OUR ENVIRONMENT
show, while we may love our pets and wildlife, we can be just as guilty of treating farm animals as commodities rather than living creatures here in the West. We don’t personally rip feathers out of birds, but how many of us are guilty of buying cheap cuts of meat at the supermarket? Are we really fooled by the label showing happy animals in a meadow? I discuss the issue with Patagonia’s Corley Kenna, and am impressed to find out that their down certification scheme is just the beginning. Their team is wading deep into this wider global issue, talking to experts including Dr Temple Grandin (professor of animal science at Colorado State University and consultant to the livestock industry), the Humane Society, Four Paws and seasoned field auditors in order to “develop a 21st Century moral standard for the ethical treatment of animals.” I’m left thinking that it’s important not to just box-tick – ‘no live-plucking’ and ‘no force-feeding’ – and get back to play. Next time I put my down jacket on I’m going to be thinking about what’s really needed here: a critical shift, worldwide, in thinking about the emotional and intellectual capacities of our fellow animals and birds, and what constitutes compassionate treatment. I’m also left feeling happy to be part of the outdoor industry, where players like Mountain Equipment and Patagonia are honest enough to put their hands up when they have missed something important, and are using their power to do some good and give back to the natural world.
Words: Sarah Stirling
Sarah Stirling is a freelance journalist and Summit Assistant Editor.
@sarahstirling
“WE FELT THAT IT WAS STRANGE TO IMPOSE RESTRICTIONS ON FARMS IN CHINA AND EASTERN EUROPE WHEN WE DIDN’T KNOW WHAT IS ACCEPTABLE HERE”
CHECK YOUR FAVE BRAND: The Responsible Down Standard
Originally started by The North Face, now over 70 brands only use RDS-certified down including British brands Rab and Berghaus.
http://responsibledown.org/find-responsible-down-standard
Mountain Equipment Down Codex
There’s a code on every Mountain Equipment down product so you can trace it.
www.thedowncodex.co.uk
We work so that you can climb
www.thebmc.co.uk/join
The BMC stands up for climbers in England and Wales. Join over 82,000 members today to get gear discounts, Summit magazine, personal liability and accident insurance and the warm glow that comes from helping us keep crags open.
BMC Ambassador Steve McClure on Hell’s Wall (E6 6c), Bowderstone Crag, Borrowdale. Photo: Keith Sharples
50 | CLIMB. WALK. JOIN.
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