ETHICAL ISSUES

ANIMAL ABUSE IN FUR INDUSTRY

The fur industry is notorious for its inhumane treatment of animals. Animals raised for their fur are often kept in cramped cages, deprived of natural behaviors, and subjected to cruel methods of slaughter. Many fur traders also use brutal trapping methods where animals suffer for hours or days in cold steel jaw traps. Often dying slowly from shock, drowning, bleeding out, dehydration, frostbite, or preditors. Methods that would bring many to tears if they were aware of the truth. It is crucial for consumers to be informed and make conscious choices that align with ethical standards. By choosing faux fur or alternative materials, consumers can help reduce the demand for real fur and promote more ethical fashion choices.

LABOR ISSUES

Many clothing brands outsource their production to countries where labor laws are lax, leading to the exploitation of workers, including children. Sweatshops often have poor working conditions, long hours, and low wages. Workers in fur and livestock farms face constant bilological and chemical exposure, in many instances with little to no saftey precautions. The communities around these facilitys also suffer with polluted air, contaminated water, and respiratory issues. Many third world countries have little regulation of labor laws allowing for forced over time, hazordus exposures, wage theft and psychological harm. Supporting brands that prioritize fair labor practices and transparency can help combat these unethical practices.

POLLUTION & ENVIROMENTAL DAMAGE

The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental pollution, from toxic dyes contaminating water sources to the massive amounts of textile waste generated each year. The fur trade contributes the most water consuption and bio wase which often contamiate near by water sources. These polutants can range from animal waste to extremley harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, sulfuric acid, and amonia which leak into both soil and water. The fashion industry as a whole uses 79 trillion liters of water a year which is almost 20% of the waste water used in industrial processes. In almost every fabric created there are harmful chemicals used a multitude of them can have health risks that lead to cancer. The fashion industry accounts for more than 10% of the worlds gas emmisions which is more than shipping and aviation combined. We as consumers do not initialy think of the fashion industry as a polluting industry, thinking first of transportation or manufacturing. But, it is important to recognize that the fashion industry is a significant contributor to environmental pollution. Choosing sustainable materials, supporting eco-friendly brands, and reducing overall consumption can help mitigate the environmental impact of fashion.