1. Real or fake, wearing any type of fur sends the wrong message.
Fake fur looks so real nowadays that the average person can’t tell the difference. It’s confusing to the public and it is also becoming a clever excuse for real fur wearers. Some people have even speculated that fake fur could boost the sales of real fur. Yuck.
2. Labels can lie.
Even the kindest-hearted, animal-loving, fake fur-wearer can be duped into supporting fur trade cruelty. Labels on real and fake fur items may not be telling the truth. Need proof? Check out our recent investigation – Sears, The Bay and Winner’s were busted for advertising ‘fake fur’ when it was actually real fur.
3. Fake or real fur: it’s an eco-nightmare.
Real furs are processed with chemicals such as acids, hydrogen peroxide, chromates, formaldehyde and bleaching agents. Once made into a garment, fur items are often lined with synthetic petroleum-based materials such as polyester or nylon.
Fake fur is similarly toxic to our environment, as it is manufactured with non-renewable petroleum-based products and synthetic fabrics.
Photo: Raccoon dog, quite possibly the most mislabelled of all furs.
The Solution?
If you want to look good and have a lighter footprint, consider choosing coats and trim that use or contain all-natural fabrics such as hemp, organic cotton, bamboo or flax. These materials are fashionable and truly eco-friendly. You may also consider shopping at second-hand stores or trying out a polartec recycled fleece jacket – it’s the ideal autumn essential.
Quick fact: The outdoor clothing company, Patagonia, is actually helping the environment with its Polartec recycled fleece which they introduced in 1993. From spring 1994 to fall 2005, using Polartec, the company diverted more than 98 million plastic soda bottles from landfills; 3,700 2-liter bottles can make 150 garments. For every 3,700 bottles that are recycled, a barrel of oil is saved and a half ton of toxic air emissions avoided. Very cool, er…warm.
