These feathers don't fall from the sky.

Imagine the stress and pain of being roughly picked up by your neck, turned upside down, pinned in place, and then having your thickest, deepest hair ripped out every six weeks. That is, until you're fat enough to be butchered after a mere 10-20% of your natural lifespan, which has been lived in terror and relative confinement.

None of us would wish it for ourselves. Probably not for our worst enemies. So why would we pay to inflict this misery on innocent animals?

Tragically, that's exactly what we're doing -- at the expense of millions of ducks and geese each year -- when we buy down-filled coats, comforters, and pillows. In nature, those soft feathers keep these sensitive birds warm during their incredible migrations across various seasons, climates, and locales.

Down feathers simply aren't ours to take. Happily, cruelty-free alternatives are plentiful and readily available. Just look for "down alternative," usually a polyester fiber. It boasts all the softness and warmth of down -- without the evil, and without the hefty price tag to boot.

We at The Ethical Man will never sell goods with down feathers, and, whether or not you choose to shop with us, we hope you'll make a similar commitment. Please don't contribute to the suffering of these beautiful birds.

Best,
Dan

summary

Buying items with down feathers -- most often coats, comforters, and pillows -- supports and perpetuates the needless abuse and eventual killing of innocent creatures. Cruelty-free down alternatives feel just as soft, keep you just as warm, and generally cost less anyway.

videos

WARNING: GRAPHIC TRUTH
The hilariously campy industry whitewash:

The reality (both ducks and geese):

Single-serving video of a goose being plucked alive:

A goose allowed to live in peace.