It is part of the fur factory farming industry's marketing campaign to denigrate faux fur. In response we provide stakeholders of the textile industry and fashion designers facts and documented information not related by the fur lobby.
All information spread here are documented by journalists. They are reliable and have more value than studies commissioned by the industry. Indeed, studies created by industrials are brought to the general public with the goal to keep the business alive, not to inform on an equitable basis.
Documented information and food for thought.
The purpose of this page is to bring light on information related to the fur trade. Far away from the glamourous image tainted with fake sustainability claims the industry wants to give. These documented facts are more reasons for fashion brands to not have any connections with the fur lobby. The page will be updated regularly with facts.
New study reveals underestimated impact of ammonia. And yes fur is part of this environmental time-bomb.
New study published in scientific review Nature reveals the underestimated issues of ammonia in the air. Air pollution is to be taken seriously since micro-particles are a veritable time-bomb, causing respiratory problems or cancers.
While the European Union is asking to its members to drastically reduce ammonia emissions, it has to be noted ammonia emissions in many countries are currently increasing, even in the European Union, which has committed to achieving an overall reduction of 6 % by 2020 and 19 % by 2030.
The closing of all European fur factory farms would lead to a notable drop of ammonia emissions in our air, thus helping the European Union to achieve that goal linked to public health. Finland is a significant example of that. It is one of the most important fur producer in the world with almost 1 000 factory farms on the territory. "Fur animals" account for 10% of the ammonia release" reads a report form the Ministry of Agriculture. They certainly promote air pollution And the same goes for other nordic countries like Danmark or Poland. Ultimately, all brands that are going faux are surely having an unexpected positive impact in encouraging the reduction of ammonia emissions.
Fur factory farming leads to an economic degradation and to indecent working conditions
The disastrous situation of fur farmers was documented by the press agency reuters. They work in slum areas and unhealthy condition. They handle chemicals with very poor protection.
A trade involving living beings always lead to all sort of illegal trafficking, frauds, and creates job insecurity. Recently suspects were caught with 5 200 pieces of smuggled mink fur. It encourages local mafias (more info here).
Illegal traffics of animals - including "fur animals" - finance terrorism says WWF
When a fashion brand uses real animal fur, it somehow normalizes the death of animals for the purpose of creating garments, thus promoting excessive and irresponsible practices such as illegal traffic of animals. All is linked. WWF says 15 millions of "fur animals" have been affected. The prestigious NGO recalls that it helps finance terrorist organisations and creates insecurity.
Fur industry connected to whaling
The fur industry likes to assert they only use food industry waste to feed the animals - a claim that can not be verified. Yet it appears that, according to National Geographic, Rogaland Pelsdyrfôrlaget, a manufacturer of animal feed for the fur industry in Norway bought or used 113 metric tons of minke whale products. Norway is a big fur producer and have killed 140 000 beautiful foxes and 840 000 mink in 2015.
Lawsuit Challenges Massive U.S. Export of Wild Animal Pelts for International Fur Trade
The United States exports a shocking number of animals trapped and killed for their fur each year, said Sarah Uhlemann, international program director at the Center. Trapping for the highly lucrative international fur trade is just plain cruel and reduces local populations of bobcats, river otters, lynx and other wildlife
From a strict vegan to a carnivore : it's always a good thing to avoid real fur
Someone adopting a vegan lifestyle will avoid products containing animal parts. But you don't have to be vegan to wear vegan furs. And the same goes for fashion. Any brand that is trying to make a difference for animal welfare should be celebrated and championed. Even a non-vegetarian does a very good thing in avoiding real fur. It's actually a powerful tool to reduce efficiently our use of animals and impact on our natural resources. Read a beautiful letter here on "why carnivores are still doing the right thing by shunning fur".