With fast fashion becoming predominant in today’s society, it may be time to take a step back and look at what we’ve accomplished, as it may help us reflect on our actions and learn what we need to improve.
Millions of animals get slaughtered every year for their meat and skin, contributing to the food and fashion industry, and while we can certainly not survive without nutrition, animal hide clothing is one of the things we don’t actually need.
From cows whose skin is stripped to create leather to birds whose feathers are plucked while they’re restrained and unable to escape, animal suffering isn’t something we should be ignored, as these creatures also have rights, and they should be given a chance at a long, healthy and fulfilled life.
Even if some brands claim that they care for animals, a quick dig through their policies can show that they couldn’t care less for animal welfare, and it’s up to you to change that.
Doing your part
Fortunately, not all brands engage in these toxic practices, and there are still a few of them out there that actually show genuine care for animals, doing everything in their power to protect our furry friends.
You won’t be surprised to find out that brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Prada, and all the big names on the fashion scene are infamous for their treatment of animals, and if we all banded together not buying their products, it could contribute to some major changes.
Unfortunately, this requires a joint effort on everyone’s part, and getting people to give up on products can be easier said than done, especially when they’re committed to a certain brand.
We’ll go over some of the brands that help make this world a better place, and if you feel like you want to contribute to the cause, keep reading and take notes.
Stella McCartney
Even though most luxury brands show little to no care for animals or the environment, Stella McCartney proudly stands above the competition, as they’ve confirmed that not a single animal has been killed for the production of their products.
None of the luxury products the brand has to offer are made with animal hides, feathers, or fur, and even the adhesives used in the manufacturing process are plant-based or synthetic.
Due to their strong opposition to animal testing, Stella McCartney fragrances are never sold to companies in China, as the country has extremely archaic animal welfare laws and is essentially a lawless wasteland in terms of animal rights.
On top of this, all their packaging is made with sustainable materials, using recycled paper and cardboard as a means of protecting the forests.
Takko
The Germans are known for their craftiness, and the fashion brand Takko is a testament to German ingenuity, as the brand has spent years developing an image that supports sustainability and eco-friendliness.
All of Takko’s products are made with sustainably sourced materials and have been carefully selected in a way that leads to the least amount of pollution.
The clothing made by Takko is 100% free of animal fur, placing them on the top 100 list of companies battling against the usage of animal furs in clothing.
Of course, finding Takko products in American stores might be a bit harder, as they’re a store chain native to the country, which doesn’t mean you can’t shop for their products online.
Smartwool
Even though their products are animal-based, they’re made of 100% sustainably sourced sheep wool, which doesn’t harm the animal and is one of the softest materials known to man.
Another great thing about sheep’s wool is the fact that it isolates heat/cold very easily, making for a durable garment that will easily resist the elements while keeping you warm on cold winter nights.
They teamed up with ZQ Merino, a company focused on eco-fibers, and their work has helped revolutionize the wool industry, making sure that all the sheep are treated with care and that their wool is collected only when necessary.
We should remember that these animals grow it because they need it to survive out in the cold weather, and letting your sheep freeze to death is certainly not good for business, especially for the sheep.
In recent times, Smartwool had also begun incorporating recycled wool and hemp fibers into their designs, further allowing them to decrease their carbon footprint and remain as eco-friendly as can be.
Bottom line
Buying clothing can be tough in and of itself, and if you’re forced to consider the brand’s practices when shopping, it can become a bit frustrating.
There’s nothing worse than fighting for a cause only to find out that the shirt on your back was made by a company that doesn’t support it.
Do your part and support the brands that are actively trying to change things for the better rather than those that just want to make as much money as possible.