The collection is in collaboration with vegan sneaker brand Løci. It’s called “Nicki Minaj X Løci,” and consists of 11 styles of unisex shoes made from vegan leather. Many of the trainers are a shade of pink reminiscent of Barbie, a film that Minaj created music for.

Read more: ‘Sheer Nonsense’: Stella McCartney On Why Leather Is Not A Byproduct

According to Løci, the new line “blends street-cool aesthetics with high-fashion chic.” Writing on Instagram at the end of March, Minaj said the release was an “absolute dream come true.”

“I can’t WAIT for you guys to see my 1st collection,” she wrote. “Thank you to my team for helping me make this dream come to fruition. This isn’t a sponsorship. I’m an owner & partner.”

The collection is available to shop online now. Prices range from $185 to $200.

The rise of Løci

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Løci was founded in London on 2019, and has since become a hugely popular sneaker brand, with its designs being seen on celebrities including Mila Kunis, Jessica Alba, and Ben Affleck. 

Read more: Cillian Murphy Discusses His Decision To Go Plant-Based

The brand doesn’t use any animal leather, instead opting for materials like recycled bottles, recycled nylon and brass, as well as cork, bamboo, and a bio leather alternative. It’s thought that each pair of sneakers repurposes the equivalent of 20 plastic bottles. Løci’s shoes are made in Portugal, a country known for its craftsmanship and sustainability credentials. 

According to Løci, the brand has saved one million plastic bottles from being discarded. It also donates 10 percent of online profits to marine organizations like Sea Shepherd and SEE Turtles. 

Read more: Joaquin Phoenix Wore A Plant-Based Hat For ‘Napoleon’

In 2022, it was announced that Leonardo DiCaprio had invested in the brand. The actor said at the time that he was “proud” to invest in a company “dedicated to minimizing its environmental impact, and centered around creating cruelty-free, ethical footwear.”

The post Nicki Minaj Launches Range Of Barbie Pink Vegan Sneakers appeared first on Plant Based News.

Read more: 81% Of USA Sandwich Bags Contain Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’

Dr Benjamin Droguet, Professor Silvia Vignolini, and a group of fellow Cambridge scientists founded the UK-based company in 2022 in order to replicate the vibrant colors found in nature sustainably. Sparxell’s star compound is cellulose, a plant-derived sugar.

Sparxell can extract its plant-based, renewable, and biodegradable cellulose from waste streams, all while achieving vibrant, high-performance pigments for use in sectors as diverse as cosmetics, fashion, packaging, crafts, food and beverage, and automotive care.

“Our plant-based materials can be grown and sourced locally in a complete rethink of how colors are currently being manufactured while reducing transport emissions,” explained Sparxall founder and CEO Droguet, in a release published by BusinessWire.

The company says it will use the backing to accelerate the development and commercialization of its products. Prominent participants in the seed funding include the L’Oreal-founded Circular Innovation Fund and SpaceX-backer Future Communities Capital.

Read more: Flora Unveils ‘World First’ Plastic-Free Paper Tubs For Vegan Spreads

Traditional colorants cause ‘major environmental harm’

According to Sparxell, its product is the “world’s first” 100 percent natural, high-performance, and biodegradable color platform, free from child labor, health risks, and minimal pollution. 

“Traditional chemical colorants are causing major environmental harm through every stage of their lifecycle, from manufacture to degradation,” continued Droguet.

A recent report by Precedence Research predicts that the global colorants market will more than double between 2022 and 2032, but specifically highlights toxic elements and associated health risks – including cancer – impact both workers and customers.

“The textile industry is a well-known emitter of dyes and microplastics, with over 1.5m tonnes entering the environment every year, while paint has recently been recognized as the largest source of microplastics in the ocean,” added Droguet.

Read more: The UK’s Plastic Waste Crisis: 100 Billion Pieces Of Packaging Discarded Every Year

Sparxell’s ‘plastic-free and toxin-free pigments’

A 2022 study published by the Swiss scientific research firm Environmental Action (EA) found that of the tens of millions of tonnes of microplastics leaked into the ocean each year, approximately 58 percent comes from paint particulates.

The researchers reported that 1.9 million tonnes of paint end up in oceans and waterways annually, many of which contain plastic polymers, contributing to ubiquitous microplastics. Furthermore, common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paint include formaldehyde, benzene, and ethyl acetate, exposure to which can cause a range of serious health issues.

In contrast, Sparxell makes its plant-based cellulose completely biodegradable, and the company notes that model studies confirm that its “plastic-free and toxin-free pigments” have “some of the lowest impacts on flora and fauna at the end of life.”

Sparxell expects to launch a Series A funding round in the coming months to upscale production capacity and accelerate commercialization.

The post Company Raises $3.2 Million For Plant-Based Pigment Development appeared first on Plant Based News.

McCartney, who has long been vocal in her disdain for leather and fur, urged other designers to ditch animal materials and move to more sustainable plant-based alternatives

“There is a better way for the future of fashion,” she told Plant Based News founder Klaus Mitchell in an interview at the climate conference in Dubai.

Reflecting on the environmental and ethical impacts of fashion, McCartney explained how her brand is trying to find better solutions for the planet.

“There are so many bad things in my industry,” she said. “I’m trying to gently nudge people and open their minds.”

McCartney was at COP28 to showcase Stella’s Sustainable Solutions, a series of plant-based alternatives to harmful fashion products.

Environmental impacts of fashion

The fashion industry – and its use of animal products – is having a major environmental impact.

McCartney is a key voice in the industry calling out the harms of animal fashion. While she mostly avoids animal products, she does use some wool and silk in her collection. “We don’t use leather, feathers, fur,” she said. “And that has the biggest effect on our environmental impact in a positive way.”

“I don’t know if I would still be doing fashion at this stage in my career if it were not for the really truly meaningful important role I now play here in trying to bring awareness and information to the consumer,” she added.

Leather is not a byproduct

McCartney, who has been heavily investing in leather alternatives over the last few years, also slammed the commonly held belief that animal leather is an innocent byproduct of the meat industry. “It’s just sheer nonsense,” she said. “I’m here to let people know that’s a lie that’s been created by the meat industry and leather boards.”

Leather is responsible for the deaths of more than one billion animals each year, many of whom are factory farmed. It’s a hugely lucrative industry in its own right, meaning many people consider it a “coproduct” rather than “byproduct” of beef and other meat.

McCartney – and many others championing plant-based alternatives – have received some pushback about the sustainability of some vegan leather alternatives. Yet, leather is disastrous for the environment. Livestock farming uses vast amounts of land and farming cows is responsible for around a third of human-caused methane emissions.

McCartney spoke about a new plastic-free leather alternative being shown off at her COP28 display. Made from rubber, MIRUM is said to be a scalable vegan leather.

Pushing for policy change

At COP28, McCartney was showcasing “the future of fashion.”

She also spoke about her optimism that the fashion world is changing, saying: “There’s a lot of greenwashing, unfortunately. But I think there is change happening slowly and I think that something’s better than nothing.”

More like this:

• Stella McCartney Says Move Toward Animal-Free Fashion Is ‘Critical’
• Are Ugg Boots Vegan? Everything You Need to Know
• Billie Eilish Promotes Gucci’s New Vegan Leather Bag

The post ‘Sheer Nonsense’: Stella McCartney On Why Leather Is Not A Byproduct appeared first on Plant Based News.

In a picture posted on Instagram, Marsh wore a jumper that appeared to compare people who consume meat to Jeffrey Dahmer, a notorious serial killer.

The jumper had the slogan: “I don’t eat dead bodies, but you crack on Jeffrey Dahmer.”

Jeffrey Dahmer was a notorious American serial killer, known as the Milwaukee Cannibal. Between 1978 and 1991, he murdered 17 men.

As reported by The Sun, Marsh replied to social media comments criticizing her choice of jumper. She wrote: “All meat eaters are paying someone else to repeatedly murder for them. So indirectly yes I guess they are all serial killers.”

She went on to state that the jumper is “not meant to offend anyone,” adding: “If it does offend though then that’s good as maybe it makes people think about what they’re putting in their mouths.”

Animal agriculture involves forcibly impregnating, raising, and slaughtering billions of sentient beings each year.

Jodie Marsh’s vegan activism

Jodie Marsh is a vocal critic of animal agriculture. She regularly posts pro-vegan messages to her 453,000 followers.

She has also previously joined with animal organizations to promote anti-animal cruelty campaigns, including posing naked for PETA.

Marsh opened an animal sanctuary named Fripps Farm in 2020. It is currently home to over 250 animals, many of whom have been saved from slaughter.

The aim of Fripps Farm is to “give animals the best possible life, catering for all their needs and also to give them the love that they need.”

Shining a light on unseen suffering

Commenting on the post, some meat-eaters voiced their anger at Marsh for her choice of jumper.

“I couldn’t care less what people choose to eat or not eat! What grinds my gears is vegans constantly shoving their beliefs down people’s throats,” wrote one.

For the animals that are victims of farming, however, there is no choice. Animal suffering on farms and in slaughterhouses mostly happens behind closed doors well out of sight of consumers.

Marsh’s provocative jumper is an example of fashion activism. As a model and influencer, she uses her fashion choices to bring awareness to unseen suffering of animals.

Effective communication

Marsh’s post has been divisive. Many vegans would point out that she is technically correct. By consuming meat, you are indirectly funding the slaughter of multiple animals. Some may argue, however, that labelling meat-eaters in this way is not “effective communication” when discussing the issue.

Dr Melanie Joy is one expert who has discussed the importance of effective communication in veganism. It refers to the idea that discussions around eating meat should revolve around empathy and respect, and language should be clear, non-violent, and non-judgmental. “Whether we believe in something or not, is not the issue,” Dr Joy previously said. “The issue is what works. You can be right in a sense morally, but you may not be right strategically. The animals don’t need us to be morally perfectionistic; they need us to be effective”​​.

More like this:

• ‘We’re Not Living In The Dark Ages’: Alan Cumming Urges Public To Go Vegan
• Billie Eilish And Finneas Are Opening A Vegan Restaurant
• Kourtney Kardashian Threw A Vegan Thanksgiving For Travis Barker – Here’s What They Ate

The post Jodie Marsh Sparks Controversy With Meat-Eater ‘Serial Killer’ Comment appeared first on Plant Based News.

Written by Emma Hakansson, founding director of the non-profit Collective Fashion Justice, Total Ethics Fashion: People, our fellow animals and the planet before profit explores what is so problematic about the fashion industry in its current form. Hakansson argues that fashion has become a “race to the bottom,” sacrificing creativity and sustainability to produce cheap, disposable clothes at a great ethical cost.

The book shows a way forward for the fashion industry so that it can regain its creativity and put animals, people, and planet before profit. Hakansson’s vision for fashion’s future is encapsulated in a the Total Ethics Manifesto, which is being launched alongside the book today. 

The industry, says the Manifesto, must embrace “a just transition to a fashion system which pays living wages to everyone across all supply chains, which is slow, circular and respectful of planetary boundaries, and which shifts to sustainable and just alternatives to fossil fuel-based, deforestation-driven and animal-derived materials alike.”

“The changes called for in the Total Ethics Fashion Manifesto are significant and will take time,” Hakansson told Plant Based News. “But a growing portion of the fashion industry is taking steps towards it. We don’t have time left to ignore our need for a total ethics fashion transition, as the climate crisis worsens, more animals and humans alike suffer in a system of interconnected harm.”

Individuals and institutions connected to the fashion world can sign the Manifesto, as can politicians, policy-makers, journalists, scientists, academics, celebrities, and influencers. Signatories already include the Center for Biological Diversity, Fashion Revolution India, and animal activist and writer Bel Jacobs.

Launch event

At a launch event for the book and manifesto in London earlier this week, panellists discussed how the injustices in the fashion industry reflect the global crises we are facing.

Bel Jacobs, who was on the panel, described the “hidden driver” of the wider process of global systemic decline as “a way of living and being premised on self-maximization through the plunder of the other. Whether the others are different humans, different species, or the planet itself.”

The discussion also covered how “ethical” and “sustainable” fashion has so far only partially managed to address injustices in fashion. “We’d see that something will be ethical because there’s fair labor behind it,” said Hakansson. “And that’s so important, but it might be fair labor producing something made from the suffering of an animal. We also might see something that’s labelled as vegan but it’s made from fossil fuel-derived material which also isn’t part of the future of fashion.

Referring to Hakansson’s book, moderator Issey Gladston noted that it shows “that we’re at a crossroads right now” and that fashion “can be this force for good … or it can be this force of destruction. And actually we get to decide how we move forward.”

Collective Fashion Justice

Hakansson started Collective Fashion Justice in 2020 to address the three interwoven injustices in the fashion industry: environmental, humanitarian, and anti-speciesist. Other efforts to clean up fashion have tended to focus only on one of these problems at a time.

“So often we consider what ‘ethics’ or ‘sustainability’ in fashion means in an isolated sense, considering just one issue, rather than the web of interconnected injustices which cannot be solved without a collective approach,” Hakansson said.

Collective Fashion Justice pinpoints “fashion’s animal-derived product supply chains” as the point on which all these injustices converge.

“Animals have been excluded from the conversation of fashion and ethics for too long,” said Hakansson. “But the same root of oppression which justifies exploiting animals as materials in fashion also makes way for the exploitation of garment workers and the planet. We must move beyond systems of exploitation and destruction as a whole — leaving no one behind.”

The harms of the fashion industry

The 2022 documentary SLAY, on which Hakansson worked as a line producer, researcher, and interviewee, woke many people up to the hidden costs of using animals to make fashion. 

Among the disturbing facts it brought to the surface is that as many as 1.5 billion animals are skinned in fashion supply chains for leather each year. Tanning leather requires up to 170 unique polluting chemicals such as fungicides and biocides. Multiple fashion brands may also be contributing to deforestation in the Amazon through the supply chains.

The leather supply chain is riddled with injustices. It “typically includes not only the inherent animal commodification and slaughter, but also massive methane emissions and biodiversity destruction, and frequently, unjust labour and exposure to carcinogenic substances by tannery workers,” Hakansson said. 

“When so many different harms are associated with an animal-derived material supply chain, creating a just transition to more sustainable, animal-free and plastic-free materials benefits us all. This is true not only for leather, but across other animal-derived materials.”

More like this:

• How This Vegan Flower Leather Is Cleaning Up The Ganges In India
• Why Isn’t Wool Vegan? The Reality Of Sheep Shearing
• New Report Uncovers ‘Willful Ignorance’ Of Animal Abuse In Leather Industry

The post New Book Explores How Fashion Can Prioritize Animals, Humans, And The Planet appeared first on Plant Based News.

Pearl production is often regarded as cruel. The stones are a product of animal use and exploitation, meaning they are not considered compatible with a vegan lifestyle. Veganism is an all-encompassing philosophy that’s about more than just diet, and covers items we use and wear as well. 

Here’s everything you need to know about pearls. 

Are pearls vegan?

Wearing pearls isn’t considered to be vegan. This is because they come from oysters, meaning they are animal derived. A pearl is essentially an ulcer that forms on the oyster in response to an irritant. Typically, an irritant is placed inside an oyster’s shell by a human, which leads them to respond by coating it in a crystalline substance called nacre. It’s this substance that gives pearls their famous sheen. 

Is pearl production cruel?

Many people believe that oysters aren’t sentient and are incapable of feeling fear and pain like us. So strong is this view, that even some prominent animal rights figures – like Peter Singer – have openly said they aren’t opposed to eating oysters. 

It’s true that oysters lack a brain and central nervous system. This may mean, therefore, that they do not feel feelings in the same way as humans, pigs, fish, and other animals considered to be sentient. It does not necessarily mean, however, that they lack the capacity to feel. We don’t know that a different physiology means a lack of sentience – it may be that they experience feelings beyond our understanding.

How pearls are made

The way oysters respond during the pearl production process indicates that they may have the capacity to feel something resembling pain and fear. The pearl industry has created a process called “cultivating” pears, which sees farmers pry open the shell and manually insert an irritant. Oysters can be observed appearing to hide inside their shells when they sense danger. They also snap them shut tightly when disturbed by touch or loud noises. These may be natural reflexes, however.

Farmers will also often suspend the oysters in a cage and subject them to different water temperatures. This is so they can get the desired shape and consistency of the pearl. The oysters will then be pried open once more so they can have their pearl taken from them. 

Many oysters will then be thrown into the water so they can repeat the pearl cycle again. After they are no longer of use for pearl production, they will be killed for food. 

Can you buy vegan pearls?

While pearls derived from oysters are not vegan, it is possible to buy pearl-like products made from glass, plastic, or other materials. Vivienne Westwood is one brand that creates some necklaces made with glass-based pearls (though you should always double-check before buying, as some are animal-derived). Many vegans designers incorporate plant-based pearls in their collections, including Vellva. 

More like this:

• Is Silk Vegan? The Truth About A Hidden Industry
• How Is Cashmere Made?
• Inside The Fur Farming Industry: Can Fur Really Be ‘Ethical’ Or ‘Sustainable’?

The post Why Aren’t Pearls Vegan? Here’s How They’re Produced appeared first on Plant Based News.

The undisclosed amount came from JLR’s investment arm, InMotion Ventures. It was part of a pre-seed funding round that saw the biomaterials start-up raise $2 million. Other investors include Stray Dog Capital, Alwyn Capital, VegInvest, GlassWalls Syndicate, and Hack Capital. 

“We’re thrilled to work with InMotion Ventures and JLR to reimagine leather in the automotive industry,” said Stephanie Downs, CEO and co-founder of Uncaged Innovations, in a statement. “We’re proud to have leveraged just one percent of the funds raised by previous innovators to go from concept to full-scale production, giving us a competitive edge over our competitors.”

Uncaged Innovations will use the funding to create a more sustainable alternative to animal leather. It’s thought that the company is prioritizing luxury and durability in its development. 

The rise of vegan leather

The animal-free leather alternative market has experienced rapid growth in recent years. It was valued at USD $39.5 billion in 2022, and it’s been forecast to grow to $74.5 billion by 2030.

As well as fashion brands, car manufacturers appear to be showing increasing levels of interest in vegan leather. A number of well-known companies including Tesla and BMW, as well as JLR, have made use of it in their interiors in recent years.

While vegan leather (sometimes termed “pleather”) has often traditionally been made from PU, PVC, and other plastic materials, an increasing number of companies are creating more sustainable versions. 

Cactus, pineapple, and mushroom are just three such ingredients that can be used to make plant-based leather. One company in India is also using waste flowers from the Ganges, cleaning up the river in the process. High fashion brands like Stella McCartney and Balenciaga are also promoting vegan leather in their collections.

The post Vegan Leather Startup Raises $2 Million, With Help From Jaguar Land Rover appeared first on Plant Based News.

According to the brand, the shoes “replicate the luxurious look and feel” of animal leather. They are made from 50 percent maize waste and 50 percent recycled polyurethane, and are said to be 63 percent biodegradable. They are also up to four times more durable than animal leather. 

The new collection is mostly made up of black and white sneakers, with some pairs coming in red, green, and blue. They are all handmade in Portugal, and described as “for the eco conscious trendsetter.”

The rise of LØCI

LØCI was founded in 2021, and it’s quickly establishing itself as a key player in the plant-based shoe space. Leonardo DiCaprio invested in the brand last year, and its celebrity fans include Ben Affleck, Jessica Alba, and Mila Kunis. 

“We believe that the measure of our success lies in the magnitude of our impact,” said CEO Emmanuel Eribo in a statement. “Today, it is crucial to go beyond creating exceptional products; we are here to drive change. That is why it is always imperative for us to think differently and swim against the tide.”

One of LØCI’s USPs is that it uses recycled plastic bottles where possible, while also incorporating materials like recycled nylon and brass, cork, bamboo, and natural rubber replace, rather than animal leather. 

LØCI has claimed that it’s prevented around one million plastic bottles from being discarded. It also donates 10 percent of sales to marine organizations SEE Turtles and Sea Shepherd. 

Leonardo DiCaprio supports sustainable brands

Speaking about his decision to invest in LØCI, DiCaprio previously said in a statement that he was “proud” to support a brand “dedicated to minimizing its environmental impact, and centered around creating cruelty-free, ethical footwear.”

The actor has also supported a number of other sustainable fashion brands, including Vitrolabs and Allbirds. He’s also invested in the cultivated meat sector, as well as Lewis Hamilton’s vegan chain Neat Burger.

Those interested can view the new LØCI maize collection here. Prices for the “corn” sneakers start at $215 (£173), and they are available to order online now.

The post Leonardo DiCaprio-Backed Vegan Brand LØCI Unveils Corn Leather Sneakers appeared first on Plant Based News.

The EQT93 “Plant and Grow” sandals take inspiration from nature for their color palette, which is made up of Green Oxide, Brown, and Easy Yellow. They have also been designed with community gardening projects as a key inspiration.

“A modern remix on our coveted EQT 93 silhouette, they honor nature with a speckled rubber sole that mimics the texture of soil, earthy colors and a ‘plant and grow’ logo on the heel,” Adidas said in a statement. “Guerrilla gardening beautifies city spaces, brings communities together, and provides nourishing food. It’s also the influence behind these Adidas sandals.”

Materials included in the Plant and Grow sandals include a synthetic upper, in place of Adidas’ more traditional leather and suede options. A fabric lining and durable rubber sole complete the construction. 

The sandals are priced at USD $105, or £85.

Adidas is no stranger to vegan footwear

The new Plant and Grow sandals are the latest in a slew of vegan-friendly footwear releases for the sportswear giant. 

In 2018, Adidas launched a campaign declaring “Our Icons Go Vegan.” The project saw the brand partner with fashion designer Stella McCartney to launch a cruelty-free version of its flagship Stan Smith sneakers made from vegan leather and animal-free glues.

It’s also given its Superstar and Samba sneaker lines a cruelty-free makeover. Most recently, Adidas teamed up with Disney to commemorate the latter’s centenary celebration with vegan Mickey and Minnie Samba shoes. Both versions come in plain white synthetic leather with contrasting color details and small Disney graphics.

Kangaroo leather still remains

Despite creating a number of animal-free footwear options, Adidas has chosen not to follow in the footsteps of fellow giants Nike and Puma in dropping kangaroo leather from its portfolio.

Back in March, Puma was the first to announce it is phasing out leather in favor of “superior” synthetic options. Two weeks later, Nike revealed similar plans. Conversely, Adidas revealed that it will continue to manufacture its Copa Mundial football boots with kangaroo leather into 2024.

The post Adidas Launches ‘Plant And Grow’ Vegan Shoes appeared first on Plant Based News.

Contrary to what many people believe, veganism is more than just a diet. It’s a commitment to abstaining from contributing to all forms of animal exploitation (where possible). Silk is one of the many animal-derived materials that are not vegan-friendly. 

Silk has been around for centuries, and is used to make clothes, scarves, and other accessories. It’s also been something of a trend in recent months, with a number of companies swearing by the alleged benefits of silk pillowcases. Moreover, the silk market is projected to reach between $14-18 billion by 2025.

Those tempted by silk products should be aware, however, that its production involves the killing of countless insects. Here’s everything you need to know about why silk isn’t vegan. 

Why isn’t silk vegan?

Silk is produced from fiber spun by worms when they make cocoons. The industry calls them “silkworms,” and they are generally raised and bred on farms. If these worms were allowed to live out their natural lives, they would transform into moths after leaving their cocoons. On farms, however, they are killed before they get the chance. 

The worms start to spin their cocoons when they are around 35 days old. They secrete liquid silk through glands on their bodies, and it hardens when it comes into contact with the air. Cocoons are made from a single thread of silk that can be up to 900 meters long. Once the worms have finished spinning and are inside, workers often extract the silk by placing the cocoon in extremely hot water to unravel them. This means that the worms are boiled alive. 

Some silk farms may also use freezing, baking, or gassing as means to kill the worms and extract the silk. According to PETA, it takes 3,000 worms to make one pound of silk. It’s thought that trillions could be killed each year in the industry. 

Do silkworms feel pain?

Pain is a subjective experience, and impossible to prove in any non-human animal at this point in time. While most humans are aware that dogs and cats feel pain because of their similar reactions to humans, the experience of some animals is less apparent. 

Worms and other invertebrates have a very different physiology to humans, leading many people to assume they cannot feel like we do. However, they still have a brain and nervous system, and there is a great deal of scientific evidence to suggest they feel pain. 

In April 2022, an evolutionary psychology professor at the University of Washington named David Parash offered the argument that animals some people deem as less intelligent – like invertebrates – could likely experience pain. 

In a study titled Even Worms Feel Pain, he wrote: “Insofar as it is a crucial alarm signal, pain should be a cross-species universal, no less valuable for paramecia than for people.” He then referenced a quote in a chapter called Can They Suffer? from Richard Dawkins’ 2017 book Science in the Soul.

The quote reads: “Isn’t it plausible that an unintelligent species might need a massive wallop of pain, to drive home a lesson that we can learn with less powerful inducement?”

Environmental impact of silk

Many people may also be unaware that silk, despite being biodegradable, harms the environment too. According to the Higg Index, silk production is more damaging to the environment than almost all other fibers. Silk reportedly requires more water and generates more greenhouse gasses and pollution than a majority of other textiles (including plastic-based ones).

What are some vegan alternatives to silk?

There are a number of non-animal materials that can be used as alternatives to silk. Silk-like material can be made from pineapple, cactus, and lotus, and these have all been highlighted as more environmentally sound as well. Satin is also similar in texture and appearance, and isn’t derived from an animal source.

The post Is Silk Vegan? The Truth About A Hidden Industry appeared first on Plant Based News.

Born Free, Four Paws, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and Last Chance for Animals worked together to launch a nationwide campaign. The groups hope to facilitate a change of heart in Dillard’s by highlighting the cruelty of fur production. This, alongside the potential benefits the chain could enjoy if it publicly denounced fur.

Competitor department store Nordstrom is cited as an example of the latter. The massive chain saw its stock increase after announcing it was going fur-free.

Dillard’s – which had 282 stores across 29 states at last count – remains the only chain of its size and fame in the US to sell products featuring real animal fur, HSUS says. Multiple operations including Bloomingdale’s, Kohl’s, and Macy’s have all removed fur from their catalogs. 

“As we’ve seen with other fur-free announcements, the positive feedback and goodwill that going fur-free promises to generate would certainly outweigh the small amount that Dillard’s receives from fur sales,” HSUS said in a statement.

Thousands of people have already lent their support to the new campaign. So far, more than 72,000 have contacted Dillard’s via the HSUS website as part of the fur-free campaign.

Legal strife over fur at Dillard’s

Dillard’s previously came under fire – and investigation – for falsely claiming that items contained faux fur, when they were actually made with raccoon dog fur.

The company was named in three petitions sent to the Federal Trade Commission. It was also taken to Superior Court and received widespread negative news coverage. Subsequently, the department store chain pledged to stop selling raccoon dog fur in 2013. Now, activists want to see a blanket ban on all fur items.

HSUS reiterates that Dillard’s has access to a slew of fur alternatives, with many already being sold on its website. The animal advocacy group also doubled down on its policy that a real fur trim on a coat or a pom on a shoe is not worth the suffering inflicted on animals to make it.

The real price of department store fur

Approximately 100 million animals are farmed specifically for their pelts (skins and fur) each year.

Farming practices commonly involve containing animals in small cages that inhibit their natural behaviors and become breeding grounds for disease. 

Animals desperate for freedom can resort to self-mutilation but are rarely given veterinary care. Instead, they are routinely overfed to increase their fur quota, which is “cashed in” when they are killed.

Most animals suffer a gruesome death from electrocution, gassing or physical violence, while others are skinned alive.

Those interested in urging Dillard’s to stop selling fur can do so here.

The post New Campaign Targets Dillard’s, The Last Major US Department Store To Sell Fur appeared first on Plant Based News.

Daniel Roseberry, creative director of the French haute couture house Schiaparelli, debuted the collection today at the brand’s spring/summer 2023 show.

The heads of a wolf, lion, and snow leopard were depicted on dresses modeled by Naomi Campbell, Irina Shayk, and Shalom Harlow respectively. Kardashian family member Kylie Jenner, who sat front row at the runway event, also wore an oversized lion head on the shoulder of her gown.

The heads were crafted from foam, resin, wool, and silk-based faux fur.

“NO ANIMALS WERE HARMED IN MAKING THIS LOOK,” Schiaparelli assured its 1.7 million followers on Instagram posts about the collection. (This claim also raised eyebrows, as both wool and silk production have been linked to cruel practices and animal abuse.)

In creating the looks, Roseberry reportedly drew inspiration from poetry penned in the 14th century by Dante Alighieri. In Alighieri’s 14,233-line poem The Divine Comedy, the leopard, lion, and “she-wolf” represent lust, pride, and greed.

Roseberry said he wanted to celebrate “the glory of nature and guarding the woman who wears it.”

Schiaparelli show sparks controversy

Thousands of people flocked to the comment section of Schiaparelli’s Instagram – as well as British Vogue’s own post – to voice their disappointment in the show. Some dubbed it “disturbing,” while others accused the fashion house of being “out of touch” and promoting violence against animals.

German designer Cyrill Gutsch, founder of conservation gorup Parley for the Oceans, named the collection “unacceptable.”

“So wrong,” Gutsch wrote. “Even if the designer is not using real animals for this collection, why on Earth do we need to celebrate a visual reference of trophy hunting? The damage to these animals is done by spreading the idea that the killing of majestic creatures is ok.

“That makes it a pro big game hunting campaign. Unacceptable.”

Not all animal rights figures disapproved of the designs, however. PETA president Ingrid Newkirk described the heads as “fabulously innovative.”

In a statement to Page Six Style, she added: “Kylie, Naomi and Irina’s looks celebrate the beauty of wild animals and may be a statement against trophy hunting, in which lions and wolves are torn apart to satisfy human egotism.”

What is trophy hunting?

Trophy hunting is a bloodsport that sees wild animals, referred to as “game,” hunted, killed, and displayed as “trophies” for human entertainment.

Lions, leopards, rhinos, and elephants are among the most commonly targeted species, along with bears, deer, and buffalo. However, hundreds of other species – including those that are endangered or threatened – are also victims of the trade.

In 2021, Humane Society International (HSI) commissioned research to learn more about Europeans’ stance on trophy hunting. It found that approximately 80 percent of those polled somewhat or strongly opposed the activity.

It’s a similar story in the United States, home to most of the world’s trophy hunters. There, more than 75 percent of people do not support trophy hunting, according to separate research from HSI.

Still, the bloodsport is legal in many parts of the world. As a result, a number of campaigns are working to put a stop to the industry. A petition that calls on the United Nations to ban trophy hunting and the export and import of its products has surpassed 510,000 signatures.

Those interested can add their names here.

The post Star-Studded Fashion Show Accused Of Glamorizing Trophy Hunting appeared first on Plant Based News.

The ban will apply to both Victoria’s Secret and PINK-branded items sold throughout the world. The company is currently thought to be operating in more than 60 countries, including India, the US, and the UK.

Animal rights organization PETA claims to have pushed executives into taking action. It showed them evidence of the cruelty endured by goats in the cashmere industry. Suffering includes painful combings to remove their soft hair and subsequent wounds.

“Victoria’s Secret’s decision is a win for the countless gentle goats who will be spared the agonizing ordeal of someone ripping their hair out,” Tracy Reiman, PETA’s executive vice president said in a statement. 

“PETA asks everyone to help goats keep their hair by choosing vegan fabrics, which aren’t produced by condemning animals to a lifetime of suffering.”

How is cashmere made?

PETA previously investigated the conditions and treatment experienced by goats reared on cashmere farms in China and Mongolia. Together, the two supply 90 percent of the world’s cashmere.

In a gruesome video, farmers are seen restraining goats, who scream in pain as their soft underbelly hair is torn out. Many are injured during the process, which sees large metal combs used to access the softest hair. This is found underneath an often matted topcoat.

PETA’s undercover footage found that cashmere farmers routinely stood on goats and manipulated their limbs to prevent the animals from moving. Any injuries incurred did not receive veterinary treatment, and animals were left in apparent pain until they were killed.

Once a cashmere goat is deemed unprofitable, they are slaughtered by having their throats slit.

In the footage, some goats were hit on the head with hammers beforehand, but all were left to die on the floor once they started to bleed out. The goats were then sold for meat.

Victoria’s Secret executives were sent the investigation findings. Since then, they have opted to remove all cashmere products from future collections. The company currently has no cashmere on sale and has no plans to introduce any.

Victoria’s Secret has previously removed Angora rabbit fur and alpaca fleece, again following interactions with PETA.

Asos, Mexx, and 39 other fashion companies have also dropped cashmere in favor of animal-free alternatives, such as Tencel and bamboo.

The post Victoria’s Secret Bans Cashmere After Receiving Undercover Farm Footage appeared first on Plant Based News.

More clothing companies than ever are realizing that, yes, vegans do have a sense of humor, and also love a tasteless garment. As such, they are stepping up to offer festive fun to animal-free fashion fans, featuring cruelty-free slogans, self-deprecating jokes, and, of course, no animal products.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite festive sweaters – but remember: a jumper is for life, not just for Christmas. We are not advocating fast fashion here, and hope that you’ll wear your tacky wardrobe addition for many years to come.

1. Vegan Outfitters – ‘Vegan ruining family gatherings’

A playful jibe at the difficulties of integrating vegan beliefs into meat-filled holiday traditions, we like to think of this sweater as an ice-breaker. It also serves as a nice reminder that you don’t want the meaty gravy boat coming your way at dinner.

Vegan Outfitters prioritizes ethical manufacturing, and it is Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP)-certified. All inks used are eco-friendly and the company is PETA-approved.

Ruin Christmas Day here.

2. notjust – A few of our favorite things

notjust has chosen to showcase a repeating pattern of vegan staples. Who knew that hummus, pitta, and avocados would translate into a Fair Isle-style knit so well? While the design is great, so is the blurb that encourages shoppers to place an order to annoy Piers Morgan. 

The jumper is designed, manufactured, and shipped from within the UK. notjust advocates for fair and equitable working conditions for its garment workers, and, as an extra gift, 50 percent of all proceeds go to environmental charities.

Grab yours here.

3. Blanket Boss – ‘Joyous Kwanzaa’

Of course, Christmas isn’t the only holiday taking place in December, so if you’re a meat-free Kwanzaa celebrator, this is the sweater for you. Made from 100 percent acrylic, no animal products are used anywhere in the process. Plus, every jumper is made in the US, under fair working conditions.

Remember, as a secular celebration of life, Kwanzaa and veganism can go hand-in-hand. Now, questionable holiday sweaters can join the mix too!

Dress up for Kwanzaa here.

4. Defender of Animals – ‘Go stuff yourself’

Harmless fun is all well and good, but let’s not forget that around this time of year, millions of animals lose their lives to be served as a dinner centerpiece. Defender of Animals keeps this firmly in mind with its messaging: “Have a vegan Christmas or go stuff yourselves.” We are also a sucker for a hoodie at this time of year, so bravo for including this option.

The holiday jumper comes with a slew of ethical credentials. These include being constructed from certified organic cotton, and being free from animal-derived products. It is also manufactured using low-waste printing techniques in a factory powered by renewable energy. As you might expect, some of the profits are donated to animal sanctuaries – 50 percent to be exact.

Become a defender of animals here.

5. Modern Tribe – ‘Holiday schmear’

Gone are the days when it was hard to veganize traditional Jewish holiday dishes. Now, you can join in with all the fun, from vegan Gefilte fish to wearing ugly sweaters that immortalize your love for Hanukkah. 

There are plenty of tongue-in-cheek designs to choose from, but the innocence of a schmear gag feels wholesome enough to be family-friendly. Plus, the abundance of dairy-free cream cheese now available keeps it on theme.

Spread some joy here.

6. Alba Paris – ‘No excuses’

Continuing the theme of unapologetically vegan holiday sweaters, this Alba Paris number makes a statement – but still has cute animals, holly, and snow on the front. This feels like the right jumper to wear when you know you’re going to see that family member who always has to make a case for meat-eating or tries to trip you up with questions and hypothetical scenarios. No, Uncle Dave, we wouldn’t eat the pig even if we were on a deserted island.

The jumper is WRAP-certified, and the printing uses non-toxic and vegan inks. The sizing is unisex and four colorways are offered, all of which can be distributed from either the US or Europe to lower transport emissions. Animal rescue centers and activist organizations receive 10 percent of the profits.

Stop making excuses here.

7. PETA – ‘I want tofu’

PETA has had a few holiday designs, including one that showcased the cruelty of wool. However, this is a gentle option that makes the case for turkey to be taken off the menu. Simple, unassuming, and a perfect combination of festive colors.

Sales of merchandise help to fund PETA’s ongoing animal advocacy work.

Demand tofu here.

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Tag us in your social posts of you wearing your own holiday sweaters, we’d love to see! And where ever you are in the world, however you celebrate (or don’t), happy holidays!

The post 7 Vegan Christmas And Holiday Sweaters To Keep You Warm This Festive Season appeared first on Plant Based News.

Here are just a few of the reasons to give up cashmere, from species decline to serious animal welfare concerns. Plus, why the future of fabric is cruelty-free. 

Cashmere’s impact on the planet

For the most part, cashmere wool comes from Mongolian goats who live in the Gobi Desert—hence why it is so expensive.

It comes from the underbelly part of the goat’s body, where the hair is fine and delicate. It is obtained by extensive combing of the heavier, often shaggy top coats of the animals. Typically, four goats are needed to make just one average-sized sweater.

Because of the way it is produced, cashmere has been linked to falling numbers of endangered animals.

As the nonprofit Collective Fashion Justice highlights, cashmere goat grazing leads to significant natural habitat loss. This is referenced in a report entitled Globalization of the cashmere market and the decline of large mammals in central Asia, which was released back in 2013. 

Essentially, the goats harm the environment with their eating habits: the animals eat 10 percent of their body weight daily in the form of plants that they rip out of the ground. Roots and all. 

With an estimated population of around 700 million, cashmere goats are creating a significant biodiversity deficit. In addition to their consumption, their tough hooves impact the earth, making it difficult for new plants to grow. 

Mongolia’s temperature has risen by an average of four degrees Fahrenheit as a result of global warming. This, combined with grazing goats, is considered to be responsible for the degradation of 65 percent of its grasslands. 

Plus, research suggests that increased goat farming across China and Mongolia has contributed to dwindling numbers of snow leopards, wild yaks, and saiga antelopes, amongst others, across central Asia. 

Researchers found that persistent ecosystem damage, caused by growing numbers of goat herds, reduced the likelihood of native species’ survival. A lack of ground cover for hunting predators and depletion of preferred food sources are cited.

Is cashmere cruel?

Cashmere is not only harmful to wild animal populations, but also to the goats themselves. 

Cashmere is a luxury product, commanding a high price tag due to its softness. Used in high-end fashion, it is produced using the fleeces of Changthangi or Pashmina goats. Commonly depicted as a gentle, even pleasant, process, hair fiber retrieval is completed through extensive combing of individual animals. 

In reality, animals are “combed” using sharp metal-toothed tools, which rip through their often matted topcoat to reach the ultrafine fibers on their underbellies. Goats have to be forcibly held or tied down during the process. And previous animal welfare investigations, including one conducted by PETA, have produced footage of animals screaming in agony during the procedure. 

Goats are subjected to multiple combings until they no longer produce ultra-soft hair. At this point, they are deemed unprofitable and are slaughtered. 

When left to live a natural life, goats often reach around 12 years old. Those reared for the cashmere industry rarely see past five years, with males commonly killed much sooner. This is due to females often having softer hair, though the quality and color are important too. Animals who do not produce the right hair are slaughtered regardless of sex.

Neither China nor Mongolia has any animal welfare laws in place to protect these goats. Though the latter did introduce its Animal Health Law in 2017, which looked to help farmers control disease in their herds. As a result, animal deaths can be brutal and cruel with many reportedly being hit in the head with a hammer and left to bleed out.

Cruelty-free alternatives to cashmere

The global cashmere market is expected to reach $4.6 billion by 2032. Increasing demand is attributed to millennial interest in luxury goods, though popular high-street brands have moved away from its use in recent years. H&M and ASOS both ditched the material in 2019.

One factor that could stunt sector growth is the rising number of Gen Z and Millennial vegans. 

This means that an interest in animal welfare is likely to grow and consumers could be looking to substitute cruel materials, including leather, wool, and cashmere, with more humane alternatives.

A number of eco-friendly alternatives to these materials already exist, including Lyocell, bamboo, and hemp. Plus, vegan leather is a fast-growing sector, but plant-based cashmere remains more niche, particularly compositions that are plastic-free. 

However, choosing such options would reduce industry cruelty and may even prevent some of Asia’s largest mammals from becoming extinct.

The saiga antelope is officially classified as critically endangered, with an estimated 50,000 left in the world. Snow leopards are also considered to be one of the 10 most endangered animals globally, according to Animals Around the Globe.

The post From Species Loss To Animal Cruelty, Here’s Why It’s Time To Boycott Cashmere appeared first on Plant Based News.

The designer, who is well-known for using mostly plant-based materials, spoke to Plant Based News (PBN) co-founder Robbie Lockie about the importance of vegan fashion at her recent Paris Fashion Week show. 

Currently, McCartney has around three garments made from silk, which is a non-vegan fiber produced by silkworms.

These worms would naturally transform into moths, but they are killed in the production process before they are able to transform. When they are around 35 days old, they start to spin their cocoons which would usually turn them into moths. While doing this, they secrete a liquid version of silk out of their heads. 

The cocoons will often be dropped into boiling water so they unravel, allowing the silk to be collected. This process kills the worms. Worms may also be killed by freezing, baking, and steaming. 

McCartney said that moving away from silk is her “big goal.” She added that she’s got a “hard deadline” to stop using the material. 

“I was reading something only last week about plant-based silk that comes from plants in Morocco,” she added. “I’m going to find, and I’m going to use it, and that’s going to be that.”

According to McCartney’s website, her collection uses a mixture of traditional silk and Peace Silk. While silkworms (which are actually caterpillars) are killed in the traditional process, Peace Silk production allows the insects to turn into moths and fly away. 

There are now many vegan silk alternatives available on the market, meaning more designers could move away from the animal version in future.

McCartney’s emphasis on plant-based materials

McCartney, a vegetarian, has long heralded the importance of using animal-free fibers. She recently launched a $200 million investment fund for eco-friendly businesses. Vegan leather brand Bolt Threads was one of the recipients. 

In her summer 2023 collection, McCartney uses a leather-alternative made from grapes, as well as the mushroom-based mycelium leather named Mylo.

“What I try to do at Stella is really show people that you really don’t have to sacrifice anything for sustainability and for not killing animals,” she told Lockie. “All of the faux leather on that runway, nobody can tell anymore.”

The designer also discussed Slay, a new documentary that exposes cruelty and greenwashing in the fashion industry. McCartney described it as “phenomenal,” adding: “I’ve been doing this my whole life. And it’s quite surreal and exciting and frustrating that in 2022 we’ve only just been able to make a documentary like that.”

Fashion moves away from animals

In recent years, there has been growing awareness of the cruelty of using animals for fashion. 

While the notoriety surrounding fur is well-known, the general public has been slower to wake up to the reality behind materials like leather, which is commonly thought of as a “byproduct” of the beef industry. (While this is often true, the leather industry is huge in its own right. It was valued at $407.92 billion in 2021.)

In 2018, Helsinki Fashion Week announced that it would ban animal-based leather from its runways. One of the first shows of this year’s London Fashion Week also showcased an all-vegan collection incorporating cactus leather.

There has also been an influx of sustainable leather alternatives used by mainstream designers in the last few years, including Hermès and Tommy Hilfiger.

A number of brands have also ditched animal-derived materials like mohair, exotic animal skins, and angora. And Stella McCartney isn’t alone in moving away from silk. In 2018, ASOS announced it would ditch silk, as well as cashmere, down, and feathers, from all of its collections.

The post Stella McCartney Says Move Toward Animal-Free Fashion Is ‘Critical’ appeared first on Plant Based News.