Couch | Art | Coffee Table | White Velvet Pillows | Fuzzy White Pillows | Round Gold Tray (similar)| Candle | Dog (similar)
When I really started learning about trying to live a cruelty-free lifestyle, I learned that down was part of the problem. I truly believe that people don’t really know what down is or where it comes from – or maybe they believe that it is collected in a “humane”* way. It is only once we know better that we can do better!
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
—Maya Angelou.
Down is the layer of fine bird feathers under the tougher exterior feathers – many baby birds are covered in mostly down. The down feathers keep in air, which helps to insulate birds against heat loss and also helps with buoyancy in the water. These feathers are taken from these animals, mostly geese and ducks, from either live plucking or from birds who are slaughtered for consumption. It is estimated that nearly 90% of the global supply of down comes from Asia where animal welfare standards are extremely low.
*While many countries have outlawed the super cruel live-plucking of these feathers from a bird’s body, it is suggested that up to 80% of the down supply is still gathered in this barbaric way. It is still legal in China and select European countries that supply a large part of the demand.
The good news is that you don’t need down! There are many fabulous synthetic or cruelty-free alternatives that will keep you just as warm and cozy and most of the time are more cost-effective (but there are super high-end designer couches that come in down-free options too!)
Most of the below come in more customizable options such as different sizes, fabrics, wood finishes, etc! They range in price from $599 to high end luxury.
1. High Fashion Home – Greer Sectional | 2. Pottery Barn – Cameron Slope Arm Upholstered Sofa | 3. Restoration Hardware – Maddox Collection when “standard fill” is chosen | 4. West Elm – Andes Sofa | 5. Anthropologie – Friday Sofa | 6. Ikea – Gronlid Sofa
If you decide that down is no longer for you, don’t forget to check pillow inserts, jackets, vests, ect.. Earlier this year I bought a pillow and totally forgot to check the tag and there was down in the stuffing [insert face palm emoji] #progressnotperfection!
Thank you for stopping by!
xo, Kinsey
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