Sustainable or Animal Free? — v i c k i h a l l

So you don’t want to buy a winter coat that contains down and sports a coyote fur collar. Canada Goose is one type amongst many. So you pick up a ‘puffer coat’ from Store X because you think it’s a more ‘sustainable option’. Hold the phone for me one moment will you? I want you to go and look at the label of the puffer you just bought, chances are it’s going to contain a polyester filling surrounded by a nylon outer. This friends, this is NOT sustainable, but this is ‘animal free’ and those are two terms that are very different. So let’s do a little surface exploration on this subject, shall we?

ANIMAL FREE: A coat that contains no parts that are derived from animals or materials that have been tested on animals. Polyester and Nylon do not come from animals. They are both basically plastic that is spun into thread and as we know plastic does not biodegrade. So please do not claim that a coat you buy made from synthetic fabrics is a more ‘sustainable’ option. It’s an ‘animal free’ option, which is great if you want to stay away from animal product. You can help that coat become more sustainable by wearing it for many, many years and taking good care of it. You can repair it if it becomes damaged instead of throwing it away. You can pass it along to a friend or donate it to charity. Or you can swap it for another coat. This helps prolong the life of the coat. Once that coat finally ends up in landfill - it might not biodegrade for 200, 500 or maybe more years. Google it.

SUSTAINABLE: A coat that is made of sustainable fabrics and produced by a company that takes into consideration sustainable practices during manufacturing. Sustainable fabrics include organic cotton, hemp and bamboo. And these days, you can find nylon in sustainable jackets (specifically in the lining) made from recycled plastic. Fur, down (animal cruelty notwithstanding) are in fact biodegradable - they’ll break down in few years which ‘technically’ (animal cruelty notwithstanding- had to stay it twice) is sustainable.

I’m aware that I’ve skimmed the surface on this topic. There is a bounty information on the topic of sustainability in fashion all across the internet and I encourage you to read about a brand before you buy it. I’m not picking on any one brand here, in fact Canada Goose has a whole section on their site devoted to sustainability and their practices. They also publish a sustainability report each year. I encourage you to read it here.

I recently discovered the Canadian Company Wuxly. They manufacture men’s and ladies outerwear that’s Made in Canada, uses sustainable fabrics and is animal free. I’m definitely going to consider them when I need a new Parka or mid weight jacket. I’m also a big fan of Patagonia, Fjallraven and Everlane who all use sustainable fabrics and practices in their clothing.

The two styles below are from WUXLY…great looking AND sustainable outerwear.

Wuxly is currently holding their Live Warm Trade Up Program where they offer you a credit for a previously loved down filled or fur trimmed coat. You can use your credit to buy a Wuxly coat. Full list of brands available for trade in are in the link. Check it out…it’s a great initiative.

When all is said and done, what I’d really love you to do is do your research before you buy, use your terminology correctly, and most importantly…choose what’s best for you!

KEEP TORONTO WARM CLOTHING DRIVE

I’m so happy this week to announce another partner in She Shop Swap’s Winter Clothing Drive. Poppy and Peonies is a Canadian company specializing in beautiful ladies handbags and accessories including an adorable Mommy and Mini collection.

When you donate to the clothing drive you will be entered to win some awesome prizes from my partners including this beautiful Globetrotter Crossbody from Poppy and Peonies in black - perfect for fall and winter. Be sure to check out the full collection on their website and Instagram @jacinta.poppyandpeonies.