As human beings it is good to be consciously aware as to what is happening around us, particularly with the wearing of animal furs and skin. In the Ice Ages days humans wore animal fur and skin as simple clothing to protect themselves from extreme weather conditions. They used it as a form of survival which was justifiable back then. Can we say the same for today?
What is understood is that the Neanderthals were an extinct species of hominids that were the closest relatives to modern human beings. Mammoth fur was used to build their housing structure and to make their interior weatherproof and warm. Their fur comes from an extinct group of elephants over 10,000 years ago. This extraordinary animal life paid the cost for human beings. Their frozen bodies were remarkably well preserved and began to thaw out after 30,000 years of being on ice. The woolly Northern or Siberian mammoth is the best known of all mammoths. A small population of woolly mammoths were scientifically suggested to have survived in North America between 10,500 and 7,600 years ago. This woolly mammoth might have still been around if modern human beings survival did not depend on it. Is it an essential in today’s society to wear animal fur and skin, a question/thought we all should ask ourselves, myself including.
Setting Standards
In a recent YouTube video clip they spoke about how H&M, a renowned company, has just announced their new collection. They are using vegan cactus leather. Asos, another well-known company has discontinued clothing using cashmere, mohair and silk. The treatment of animals were highlighted in the gruesome/horrific way. Be warned the clip went into great detail about animal cruelty and could very hard to stomach. Fur is has been banned from many countries to name a few, the Netherlands, Austria and the United Kingdom. In the United Kingdom there is a cause to support the importation of fur. An article on the Guardian website title “People in Great Britain being asked for views on fur trade ban.” Although Britain has one of the highest animal welfare standards. There is plans to make even tougher rules, which includes the ban of importation of fur.
It has to be said that gone are the days where animal fur and skin is needed to protect us from extreme weather conditions due the fact of the advancement technology we can use alternatives such as synthetic materials. A rather interesting article that talks about the positive effects on the use of synthetics. At the moment less than 0.01% of synthetic fibre is used in fashion is from recycled sources. There is grave need to improve on the use of recyclable sources as it will help tremendously. “Through research and development in fibre technology and work on commercialisation, the fashion industry is embracing these alternatives. Companies are racing to find the most technically superior and cost-effective method to replace virgin fibre.”
Regenerated Nylon
Several companies are using the sourcing processes for their recycled feedstock to address environmental and social justice issues. Eco design is becoming much more popular as it is a way to protect the animals and planet all at once. Nylon waste is polluting the Earth, is transformed into Econyl, is regenerated nylon a product that can help close the loop. It is made from waste. This brand new nylon can be recreated and remoulded again and again without the need of using new resources. Their product is recyclable and the vision is to make the world a better place while delivering sustainable products. The material is sourced from discarded fishing nets. These discarded nets are particularly harmful and dangerous to ocean wildlife.
We all need to play our part in securing a future for our children and grandchildren so that they will be able to enjoy seeing all the wonderful animals Let’s stop them from becoming extinct and stop cruelty towards them in the not so distant future.
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