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Using And Making Fur Rugs Is Natural ... 
and Environmentally Sound

Throughout history, fur rugs have been worn and enjoyed for their warmth, beauty, durability and practicality. Today's consumers appreciate their furs for other reasons as well. In a world where lifestyle decisions have far-reaching implications for the global environment, it's important to know that real fur is among nature's most ecologically sound products, and that all furs sold in the United States come from plentiful species. In fact, thanks to skilled fur farmers and dedicated wildlife professionals, fur bearing animals are more abundant today than at any time in our nation's history.

The concept of animal rights states that we should not use animals for any human purposes, including food, clothing, entertainment, or medical research. If you want to be consistent in your thoughts, you may not eat or drink anything which is made from an animal life form: meat, poultry, eggs, fish, milk cheese, honey, bakery products using butter and eggs, marshmallows, and on and on. You may not have leather shoes, belts, purses, furs, and wool, attend circuses, rodeos, or keep pets. Furthermore, you should not use any medicines or cosmetics, which have been tested for safety using animals.

Now then, if you are concerned about animal welfare, that is a different issue. Some people abuse animals, pets, livestock, etc., and they should not. However, most farmers take excellent care of their animals because it is in their best economic interest to do so. Sick or abused animals do not produce a salable product.

If the planet Earth is going to be saved from destruction, we cannot rely on synthetic clothing for our future existence. The extraction of oil is killing the environment by the spilling of oil and the taking of the animals' habitat or home. The processing plants used to make artificial fibers pollute the air (acid rain and the depletion of ozone), streams and rivers and create toxic waste. The clothing (fur rugs, nylons, rayons, and polyester) made from these synthetic products fill up our landfills and is not biodegradable.

As to the extinction of animals, the industry does not use any endangered or threatened species and will not in the future. Ninety-five percent of the mink used by the fur industry are farm-raised. They eat fresh by-products from the agricultural industry, which are not desired by humans but are loved by the mink. If it were not for the mink, these by-products would fill up our landfills, rivers, or be burned, none of which is environmentally sound. The animals are not tortured or otherwise abused during their lives, as this would not product a desirable pelt. The mink are euthanized by cool carbon monoxide. It is painless. The manure produced by the mink is spread on the mink rancher's farm and is a natural fertilizer, not oil-based and not polluting. The tanning of the mink uses salt and alum, which is put into the sewer system and welcomed by the sewage treatment plants because they help to break down the sewage. When natural finishes and low-impact dyes are used, the fur industry is one of the least polluting clothing industries.

To make a fur rugs requires only cotton thread, electricity for the sewing machines and silk for the lining; no large polluting factories or large amounts of energy. This item will last 40 years or more, thus requiring only one purchase in a lifetime. Thus furs can be restyled and reused from generation to generation. Finally, when it has finished its useful life, it biodegrades (rots) in six months, back to the earth from where it came.

No fur rugs from endangered species are sold in the United States. Fur sold in the U.S. comes from one of two sources: from fur farms or from trapping regulated by state governments. As wildlife habitat has given way to civilization, it has become vital to manage animal populations not only for the protection of people but for the survival of the animals themselves. That's why trapping is recognized, endorsed and regulated by government as an important element in proper wildlife management.

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