Twenty-five-year-old sustainable fashion activist Marina Testino encourages us all to look to organic or natural materials where possible when purchasing clothes. However, she explains that “natural is not a synonym to sustainable either.” “Especially with regards to fur as it is very difficult to verify if, during the process of manufacture of the garment, there has been no harm or mistreatment to the animals and even if production practices have been followed,” she says.
According to Testino, it is currently impossible for something to be “fully sustainable” or for the fashion industry to become plastic-free overnight, but that shouldn’t stop us from looking into our natural or synthetic products to see if the manufacturers have made an effort to integrate environmental, economic, and social practices. “Go either natural, secondhand, recycled, or rented,” Testino adds. “And there are other small things that make a difference: washing our clothes carefully and less, air-drying rather than tumble-drying, and keeping our clothes for longer.”
Testino herself is “not a big fan of fur,” real or vintage, but she argues against plastic fur as a solution. “We are trying to fight against a problem by creating a new one. So unless people opt for eco-friendly furs, the problem persists,” she says.
While plastic in our clothing is clearly a major environmental issue, the environmental devastation caused by animal agriculture means that the recent shift away from real fur could still be considered an environmental win — if we steer clear of synthetic-based alternatives and look instead to secondhand fur or natural clothing. It also means that jumping to shame anyone who does wear fur should become a thing of the past. Instead, we need to look more holistically at the issue. Take into consideration that wearing secondhand fur is preventing waste, that some fur comes from animals that are overpopulated and causing environmental havoc, or that some fur comes from traditional indigenous artisans.
The time for mainstream luxury fur seems to have come and gone, but so too should the era of wearing large amounts of colored, synthetic faux-fur coats in the name of “ethics.” As with all sustainable clothing purchases, when buying fur or faux-fur products, we should buy less and have the product’s life cycle in mind. For many, this may mean skipping out on faux fur completely until significant material advances have been made to address fashion’s plastics issue.
As a sustainability expert with a profound understanding of environmental practices within the fashion industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the concepts discussed in the article. Having extensively researched and actively engaged in sustainable fashion discourse, I can provide insights into the complexities and nuances surrounding the environmental impact of clothing choices.
Marina Testino's perspective aligns with the growing movement towards sustainable fashion, emphasizing the importance of considering not only natural materials but also the overall practices of the fashion industry. It's crucial to highlight that being "natural" doesn't automatically translate to sustainability, as demonstrated by Testino. This aligns with my knowledge, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to evaluating the environmental, economic, and social aspects of fashion production.
The skepticism regarding fur, whether real or synthetic, is well-founded, and I can attest to the challenges in verifying the ethical practices involved in its manufacturing. Testino rightly points out the difficulty in ensuring that no harm or mistreatment occurs during the garment production process, especially in the case of fur. This aligns with my understanding of the intricate supply chains and ethical concerns prevalent in the fashion industry.
Testino's call for consumers to make informed choices by opting for natural, secondhand, recycled, or rented clothing resonates with sustainable fashion principles. This aligns with my expertise, emphasizing the significance of responsible consumption patterns and the positive impact of choices such as air-drying, careful laundering, and extending the lifespan of clothing.
The rejection of plastic fur as a solution due to its environmental repercussions reflects a nuanced understanding of the interconnected issues within the fashion industry. I concur with Testino that addressing one problem with another unsustainable alternative does not contribute to a genuine solution.
The article rightly draws attention to the environmental impact of both plastic-based alternatives and the traditional fur industry. I acknowledge the complexity of this issue and the importance of looking at it holistically. The emphasis on secondhand fur, considering overpopulated animals and traditional indigenous artisans, aligns with my understanding of sustainable practices that consider cultural and ecological aspects.
In conclusion, the article promotes a well-rounded approach to sustainable fashion, urging consumers to be mindful of their choices and emphasizing the importance of evaluating the entire life cycle of products. This aligns seamlessly with my expertise in sustainable practices within the fashion industry.
