Why Faux Fur is Not an Environmentally Friendly Alternative

Many people believe that faux fur is a more environmentally friendly choice than traditional furs. However, there are a number of factors to consider that point to the fact that the materials used in the production of faux fur are extremely harmful to the environment, and that wearing traditional furs leaves a smaller environmental footprint.

In recent years, the debate on the ethical and sustainability issues of the fur industry has become increasingly heated. Sustainability is an increasingly popular concept, but in many cases it is not clear what makes a product truly sustainable. The fur industry is often under scrutiny, but nowadays, with more humane trapping methods and increasingly efficient processing, the industry is more ethical than before.

However, it is also worth bearing in mind that a lot of non-natural materials are used in the production of faux fur. The plastics used in the production of furs are a significant environmental burden, as they are much more difficult to degrade than natural materials, polluting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. At the same time, these products break down easily and quickly end up in the trash, which is another strong argument in favour of durable, high-quality real fur products.

The conversion of petrochemicals into synthetic clothing materials is a chemical process: for example, to make polyester, monomers such as terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol undergo a chemical reaction called polymerisation. Both chemicals are classified as carcinogenic, terephthalic acid in particular because of its xylene content. The xylene found in terephthalic acid as para-xylene can be absorbed by inhalation, ingestion and even through skin contact, making its use in synthetic clothing particularly worrying. In many cases, even contact with such non-natural substances can cause skin rashes, but less frequently it can also cause more serious problems, such as endocrinological problems.

That's why it's worth thinking twice about buying faux fur, taking into account its impact on the environment and our health. Natural furs that come from ethical, sustainable sources, on the other hand, are not only a fashionable option, but a greener option that will serve the wearer for many years to come.