There are so many environmental issues in the world these days, but its hard to believe that in the year 2008, we still have to talk about people who wear fur. Although the economy has affected many people’s shopping for the holidays, there are still some ultra-rich who do not worry about their checkbooks when buying gifts. Yes, unfortunately, its true. Fur coats are still “in season” this year (no pun intended), despite the horrific practices that are employed to get these luxury items to the stores.

There are at least 5 green reasons not to buy fur for Christmas this year. Rest assured that we will not show you explicit photos of animal abuse. This is a clean, family blog. I cannot promise the same for some of the links included in this post. With that in mind, you should soon agree that we have to take a stand against the brutal slaying of animals for their fur coats.

1. Many animals including foxes, minxes, opossums, raccoons, beavers, rabbits, bobcats, lynxes and otters are killed by horrific means, including beating and drowning, for their fur. We cannot tell you other ways that these animals are brutally killed without upsetting some of the younger audience here at Peachy Green. However, the alleged reason for this torture is to protect their coats from damage. Plus, did you know that it takes about 120 chinchillas to make a single fur coat? Can you morally wear the lives of 120 creatures on your back?

2. Some animals, like foxes, are “farm-raised” for their coats and kept in tiny cages - with as many as 4 animals each - in which they can hardly move. Not to mention the fact that these animals rarely get veterinary care or even clean water.

3. Its been reported that in China, from where half of the fur garments are shipped, practices include skinning animals alive for their fur. There are upsetting reports of animals that were thought to be deceased who actually awaken from their terrible plight.

The following video shows which celebrities do and do not wear fur coats:

4. Chances are, you do not live in an area that is so cold, you need to wear a fur coat. In researching this article, I came across numerous articles that claimed fur coats are warmer than anything else. O.K. - so, let’s assume that is true. But we do not live in Antarctica. There is no reason why fleece, wool, and puffy coats cannot keep us warm enough through about 3 or 4 months. In fact, we are we even assuming fur is warmest? I have read that fleece is warmer than fur!

5. You can look rich and famous in more animal-friendly ways. While I am not a fan of jewels like diamonds, I still think that celebrities and the other rich and famous among us can still flaunt their wealth without requiring the slaughter of innocent animals. In fact, one of the world’s richest men - Bill Gates - funnels millions to helping others. Just catch up on the Gates Foundation! Do you really have to engage in conspicuous consumption to impress others?

This next video is somewhat upsetting - I promised we would not be here for shock value. But still, you should be warned a bit before watching this 3 minute clip:

A final word of caution to the green consumer: Be aware of allegedly faux-fur trimmed coats and sweaters. Some claim that no fur was used, but they may actually include fur from raccoon-dog coats! Probably your best bet is not to even wear anything that looks like fur, regardless if it is fake. The last thing we need to do is to encourage more fur trade!

I have never owned a fur coat. Even as a young girl, I thought that the idea of wearing another animal’s coat sounded… well… not right. Who knew that I had such a keen environmental sense. Wearing fur is “not right,” indeed. Its time for us to leave fur coats where they belong. On the animals that sport them.