Ethics aside, which is less harmful to the environment?
There’s a good chance you’re rocking some faux fur at the moment or at least have some tucked away in your wardrobe somewhere. Maybe it’s that red fluffy key chain or the inside of your winter jacket, your fuzzy earmuffs, maybe the lining of your bag, or those boots. Faux fur is dominating the fashion industry as the alternative to real fur.
It appears to be the more ethical choice for British shoppers because no animals are harmed in its production. After all, from #veganuary to the ban on plastic straws, environmentalism is totally in vogue right now, right?
Many big fashion houses like Chanel, Gucci, Versace, Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo, which originally popularised fur in the fashion industry, have recently turned away from using exotic animal skins and real fur, and are now using synthetic versions and fluffy faux furs. And at the other end of the market, clothing stores like H&M, Primark and Forever 21 are regularly updating their inventories with ethical fashion in mind, to keep customers with a lower budget up to date with the latest trends.
But how environment-friendly is fake fur really, compared to the real deal?
“Real fur is a natural, sustainable product, delivering rare benefits in sustaining fragile habitats and communities. This contrasts with most ‘fake’ fur, which is manufactured from non-renewable petroleum-based products,” says Andrea Martin from the British Fur Trade Association (BFTA) to The Overtake.
Fake fur is mostly made from nylon and polyester, which are the main culprits for shedding microfibers.
“Natural fur can be absorbed back into nature’s own cycle through biodegradation. Unlike synthetic fashion materials, fur will not clog landfills or break down to microplastics but rather enter back into nature’s own cycle. Old fur apparel can even be composted for your garden,” explains Martin.
To keep animal skins from rotting on the wearer’s back, the fur industry treats pelts with chemicals, which are hazardous to the planet and can be…
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of environmental sustainability, fashion industry practices, and the ecological impact of different materials. My expertise is rooted in comprehensive research and a keen interest in the intersection of ethics and environmental responsibility within the fashion world.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article "Ethics aside, which is less harmful to the environment?" published on The Overtake on June 26, 2019.
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Faux Fur in Fashion: The article highlights the prevalence of faux fur in the fashion industry as an alternative to real fur. Faux fur is popular among British shoppers for its perceived ethical advantages, mainly because it does not involve the harm or killing of animals during production.
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Ethical Fashion Trend: The article mentions the growing trend of ethical fashion, with major fashion houses such as Chanel, Gucci, Versace, Michael Kors, and Jimmy Choo moving away from real fur and exotic animal skins. Additionally, fast fashion retailers like H&M, Primark, and Forever 21 are updating their inventories with ethical considerations to cater to budget-conscious consumers.
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Environmental Impact of Faux Fur: The environmental impact of faux fur is questioned in the article. According to Andrea Martin from the British Fur Trade Association (BFTA), faux fur is primarily made from non-renewable petroleum-based products, such as nylon and polyester. The production of faux fur is criticized for contributing to microfiber shedding, which can have adverse effects on the environment.
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Real Fur as a Natural and Sustainable Product: Andrea Martin, representing the BFTA, argues in favor of real fur as a natural and sustainable product. The claim is that real fur provides unique benefits in sustaining fragile habitats and communities. Unlike synthetic fur, natural fur is said to be biodegradable and capable of being absorbed back into nature's cycle through processes like composting.
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Chemical Treatment in Fur Industry: The article briefly touches upon the fur industry's use of chemicals to treat animal pelts and prevent them from rotting on the wearer's back. These chemicals are acknowledged as hazardous to the planet, raising concerns about their environmental impact.
In summary, the article explores the environmental implications of faux fur versus real fur, questioning the true environmental friendliness of synthetic alternatives and presenting arguments for the sustainability of natural fur. The discussion revolves around the materials used, shedding of microfibers, and the ecological consequences of chemical treatments in the fur industry.
