My wife says that seal skin socks are unethical because baby seals have been clubbed to death for them - is she right?
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help
are seal skin socks ethical to buy?
(7 posts)- Started 15 years ago by andyw
- Latest reply from Kim
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Posted 15 years ago #
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probably made in China like everything else. I bought a pair that were thermal and 'waterproof' and have had very warm feet ever since. The packaging is bad as the socks fall out the top and get jumbled up, took me a while to find two I liked. I had the sense that some of them had been on feet and then returned to the shop as there is no way they are totally waterproof as they have a big hole in them (so you can get your feet in). That is probably too long an answer but there you go.
Posted 15 years ago # -
The company is called 'Sealskinz' and the name is simply a metaphor for waterproofing and warmth.
The gloves and socks are based on merino wool rather than baby seal pelts, and while wool is generally considered to be an ethical product, if vegan-friendly is your real concern then be aware that not all merino wool is completely animal-friendly. Look up mulesing of merino sheep for more on that.
Generally though, merino sheep farms in New Zealand have a stricter policy on animal welfare than Australia. Zque 'ethical wool' standards cover this, along with environmental, social economic and traceability criteria.
There are other good items for keeping your feet warm in winter, such as neoprene boots, plastic bread bags, and even heated insoles, none of which contains animal products as far as I know. The VeganFitness forum has plenty of advice for cyclists.
Posted 15 years ago # -
Of course, socks that are, literally, 'seal skin' are probably very unethical.
Posted 15 years ago # -
Try telling the Inuit that :p
Posted 15 years ago # -
Do they cycle??
Posted 15 years ago # -
They also laugh at the tourist who do...
Posted 15 years ago #
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