Get Ethical Two

So ... continuing on from our last article let's pick up where we left off ...

5. Fur
If you find the sight of Beyonce cavorting around in just a bikini and a slain beaver-pelt coat horrifying, then the news that fur is back and big again will be a little disconcerting. Don’t worry animal lovers; fake fur is the new fur.

Fur is the terror of the fashion elite. Fur has a time-honoured reputation for making people look filthy-rich and fabulous – everyone from monarchs to movie-stars. In 2006, the three most prominent celebrity fur devotees included Nicole Richie, Ashley Olsen and Eva Longoria. While you might forgive the skeletal first two - since they obviously have no natural body fat of their own - the continued use of fur as fashion is a controversial issue. Tales of animal blood being thrown at repeat fur-wear offenders, protests at premieres, gruesome DVDs of tortured foxes – and you thought fashion industry violence was limited to catfights on the catwalk.

PETA (People for the ethical treatment of animals) are the notorious animal-rights group reputed for its outspoken stance on the fur industry. They recently ambushed the Christian Laboutin's catwalk show in Paris making worldwide headlines. Fur for stoles, coats, hats and trimming are obtained from animals including the wolf, bear, chinchilla, mink, fox, racoon, beaver, rabbit, otter, badger, ermine, cat, dog, possum, sheep and even baby seals. Fashion fur is usually produced on fur farms, where caged animals are typically suffocated, electrocuted, gassed or poisoned for their pelts. The production of fur from the carcass to the coat hanger involves a chemical practice for preservation that generally causes large amounts of ecological pollution. The process of making a single fur coat uses 60% more energy than that used to make a similar synthetic garment.

Pro-fur groups argue that fur is necessary for people living in very cold climates and that it is generally accepted amongst Inuit communities and those living in Scandinavia, Russia and Japan. They also claim that fake fur is made using a petroleum by-product and so is therefore non eco-friendly. While PETA tells people to ‘love animals’ and not wear them, others still stand by the luxurious comfort fur gives in snowy winters.

Stella McCartney has joined a throng of celebrities including Pink and Pamela Anderson in spreading PETA's anti-fur message. Designers Ralph Loren and Marc Bouwer have also jumped on the anti-fur bandwagon.

If you are not a fan of fake-fur, an animal-friendly alternative is, of course, wool. Wool from a sheep or goat can be re-grown and there is no death involved in the process. If you do feel guilty about your grandmother’s coat in the wardrobe, perhaps you might want to mirror PETA’s practice of donating unwanted fur to the homeless. That will at least give you a warm feeling on the inside.    

6. Ethical Cosmetics
If you were one of those people who tried to liberate the lab rats in science class, or the bunnies in the chemistry department at University, then you may be interested in discovering ethical cosmetics. While many cosmetic companies use similar practices to large fashion houses in terms of labour, others also use non-ecological chemicals and actively utilise lab animals to test their products. The most well-known producer of environmental and animal-friendly cosmetics is the internationally renowned Body Shop.

The first Body Shop was opened in 1976 by Englishwoman Dame Anita Roddick, whose ethos of environmental activism was inspired by international travel and the habits of her mother's continued frugality after World War II. The Body Shop is chiefly committed to not testing any product on animals, to supporting community trade and human rights, and significantly using environmentally-friendly products and practices.

Pressure for other companies to follow suite has seen the creation of international codes of practice such as the 'Humane Cosmetics Standard'. Companies such as Dermologica, Clarins and Mary Kay are known promoters of eco-friendly practices in cosmetic manufacturing. Bowing to pressure from PETA, industry giant Lòréal has recently re-assessed their philosophy and has now stated a commitment to using natural raw products, promoting environmentalism, ending animal testing and using international trade ethics.

Australian companies committed to using organic products and environmentally-friendly practices in cosmetic manufacturing include Aēsop and Jurlique.

7. Dirty Diamonds
Yeah, they are a girl's best friend, but diamonds can also be a nation's worst nightmare. The recent release of the film Blood Diamond has brought the subject of 'conflict' or 'blood' diamonds to the attention of a conscientious public. Conflict diamonds are acquired from African nations such as Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where trafficked gems are used to fund corrupt civil wars or mined using child labour. In Australia, conflict diamonds are very rare, as parent groups such as the Diamond Guild of Australia and Gemmological Guild of Australia actively refuse to accept diamonds from these sources. It is still wise to ask your jeweller about their policy on conflict diamonds and always be wary about diamond jewellery brought over the internet.   

What can you do?
If you are seeking to be more of a fashion-greenie, there are a few steps you can take to be at peace with the birds and bears.

• Buying Australia made and manufactured makes a move toward supporting local economy and rejecting sub-standard outsourcing and cheap labour.   
• Avoiding labels made in countries which use cheap labour sources continues the effort of reducing the exploitation of children.
• 'Creative recycling' – buying second hand or re-inventing your own outfits promotes environmental consciousness. Give away unwanted bits to charity so others can benefit from your past disasters.  
• Don't be duped by rip-offs and fakes – these are often the worst perpetuators of sweatshop factories and unfair trade practices
• Read cosmetics labels carefully – 'natural' and 'organic' does not always mean these products haven’t been rubbed into the sad eyes of cute bunny rabbits.