Sector – Service – Not- for Profit
Green Year 1 – 09
Friends of Fur
Consumer Message
Friends of Fur is recognized for
furthering its educational program re: the environmental benefits of
choosing natural fur. Fur is a consumer product through an activity that is
sustainable, ecologically, socially and economically.
Recognition Summary for Consumers
Friends of Fur is a national environmental and educational organization. Specifically, it educates consumers regarding “natural fur.”
It is Making A Difference Environmentally by
linking the on-the-land activities of fur harvesters with the consumer.
Natural fur products have been part of the Canadian landscape for many
generations. The fur trade and now the fur industry was Canada’s founding
economic activity.
Fur harvesters are often referred to as the
“true caretakers of nature” some of the only people who are part of and who
understand the ecological relationships that exist within nature. Two of
which are “carrying capacity” and the “cycle of disease, starvation and
predation.” Whether it be forestry or fishing, humankind has been part of
nature harvesting and protecting.
Fur is a natural product. Fur harvesting is
a sustainable activity.
Specific Consumer “link(s)” to Friends of Fur
Friends of Fur (FoF) represent the interests of the fur buying public. FoF provides the voice for the fur consumers. FoF is a group of concerned citizens from all walks of life who want society to know that they enjoy wearing fur products and that effective wildlife management will sustain North America's founding industry.
Friends of Fur aim is to enhance and preserve the cultures that surround the fur trade, to educate and inform.
FoF Mission (from www.friends-of-fur.org )
FoF will provide people, with facts and
information about the North American fur trade. Canada’s oldest industry,
the reason this country was founded and the impetus for its exploration.
Canadian furs- a legacy of our huge wilderness areas and cold climate-are
the worlds best. North America's first business still provides a living for
thousands of people, most of whom learned their craft from their parents.
FoF Goal (as identified)
FoF will provide knowledge and understanding to fur consumers, recognizing their important contribution toward the many social, economic and wildlife management benefits. The fur trade does not impact forests or the ozone layer. In a society of mass-produced disposable and over-flowing landfills, fur garments are handcrafted, long lasting and ultimately, completely biodegradable. For generations cultures living in harmony with nature have survived by hunting, trapping and gathering within nature. Today, the valued additional income the fur trade provides for thousands of people in urban, rural and remote areas of North America is relevant and crucial to retaining traditional values and ways of life.
FoF endorses and gives full support to the initiatives of the Fur Council of Canada (FCC) and their outstanding ”Fur is Green” public awareness campaign. See www.furcouncil.com and www.furisgreen.com .
The benefits of examining the Fur is Green campaign are: provides fur consumers with the necessary educational information needed to ensure that their purchases of ‘Natural Fur’ products are based on an informed choice.
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Complementary Resource to FoF
Fur Farms.
While farms clearly use some electricity and
fuel, and wastes must always be responsibly managed, farm-raised fur is also
a pollution reducer because farmed mink and fox are fed leftovers from fish
and meat processing. The 5.5 million mink raised on North American farms
recycle more than 500 million pounds of food wastes annually. Fur farms
use very little electricity, fossil fuels or water. In addition to producing
fur, fat is rendered for valuable mink oil (used for skin care, cosmetics,
fine lubricants and to protect and preserve leather) while carcasses and
manure provide fertilizers. Nothing is wasted.” Source: Alan Herscovici, Fur
Council of Canada (FCC) Fur is Green
www.furisgreen.com
link here. Consumers should consider all the available information.
Future Initiatives by Friends of Fur
Friends of Fur is committed to ensuring fur
customers/potential customers are aware of all the environmentally friendly
(Green) benefits due to natural fur. Therefore FoF will develop, maintain
and actively support consumer/public awareness campaigns, seeking
partnerships with other sectors of the fur trade; striving to ensure that
customers/potential customers are knowledgeable and clearly understand all
the important environmental (green) benefits due to their choice to wear
natural fur.
For more information contact:
Eldon Hawton, President
Founding Member
Friends of Fur
PO Box 23007
North Bay ON
P1A 4K6