Not do much factually wrong — I don’t know that it is — but Wrong on another level entirely. I haven’t heard of windfall minks or other fur-bearing animals whose hides are used after they expire of natural causes in their native environments.
That statement is probably true..if you’re a mink. If you can get over the fact that amimals are being raised in cages and electrocuted or trapped, drowned or beaten to death, one might be able to apply all the environmental buzzwords like “natural, renewable, recyclable, biodegradable and energy efficient.” They have done their green homework and hit every buzzword. They even note that faux furs are mostly made from petrochemicals.
[From Greenwash Watch: Fur is Green]
I think I have referred to this before. A lot of the products environmentally conscious people use in their active lives is made from non-environmentally sound sources: nylon tents, technical fibers, plastic kayaks, backpacks, water bottles, shoes, etc. are all made from plastics. Wool makes a lot more sense for clothing, as does wood for boats. Leather for shoes and containers has been used forever and will outlast a lot of other materials, especially as it can/must be maintained and cared for.
But how to finesse this while treating animals with an ethical spirit? While fur has excellent properties, I like it better on the animal that made it. Same with leather: what leather I do own I have had a long time and plan to wear out, rather than discard.
For one thing, the plastics, if they are used, should be used up and/or recycled when they’re no longer useful. One of my most used pieces of outerwear is a Polartec (polyester) pullover that I have had for about 14 years. It refuses to wear out, so I’ll keep it til it does. I don’t know if a woolen one would have done as well, given the abuse and lack of care I bestow on this.
By using things up or recycling them, we can keep them out of the waste stream or at least minimize what we do throw out and avoid going after more raw materials. And no matter what you choose, be it a high-tech polymer or a leather or wool product, be aware of what the costs are, beyond the sales tag.