In defense of bans

As you may already know, NYC lawmakers have introduced a bill banning the sale of fur products in New-York.

Increasingly, consumers are looking to make ethical and sustainable purchases — fur is neither of those

said assembly woman Linda Rosenthal.

While it remains uncertain that a no-fur legislation becomes a reality, it is necassary to highlight the positive aspects bans can have on our society.

Bans boost smarter and greener consumption

When they are smart and judicious they can boost greener and more responsible habits. What better example to illustrate this point than the case of plastic bag bans ?

Everybody agrees that the use of single-use plastics should be prohibited urgently due to their devastating effect on the planet.

A very interesting study published last year by reusethisbag.com reported the many advantages of plastic bags ban in the US.

An example :

In San Jose, California, a ban was put into place in 2012 — and since then, there has been an 89% reduction in plastic bags in storm drains, a 60% reduction in creeks and rivers, and a 59% drop in residential plastic waste.

No double standard : Let’s support fur bans !

This has been perfectly understood by Burberry : a year after announcing it will going to stop the use of animal-derived fur, Burberry made public its desire to stop using plastic for its packaging. This is ambitious, modern and perfectly in line with the new generation’s ethics. The good news is that New-York lawmakers are also considering a ban on plastic bags which would give the big apple a pioneer in sustainability.

In San Jose, California, there has been an 89% reduction in plastic bags in storm drains, a 60% reduction in creeks and rivers, and a 59% drop in residential plastic waste.

In 2018 : Millions of animals spared

Just like plastic bags ban, fur bans have to be supported because they have a very tangible effect on animals. in 2018, it is reported that 20% animals less have been exploited – and killed, for their fur, which is great news. This is literally millions of animals spared thanks to the big number of brands having launched a no-fur policy.

Factory farming remains negatively perceived. That is why millennials push for more responsible practices in the fashion industry and support the faux fur trend. For them, factory farming clearly is a practice of the past in opposition with the concept of sustainability. A practice with documented negative impacts on our environment.

The carbon footprint of the production chain of a single piece of mink or fox is at the same level as the carbon footprint resulting from one to three days's average consumption of a consumer, so, as a consequence, less animals raised means less carbon in the atmosphere. The same goes for ammonia.

In Finland, 10% of ammonia emissions are due to factory farming.

Bans also give an impulse to innovation

A ban on plastic bags has encouraged companies to develop new types of packaging made from biodegradable fabrics for instance, and has promoted the use of tote bags made from hemp. The same applies for textiles. New materials are being developed at a fast pace from bio-based to improved recycled fibers, innovation is shaping the textile industry in a greener way…By the way, have you heard about this faux fur made from hemp ? We are currently evolving from animal-based to greener synthetics.

Freedom of choices is crucial, but making educated choices is even more crucial : a ban can surely give the good impetus towards more responsible practices.