The trouble with that argument is… well, it’s that it doesn’t really make sense.
People say no to fur for ethical reasons, yes. They’ve seen the truth about the fur industry and made the decision to #MakeFurHistory. They also say no to the fur industry for environmental reasons: the wholesale slaughter of wildlife or the waste created by factory-style fur farms is unacceptable to them.
The use of oil-based products to create faux fur can be of concern to others. Poor working conditions in third-world countries is also a reason to consider not using faux fur. But to state that logically, if the use of faux fur is unappealing, the only choice is to use real fur is ridiculous.
We have long advocated the avoidance of fake fur. Not necessarily because of the potential environmental or ethical concerns of oil-based products (which are valid concerns), but because faux fur perpetuates the concept that fur is in some way acceptable.
It should also be noted that toxic chemicals, extreme levels of waste and other environmental damages – equal to or worse than those used in faux fur – are used in the harvesting, treatment and shipping of real fur. You can learn more about that in our interview with Joshua Katcher of The Discerning Brute on Defender Radio.
The simple truth is that choosing not to wear fur is a humane, ethical and environmentally-friendly decision. After that you have a great number of options. Some are more ethical than others, some are more environmentally-friendly than others. But fur is never humane, never ethical and never environmentally-friendly.
Make the choice to be fur-free. Make the choice to #MakeFurHistory.
You can help us educate consumers and protect fur-bearing animals through our #MakeFurHistory and Living With Wildlife campaigns by donating, becoming a monthly donor or signing up as a member today.
