As summer fades and the nights get longer, you may find it a little more taxing to pull yourself from the comforts of your bed. We all relish a good night’s sleep, but at what cost - what secrets may your duvet or pillows hide? This autumn, we release our third issue of FAUX PAWS which this time is honing in on the  cruelty within the down industry. From pillows and duvets to cosy parka coats, the feathers of ducks and geese are often used to stuff items full of warmth. However, these feathers come at a cruel cost…

The darkness behind the warmth

In this month’s FAUX PAWS, we discuss live plucking, where birds have the fluffy feathers closest to their skin repeatedly ripped out. Sadly, many geese and ducks that are live plucked are also subjected to force feeding for the foie gras industry. Many of these animals are kept in horrendous conditions, locked inside with no access to things that should be natural to them, such as water for swimming. Birds use their down feathers to keep them warm and insulated, which are why they are so sought after. But  when there are so many ethical and sustainable alternatives available that don’t require an animal’s suffering, why do we continue to dive into down?

The good news

The fashion industry is evolving, with numerous high street UK brands such as Topshop, Primark and Dorothy Perkins now offering recycled polyester as a sustainable alternative. As consumers we can put an end to this cruel practice by opting for animal-friendly or plant-based alternatives and showing brands that we do not want clothing and home items that rely on animal abuse. Let us be compassionate in our fashion choices and #LiveKinder for animals.