Te Protejo Reopens Consumer Habit-Change Program in Chile and Mexico

Te Protejo, a Chilean non-profit organization, has launched the second edition of its free consumer education program, Tu Compromiso Cruelty Free. The program aims to educate over 2,000 participants across Chile and Mexico on cruelty-free and sustainable consumption habits. This launch coincides with the organization's 14th anniversary.

## Program Structure The program is structured around three key areas of consumption: cruelty-free skincare and makeup, plant-based eating, and conscious fashion. Participants will have access to weekly content through a dedicated web platform, as well as a live WhatsApp community for support. Eight specialists have contributed to the course content, ensuring a comprehensive and informative program.

The program runs from September 1 to November 30, providing participants with a thorough understanding of the environmental impact of their consumption habits. By focusing on cruelty-free and sustainable practices, Te Protejo aims to empower individuals to make conscious decisions that benefit both animals and the environment.

## Outcomes of the First Edition The first edition of the program, which ran in 2025, produced significant outcomes. Of the over 700 participants, 38% adopted a plant-based diet by the end of the program, while 84% reported using cosmetics not tested on animals. Additionally, participants avoided purchasing 54 leather garments and 18 wool items, which Te Protejo estimates saved the lives of over 300 animals per year.

## Regional Context The program's launch comes as seven Latin American countries, including Chile, have banned animal testing in cosmetics. However, Te Protejo notes that the regulation enabling enforcement of the Chilean law has not yet been published, despite the ban being in force. The organization cites its own figures, indicating that over 22 million animals die each year in the region due to experiments across all sectors.

According to Te Protejo, 88% of Chileans support the law banning animal testing in cosmetics. The organization has been working to promote cruelty-free and sustainable consumption habits, and its certification program for cruelty-free cosmetics and cleaning brands has been completed by over 200 companies in Latin America.

Camila Cortínez-Bethmann, Director General of Te Protejo, stated that the program is based on the conviction that informed individuals can make conscious decisions that benefit animals and the environment. The program aims to empower people to make respectful consumption decisions, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to make a positive impact.

The following table summarizes the outcomes of the first edition of the program: | Category | Outcome | | --- | --- | | Plant-based diet adoption | 38% | | Cosmetics not tested on animals | 84% | | Leather garments avoided | 54 | | Wool items avoided | 18 | | Estimated animals saved per year | over 300 |