Silk
Does anyone know anything about the ethics/environmental impact of silk? I think most of the time I do OK as regards my use of animal products; I avoid flesh food fairly strictly, for a start. Most of the eggs I eat are from hens I know, and most of the milk I drink is organic. I am fairly unrestrained with cheese, admittedly, and I take fish oil supplements (somewhat resentfully because I am convinced my body works better when I do). I have certain rules re the use of leather, as well.
However it all falls apart when it comes to silk. Because I love the stuff. I love the way I can wear it against my skin in winter for warmth, and in summer for airy coolness and lightness. I love the various textures, and the way it seems to absorb rich, complex colours so perfectly. I seem to have acquired lots of silk clothing over the years, shawls, skirts, tops, and the like, they are all beautiful and delight me, and I don't want to feel guilty over them.
I do worry about the source though. Its not only the thousands of soft-bodied little not quite moths, but the people who raise the silk, spin it, weave it, and sew it into clothes. I tend to harangue poor market stall people... "where did you get this from?" "who made it?"
Then there's the environmental impact. Is my silk stuff actually likely to be worse than, say, the blue jeans I wear to work? These made of cotton, and thus less than fantastic from a water and pesticides point of view. Furthermore I don't know who made them, or if it was under conditions I would consider ethical.
However it all falls apart when it comes to silk. Because I love the stuff. I love the way I can wear it against my skin in winter for warmth, and in summer for airy coolness and lightness. I love the various textures, and the way it seems to absorb rich, complex colours so perfectly. I seem to have acquired lots of silk clothing over the years, shawls, skirts, tops, and the like, they are all beautiful and delight me, and I don't want to feel guilty over them.
I do worry about the source though. Its not only the thousands of soft-bodied little not quite moths, but the people who raise the silk, spin it, weave it, and sew it into clothes. I tend to harangue poor market stall people... "where did you get this from?" "who made it?"
Then there's the environmental impact. Is my silk stuff actually likely to be worse than, say, the blue jeans I wear to work? These made of cotton, and thus less than fantastic from a water and pesticides point of view. Furthermore I don't know who made them, or if it was under conditions I would consider ethical.