industry, fur industry. Hundreds of thousands of animals are abused simply for our want, because of consumerism. Of course, so many companies have such great marketing skills. For example, they lead you to believe dairy cows are frolicking about in the field, happy & healthy. This isn't the case, to keep a milk supply they are unnaturally forced to calf, year after year. Then their calves are taken and used for veal & we take their milk. Once they are too old to calf anymore (normally around 5 years of age) they are sent to slaughter. Nothing about any of these industries is "humane" and I really believe the only way we can change the lives of these animals is through education. We have to educate people, not hate. That never gets anyone anywhere. The sad truth is, so many people are walking around completely unaware of what goes on and the cruel practices within these industries, but I do feel the animal rights movement is beginning to make an impact and that people are starting to become aware, especially due to so many great documentaries exposing so many practices.
MSA: Do you feel the fashion/beauty industry is changing in regards to animals and do you feel it will maintain?
Alice: Yes and No. The green product industry is booming right now, people are becoming aware of animal testing & that’s a great thing. People are looking into the brands that they use day to day, whether it be body products, cosmetics or household cleaners etc. So, this is a really positive move in the right direction. Companies like the Leaping Bunny Program make it so easy to find cruelty free products, and they have an app for you to scan products as you shop, which makes it so easy to live compassionately, no matter how busy you are.The fashion industry is a tricky one. On one hand you have huge name labels like Gucci, Armani, Calvin Klein and Hugo Boss that have all gone fur free, which is a huge triumph for animals. But, then you have labels like Canada Goose, who sell $800 parkas filled with goose down & trimmed with coyote fur. The geese have their feathers torn off whilst they are alive and the coyotes are often caught with metal traps. Again, it's down to education. Of course, Canada Goose wants you to believe their practices are 'humane' they are making $800 coats. I recently went on Christmas vacation with my husband and was shocked at how many people were walking around in these parkas. Probably completely unaware of the practices that happened for them to be able to wear these coats. So, we just have to keep using our voices and let people know what really goes on.
Alice: Yes and No. The green product industry is booming right now, people are becoming aware of animal testing & that’s a great thing. People are looking into the brands that they use day to day, whether it be body products, cosmetics or household cleaners etc. So, this is a really positive move in the right direction. Companies like the Leaping Bunny Program make it so easy to find cruelty free products, and they have an app for you to scan products as you shop, which makes it so easy to live compassionately, no matter how busy you are.The fashion industry is a tricky one. On one hand you have huge name labels like Gucci, Armani, Calvin Klein and Hugo Boss that have all gone fur free, which is a huge triumph for animals. But, then you have labels like Canada Goose, who sell $800 parkas filled with goose down & trimmed with coyote fur. The geese have their feathers torn off whilst they are alive and the coyotes are often caught with metal traps. Again, it's down to education. Of course, Canada Goose wants you to believe their practices are 'humane' they are making $800 coats. I recently went on Christmas vacation with my husband and was shocked at how many people were walking around in these parkas. Probably completely unaware of the practices that happened for them to be able to wear these coats. So, we just have to keep using our voices and let people know what really goes on.
MSA: What is your astrological sign?
Alice: Taurus Sun & Cancer Moon
MSA: What’s your favorite quote to live by?
Alice: Love all beings. It explains everything that I believe in three simple words.
MSA: What is your favorite animal and why?
Alice: Oh, that’s a tough one. I can narrow it down to two. Dolphins and goats ha ha. Dolphins because they are such beautiful, intelligent and magical creatures, I've spent time with them in the wild & all I can say is, simply, wow. They are breathtaking. You can't help but feel completely at peace and deeply calm when you are close to them. Goats, well, that’s obvious. They are the most hilarious little guys, and cuddling one? Well, total joy, they are so loveable with such vibrant personalities.
Alice: Taurus Sun & Cancer Moon
MSA: What’s your favorite quote to live by?
Alice: Love all beings. It explains everything that I believe in three simple words.
MSA: What is your favorite animal and why?
Alice: Oh, that’s a tough one. I can narrow it down to two. Dolphins and goats ha ha. Dolphins because they are such beautiful, intelligent and magical creatures, I've spent time with them in the wild & all I can say is, simply, wow. They are breathtaking. You can't help but feel completely at peace and deeply calm when you are close to them. Goats, well, that’s obvious. They are the most hilarious little guys, and cuddling one? Well, total joy, they are so loveable with such vibrant personalities.
MSA: Name your favorite cruelty-free products/brands?
Alice: Lily Lolo Vegan Mascara, not only is it completely natural, it makes my lashes look about 5 inches long! Its hands down my favorite mascara.BB cream by 100% pure, its vegan has SPF and gives you a lovely glow. I love lots of their products and they are all made using plants and fruit dyes.
Handmade body products from Mama Bath & Body. Everything is 100% natural, handmade and scented with essential oils. So delicious, my skin thanks me every time I get out of the shower.
Teeki Yoga Pants, I discovered this brand a couple of years ago when I was on the hunt for some groovy workout pants. They are made from recycled plastic bottles and are unbelievably comfortable, so I wear them constantly, I have several pairs but my favorite has unicorns on them ha ha.
Wildtail Clothing, she makes great shirts and sweaters with animal rights slogans and 15% of each purchase goes towards saving animals from captivity.
Alice: Lily Lolo Vegan Mascara, not only is it completely natural, it makes my lashes look about 5 inches long! Its hands down my favorite mascara.BB cream by 100% pure, its vegan has SPF and gives you a lovely glow. I love lots of their products and they are all made using plants and fruit dyes.
Handmade body products from Mama Bath & Body. Everything is 100% natural, handmade and scented with essential oils. So delicious, my skin thanks me every time I get out of the shower.
Teeki Yoga Pants, I discovered this brand a couple of years ago when I was on the hunt for some groovy workout pants. They are made from recycled plastic bottles and are unbelievably comfortable, so I wear them constantly, I have several pairs but my favorite has unicorns on them ha ha.
Wildtail Clothing, she makes great shirts and sweaters with animal rights slogans and 15% of each purchase goes towards saving animals from captivity.
MSA: Which celebrities would you most want to meet and why?
Alice: Dr. Jane Goodall and Sir David Attenborough. Both have brought so much attention to animal species that need our help, and issues that really need to be tackled before it's too late, such as poaching, the polar ice caps and our effect on this planet. They've given voices to the voiceless and opened so many people's eyes. They are incredible people that inspire me each and every day.
MSA: What are you currently reading?
Alice: I have a slight book addiction and tend to read two or three books at a time, bad habit, I know! I'm reading a novel called Discovery of Witches (I love anything remotely magical) Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert who wrote Eat, Pray, Love & I have David Attenborough's book, Adeventures of a Young Naturalist lined up next.
Alice: Dr. Jane Goodall and Sir David Attenborough. Both have brought so much attention to animal species that need our help, and issues that really need to be tackled before it's too late, such as poaching, the polar ice caps and our effect on this planet. They've given voices to the voiceless and opened so many people's eyes. They are incredible people that inspire me each and every day.
MSA: What are you currently reading?
Alice: I have a slight book addiction and tend to read two or three books at a time, bad habit, I know! I'm reading a novel called Discovery of Witches (I love anything remotely magical) Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert who wrote Eat, Pray, Love & I have David Attenborough's book, Adeventures of a Young Naturalist lined up next.
MSA: Name and describe your favorite childhood pet?
Alice: She wasn't really a pet per se. Her name was Hazel and she was a wild mountain pony that lived in one of my Nana's fields in Wales. I snuck into the field one day when I was about 8 or 9, not knowing that she was completely wild. She took to me instantly and we struck up this incredible bond. I would visit my Nana & Bampi during weekends & on my summer holidays for up to 3 weeks. I would spend every waking moment in the field with Hazel, I would lay on her belly and read books, spend hours grooming her, telling her all my secrets & we would chase each other around the field till dusk. It was a really special friendship that I will never forget. I visited one day when I was about 13, and she had been sold. It was heartbreaking but taught me so much about having a deep love for an animal.
Alice: She wasn't really a pet per se. Her name was Hazel and she was a wild mountain pony that lived in one of my Nana's fields in Wales. I snuck into the field one day when I was about 8 or 9, not knowing that she was completely wild. She took to me instantly and we struck up this incredible bond. I would visit my Nana & Bampi during weekends & on my summer holidays for up to 3 weeks. I would spend every waking moment in the field with Hazel, I would lay on her belly and read books, spend hours grooming her, telling her all my secrets & we would chase each other around the field till dusk. It was a really special friendship that I will never forget. I visited one day when I was about 13, and she had been sold. It was heartbreaking but taught me so much about having a deep love for an animal.
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