Possum Fur Products: Could They Be The Ethical Choice?

By Author: Happy Possum
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Possum fur is here to stay. Luxury possum fur products using soft and cozy possum fur fiber have gained traction over the years. You should be able to find them in a variety of New Zealand souvenir shops and speciality stores.

The Problem with Possums
Possum is a serious pest in New Zealand, posing a serious threat to the country's forests and wildlife. They eat leaves, flowers, fruits, eggs, insects, and birds, among other things. In a nutshell, possums can consume all of the products.
The government of New Zealand has an ambitious goal to rid New Zealand of possums by the year 2050, through eradication programs.
With no natural predator here, they have been able to spread to every corner of New Zealand, destroying the native bush along the way.
It is estimated that possums destroy about 20 thousand tons of vegetation, per night.

If There’s Such a Thing as an Ethical Fur, It’s Possum Fur
Culling possums for their fur, to make possum fur products would tick so many green boxes: local, fair trade, biodegradable, usable, and sustainable.
Possum fur is a natural product ...
... which comes from renewable resources, and New Zealand has an estimated 70 million possums, so there's plenty to go around.
Fake fur, on the other hand, is made from petroleum-based products derived from nonrenewable resources. One fake fur coat can require up to ten barrels of oil. Also, possum fur has a lifespan of around 30 years, whereas synthetic fur can take up to 1000 years to biodegrade.
The treatment of animals is the most compelling argument against the fur trade. There are no fur farms in New Zealand. In New Zealand, all possum fur used to make possum fur products comes from wild pest populations. The Department of Conservation agrees that fur recovery is one of the solutions for possum control that will protect natural heritage.
Every possum killed in New Zealand, whether it is for fur or not, is one less possum wreaking havoc on our native flora and fauna.

Why are Possum Fur Products So Desirable?
Possum fur products are naturally warm, and the fur is exceptionally soft. Possum fur coats are ideal for wearing in cold weather. It, like your second skin, can automatically adjust the temperature. Possum throws are handcrafted from the highest quality brushtail possum fur. These possum throws look luxurious, feel soft, and are simple to care for. Brown and grey are two natural colors that can be used in any home environment to make your room look elegant and comfortable.