This label on a Bill Blass coat says nothing about the real fur trim, although vegans wouldn't buy a wool coat anyway.
On December 18, U.S. President Barack Obama signed the Truth in Fur Labeling Act into law, requiring all products containing real fur to be labeled as such. Previously, the fur labeling law contained a loophole that exempted products if the value of the fur was under $150, leaving consumers in the dark about the real fur in their gloves, hats and fur-trimmed coats.
This law is important not because fur is worse than other animal products. In fact, the law already requires that wool must be identified on a garment label no matter how small the amount of wool. The law is important so that vegans and others who want to avoid fur can do so confidently, without having to snip a few hairs to test them. Food ingredient lists are essential for vegans, and now, labels on clothing will be more reliable for everyone who wants to avoid fur.
And speaking of fur and truth, I love comedian Elayne Boosler's take on the new law: "Congress passes Truth in Fur Labeling Act! From now on, every fur coat will have a label that says, 'This garment being worn by a shallow, narcissistic, selfish creature.'"
H/T to Gary Smith of Evolutus for the Elayne Boosler quote.
Photo ©Doris Lin, licensed to About.com
Comments
Great end of year columns. Merry Christmas to you and peace on earth to men and animals.