Down coat

Not necessarily turkey - maybe goose or duck [gtin]

I bought a down coat half price from Landsend in the Sprin and have found it to be the lightest most comfortable coat I have ever had. It is so warm without being bulky, and friends have commented how slim I look in it so definately does not add inches! When it arrived it had a certificate to trace where the down came from attached. I also like being able to detach the hood which gives the coat a smarter appearence when I want.

Telly I think you check the sources. Not easy I expect. However, anything labelled "made in China" is to be avoided. They do pluck from live birds, many of the birds die of shock or infection. Gross isn't it. I realise if you take animal welfare to its natural conclusion, veganism is the only way to go. I'm not there but I do understand the growth of veganism and a plant based diet.

The thing with down, once it is down, how do the purchasers check it is ethically sourced?

Can’t see uniqlo on the list but I can’t see Lands-end either.

responsibledown.org/

Luckygirl could you please add a link to the website that you referred to as I can’t find it ?

As far as I know Uniqlo should be be on list but I would like to check . Thank you.

I only learned about the way some down is plucked from live birds a few years ago, I was shocked that such cruelty was considered acceptable. I’m now more careful, as I am about food, plastic etc.
I don’t claim sainthood and yes EllanVallin, I’m going to be eating turkey and ham over the Christmas period. Both will come from local organis, free range suppliers. I eat meat a couple of times a week but I fully understand why so many others are becoming veggi or vegan.
Of course people try to stop cruelty to other people Ellen V

I had ordered my Landsend down jacket (half price) before I heard about the inhumane production of down, so I was relieved, when I read the label and found that it complied with the Responsible Down Standard. It's light and is likely to keep me warm in winter but not too hot mid-season. It packs into its own pocket so won't take up much space in a flight bag.
I have a Landsend quilted coat - entirely polyester - which I bought in the sale about five years ago. It's beginning to lose its insulating qualities, but looks as good as new.

How many anti- duck downs will be eating turkey ?

I have to have weight as well as warmth and haven't come across anything suitable yet. I have a fabulous old fur jacket in my wardrobe ( wolf ) and I can't wear it in case I get eggs or something thrown at me. My health and well-being is far more important to my family and myself than a few people protesting against animal fur.
There's far more cruelty towards humans ,knives/shooting/murder/rape but I've yet to see armies of protesters with their banners trying to put a stop to this.!

I have a Geox down coat, and it is light, waterproof, windproof, breathable and washable. It is made with artificial down. I’m tempted to buy another in velvet- they have a sale on. Pricey, but worth it.

That would be helpful grannygravy I know of “Wrap up Brum” but don’t know how to get 5 or six coats (including some of Paw’s - yes I am facing that task) to the Cathedral in Birmingham. I know he would have been cross to know any of his warm coats (and mine) were hanging in a wardrobe when there is a real need out there.

Maw, I am sticking to gransnett for the next few days, my willpower is not strong at the moment and the desire to save money on something I do not need might just sweep me away ????.

If you are replacing a coat in your wardrobe this year there is a charity organisation that takes unwanted coats and redistributes them to the homeless. I believe they have collection points at mainline stations in London, not sure about the rest of UK, but will try and find out and get back to you.

Feeling a bit guilty, because after buying a discounted puffer coat a few weeks ago (but not as discounted as yours!) I have given into temptation and bought a Joules duffle (duffel?) coat for half price.
Saving all this money is costing me a fortune.??

Well - here's a stroke of luck!

I ordered it yesterday and it was about £100, after 40% discount took it down from £175. I rang them first thing this morning as I decided I had ordered the wrong size so started the order again and it is reduced today to £52!!!!!!!!!

Unbelievable luck!!

This thread is positive in getting us all thinking more about ethical clothing. It's also such a challenge at a time when animal welfare is (rightly) the focus of so much news.

Thank you Luckygirl

He’s right. Thinking of all possible fillings
Polyester made from oil
Feathers - plucked from ducks.
Wool - shorn from sheep - some people object to this.
Silk - mass produced from farmed silk worms.
Cotton - not very warm. Some people would insist on it being organic and non GM.

You can’t win!

DH has said that fake down adds to the plastic problem.....so I can't win.

I personally would not touch down of any sort. This avoids the question of how companies source their down and monitor their ethical policies. Ditto mohair.
There are excellent super warm and lightweight alternatives available.

I bought mine from M&S two years ago.

That is good, Luckygirl. They should put that on their website, so buyers looking for an ethical purchase can make an informed decision.

Good on you Luckygirl nice to read people do care

Don't know where the exclamation mark came from - fat finger syndrome I guess.