Washington, D.C. — Today, the online retailer Ethica, www.shopethica.com, dedicated to high-style ethical fashion, became a member of the International Fur Free Retailer Program, www.furfreeretailer.com. The announcement was made by Born Free USA and Carolina Cantor, Co-Founder and Fashion Director of the retail website.
[teaserbreak]
According to Cantor, “Our goal is to connect consumers and companies that share a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. We carry beautiful products from responsible companies who have invested resources in being as planet and people friendly as possible. Being a fur-free company is who we are, and we are proud to commit to this in writing and as part of the Fur Free Retailer Program through Born Free USA.”
According to Adam Roberts, Executive Vice President, Born Free USA, “Retailers are stepping up worldwide to take a stand against the use of fur in fashion and we are thrilled that Ethica has committed to this important mission. We are proud that the program is attracting companies like Ethica and hope this trend continues. Another year cannot go by when animals are brutally killed for their fur. We need consumers to get involved and show their respect for wildlife, and encourage and support those retailers willing to go fur-free.”
Founded by Born Free USA in 2006, The Fur Free Retailer Program is an international effort to give consumers accurate information about a retailer’s fur policy, allowing consumers to make an informed choice when shopping. The program aims to further the spirit of ethical consumerism and provide shoppers with information about the most compassionate retailers in the world. The program recognizes and supports retailers who have committed, in writing, to a no-fur policy.
In 2012, over 50 retailers signed on from over a record number (20) of countries, reports Born Free USA. The year not only set a record for how many retailers joined the program, but it also was a year that featured the widest variety of retailers from around the globe including maternity wear, sportswear, eco-friendly, faux fur focused, ballroom, consignment and more. For a list of retailers in the program visit http://www.furfreeshopping.com/retailer_list.php.
Roberts adds, “Taking an ethical and public stand against fur fashion offers a company a chance to promote a public policy against violence and cruelty, and to lend its support to the international efforts to end this unnecessary and cruel fashion choice.”
The program is also supported by the Fur Free Alliance (FFA), an international coalition of leading animal and environmental protection organizations worldwide. These organizations facilitate the Fur Free Retailer program in their country. See the full list at www.furfreeshopping.com (U.S.) and www.furfreeretailers.com (International).
Born Free USA is a nationally recognized leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Through litigation, legislation, and public education, Born Free USA leads vital campaigns against animals in entertainment, exotic “pets,” trapping and fur, and the destructive international wildlife trade. Born Free USA brings to America the message of “compassionate conservation” — the vision of the U.K.-based Born Free Foundation, established in 1984 by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, stars of the iconic film Born Free, along with their son Will Travers, now CEO of both organizations. Born Free’s mission is to end suffering of wild animals in captivity, conserve threatened and endangered species, and encourage compassionate conservation globally.
More at www.bornfreeusa.org; on Twitter at http://twitter.com/bornfreeusa; and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BornFreeUSA.
Media Contact: Rodi Rosensweig, publicrelations@bornfreeusa.org, (203) 270-8929.