Fur-Free Friday: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Fur-Free Friday (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Fur-Free Friday is celebrated on November 25th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Fur-Free Friday, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as intriguing facts you might want to know about Fur-Free Friday.

📅 What day is Fur-Free Friday 2024?

In 2024, Fur-Free Friday is on Saturday, November 25th. It is the 4th Saturday in November; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all the fun details and facts about November 25, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Fur-Free Friday is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the mistreatment of animals in the name of fashion, and advocating for their rights and protection. It takes place on the Friday after Thanksgiving, which is November 25th this year. A noteworthy fact is that California became the first state to ban the sale and production of new fur products in 2019. However, this law will not be in effect until 2023. Fur fashion consists of clothing made from the skins of various animals, such as foxes, raccoon dogs, minks, rabbits, seals, wolves, cats, and dogs. These items are typically considered luxury items and are often worn by wealthy and famous individuals as a symbol of their social status.

📜 Fur-Free Friday History

The fur trade originated in the 16th century, involving France, England, and Canada, which supplied a significant amount of fur to European nations. Fur, especially beaver fur, was used for military gear and everyday accessories like hats, hoods, scarves, and muffs. In the 1870s, fur farms were established to meet the growing demand for fur garments, solidifying the fur trade in Europe and North America. Cinema and music performances during the 19th and 20th centuries further sustained this demand.

However, in the 1980s, animal rights organizations began raising awareness about the use of animal skins in fashion and advocating against fur production. T.S.U. and the Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade (C.A.F.T.) initiated nonviolent civil disobedience efforts in the United States in 1985. They protested against the use of fur in clothing at Macy’s stores in New York and California. The following year, on the Friday after Thanksgiving, George Cave and Cres Vellucci from T.S.U. repeated these actions, giving rise to Fur-Free Friday.

✅ Fur-Free Friday Facts

🔖 It’s not regulated in the U.S.
Animals on fur farms in the United States do not have legal protection under any specific law.

🔖 It’s a major contributor to climate change
Farm waste and hazardous chemicals are being released into the atmosphere and nearby rivers and streams.

🔖 It uses head-to-tail electrocution
To reduce fur shedding, fur-bearing animals are killed using electrocution applied to their anal and genital areas.

👍 Why Is Fur-Free Friday Important

Trapping and other fur farming activities have resulted in the population depletion of hairy animals, including non-target species listed as endangered or threatened. Fur production has also brought invasive species to other regions, threatening their biodiversity. The American mink, for example, is an alien species in Europe, and its presence has harmed the populations of ground-nesting birds, rodents, and amphibians.

Fur dressing is one of the five worst businesses for hazardous metal contamination, according to the World Bank. The amount of nitrates released into the environment and groundwater by this industry from animal waste and carcasses is extremely harmful.Furthermore, the amount of energy required to produce one fur coat is 66 times that of a synthetic coat.

Fur apparel has been shown to contain dangerous substances that cause skin sensitivities, cancer, and hormone imbalances, such as formaldehyde and ethoxylates. During the tanning and dressing of fur, fur industry workers are also exposed to toxic chemicals and heavy metals.

🙂 How To Observe Fur-Free Friday

⚡ Donate to animal rights organizations
If you are unable to actively take part in a campaign against fur, you can still support the cause by donating to organizations that advocate for animal rights and strive to eliminate the use of fur in fashion and fur farming. In the United States, there are several groups that work towards this goal, such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the Humane Society, Last Chance for Animals (L.C.A.), and Direct Action Everywhere. You can easily contribute to these organizations by visiting their websites and making a donation.

⚡ Join the fur-free movement
Choose to no longer wear fur starting today. Avoid clothing made from real animal fur and refuse to support fashion companies that still use fur in their products. You can also advocate for a fur-free community by persuading your local government to pass a law against fur. Additionally, raising awareness about animal rights and the cruel conditions on fur farms is another way to actively participate in this cause.

⚡ Participate in the Fur-Free Friday demonstration
Fur-Free Friday is a yearly protest happening in different parts of the United States and globally. To find out the locations for this year’s demonstrations, you can visit the websites of Last Chance for Animals (L.C.A.) and World Fur Free Friday (W.F.F.F.). In case there are no events happening in your area, you can gather like-minded friends and supporters to organize a rally.

📅 When is Fur-Free Friday?

Explore all 🔗 November holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Conservation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about Fur-Free Friday. So be sure to check back soon.