Fur has long been a fashion staple, with a recent debate over faux fur versus real fur regarding ethics and sustainability. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to weigh the differences before making a purchase.
Real fur is a natural and sustainable material. It’s beautiful, warm, and durable, and can be passed down to future generations before eventually returning to nature’s ecological cycle. Additionally, fur farming and trapping provide livelihoods for many communities around the world, supporting local economies and traditional practices.
Overall, when sourced responsibly and ethically, fur can be a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice for fashion and home decor.
The report confirms that natural fur degrades in landfill conditions, while faux fur does not. Like other natural materials, fur for example from mink and fox biodegrades immediately.
In contrast, faux fur never started breaking down! When the decomposition test was done, samples of natural fur separated, with the skin disappearing and the hair remaining. Synthetic fur was discolored but did not decompose at all. Natural fur will never clog landfills or break down into plastic microfibers but will return to nature without harming the environment.
Real fur is long-lasting (it lasts for many years). It’s true, fur garments have an extremely long lifespan and we can enjoy them for several decades. Furthermore, fur reuse is common, with clothes passing from generation to generation or sold second-hand. Reprocessing and reconstructing fur garments are also popular, supporting the use of fur for as long as possible.
Fur is a biodegradable material with a much smaller impact on landfills and oceans than synthetic plastic fabrics.
A medium-weight faux fur weighing 2210 grams is equivalent to:
8840 plastic cigarette filters (442 cigarette packs)
5525 meters of fishing line
4420 plastic straws
4018 meters of plastic string
3683 plastic food bags
3315 meters of plastic cord
737 plastic cups
Read more about sustainability in our article.
FAQs
1. Does real fur biodegrade under normal environmental conditions or only in landfills?
Real fur biodegrades naturally under various environmental conditions, not just in landfills, as it is composed of organic materials that return to the natural ecosystem.
2. How long does faux fur remain in the environment after disposal?
Faux fur is made from synthetic plastics and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years without fully decomposing.
3. Does washing faux fur contribute to microplastic pollution?
Yes. Synthetic fibers release microplastics during washing, which can enter waterways and contribute to ocean pollution.
4. Can real fur garments be recycled or repurposed?
Yes. Real fur garments are frequently reused, remodeled, or reconstructed, extending their lifespan and reducing overall environmental impact.
5. Is real fur compatible with modern sustainability and circular fashion principles?
When responsibly sourced and ethically managed, real fur aligns well with circular fashion due to its durability, reusability, and biodegradability.
