You might think buying that fake fur coat, hat or cosy pair of ear muffs is reducing your carbon footprint and making your style more ethical, but it turns out faux alternatives are just as harmful to the environment as the real thing. The question is do the environmental consequences of fake fur outweigh the ethical implications of real fur?
the ethics of Real fur
The ethical implications of real fur have been well documented over the past few years with a large number of luxury fashion brands now banning the use of real fur in their clothing collections. Gucci, Burberry and Coach are among those who have made the change, which has now fuelled the demand for fake alternatives.
Several kinds of animals are used to make real fur coats with the most popular being foxes and minks. Both farmed and wild animals are used in the production of fur clothing and other animals include chinchillas, fitches, beavers, raccoons and coyotes. A standard coat normally requires the fur of between 11 and 18 foxes. The red fox is most commonly used as it is least expensive and is found in all continents apart from South America. The stunning coats of many foxes is highly appealing meaning the animals are hunted for and because of this are on the verge of extinction.
Despite these consequences of using real fur, there are certain situations in which the fur of an animal is only used once it has died naturally. In this case it could be suggested that using animal fur is morally okay as long as it is not intentionally killed for clothing production.
The environmental consequences of faux fur
Despite this change that brands are making for our wildlife, the cruelty-free fur option actually contains a large amount of plastic which leaves people not knowing which way to turn and what the safest option really is. The British Fashion Council recently banned the use of fur during London Fashion Week, but this dramatic statement about the ethics of fur is meaning people are turning to similar materials which can be even worse for the planet.
Most faux fur alternatives are made from synthetic polymeric fibers such as acrylic and polyester which are forms of plastic. If not discarded properly these harmful materials can end up contributing towards the 12.7 million tonnes of plastic already in our oceans. Faux fur has slowly begun to dominate the fashion industry and has become a more ethical choice as no animals are harmed in its production. What people don't know is that faux fur is no better due to the huge amount of plastic it contains, therefore having a significant impact on the environment.
the fur debate
The battle between the different types of fur is one which creates great controversy and debate as many people have their own morals and reasons for either choice. By outlining the advantages and disadvantages a clearer understanding of the impacts can be made.
Faux Fur
pros:
Faux fur is not an animal product so it is completely ethical. Animals are not harmed in the production process and so faux is a guilt free way of working the material into your winter wardrobe.
Faux fur is much cheaper than real fur as inexpensive materials are used to produce it such as synthetic fibres.
Faux fur is easier to take care of and will stay in better condition for longer .
cons:
Fake fur is non biodegradable. Garments can end up in landfill and can take up to 1,000 years to decompose.
Fake fur doesn't look as pretty as real fur. The material can have a plastic-like shine and can flatten easily, loosing its fullness. The fur can also matt easily and clump and tangle.
Faux fur is not as warm as real fur so may not be as ideal during the colder months.
Real Fur
Pros:
Real fur is considered a natural product as it is sourced from the wild. It is renewable as animals can breed naturally.
Genuine fur can decompose within six months so it's not as harmful to the environment in the long term.
Unlike fake fur, real fur looks full bodied and bouncy. Real fur has a more shiny and luxurious appearance which is why it is such a popular and luxurious fashion statement.
Cons:
Real fur comes from animals which is ethically immoral and animals may be harmed in the production process.
Real fur must be carefully looked after in order to maintain its excellent condition. If not kept in a wardrobe at a specific temperature and darkness real fur can dry out and crack. Filaments can malt overtime and create bald spots. Real fur also needs to be professionally cleaned annually.
Real fur is much more expensive than the fake alternative.
So What is the solution?
Don't know which way to turn? Well, maybe it's time to ditch fur altogether or seek out those special brands that produce both cruelty-free and sustainable fur. Whilst nothing we purchase can ever be 100% sustainable there are brands out there that try to make fur better for the environment. Ecopel is a brand which makes faux-fur out of recycled plastic bottles and brand Komodo makes wool free coats made from recycled polyester.
The production of faux fur and the materials that are being used is changing. Different materials are being tried and tested to figure out both an ethical and sustainable way of producing fur clothing. While these alternatives become more developed and conventional, it may be better to turn to other materials that have less of an ethical and environmental impact.
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