By Brenna Phillips

For the Daily Titan

I know. Who wants to read another article about the horrors of animal testing? It’s a tired subject, but up until the past three weeks I’ve remained completely ignorant to how appalling subjecting animals to clinical testing really is.

My epiphany came while watching Reese Witherspoon in the classic film “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, and Blonde.” Long story short: Witherspoon’s character, Elle Woods, introduces a bill to the House of Representatives in an attempt to stop animal testing, and more importantly, free her Chihuahua’s mother from the evil clutches of a cosmetics manufacturer.

An hour later, I was on the PETA Web site watching footage of bunny rabbits, monkeys, gerbils and kittens being injected, prodded and sliced open so I can wear lipstick. I cried.

Usually, I would never allow an organization’s propaganda to make me completely reevaluate my cleaning products, shampoo, makeup and clothing. I consider myself to be a very rational thinker, not easily swayed by other’s opinions. But how can I put on my Colin Stuart white leather pumps without feeling guilty now?

At least 115 million animals, from rats to dogs, are subjected to testing each year in the United States, according to Stopanimaltests.com.

Testing on animals seems archaic and unnecessary with recent technology at hand. Testing products using in vitro, computer models and human tissues has proven to be more effective and inexpensive, according to Peta.org.

With more companies “going green,” it has become easier to find merchandise adorned with the phrase, “this product is not tested on animals” on the back.

Target has launched Method, a line of hand soap, laundry detergent, bathroom cleaner and other household items that are all considered “green,” and, you guessed it, are not tested on animals.

The same goes for Clorox’s “Green Works” cleaning products, which have now replaced Mr. Clean and Scrubbing Bubbles in my closet.

However, here’s the part where everyone can criticize me: The other night I had the filet mignon for dinner at Claim Jumper.

Before you start judging and typing out your letters to the editor, let me remind you of the life lesson Mufasa taught Simba in “The Lion King”: it’s the circle of life.

My lifestyle may not be 100 percent PETA certified, I’m just not ready to replace filet mignon with tofu quite yet. It’s called baby steps.

So, while you may not see me at the next New York Fashion Week, flinging buckets of crimson paint on fur-donning fashionistas, I will continue to give my home and wardrobe an “animal-testing free” overhaul.

As for anyone looking for $150 Colin Stuart leather pumps to wear, you can find them at a discounted price in the Goodwill store on Chapman Avenue in Fullerton.