WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON FUR?

You should avoid using it. That is my opinion. It is something you wear mostly for vanity, and I do not think that is motivation enough to take lives from animals. We have alternative ways to create materials that reassembles fur. I am aware that there are fur industries, where animals are bred with concern to welfare, but you should always avoid taking lives. It is a question of respect for nature.

PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING, ONE CAN ARGUE THAT FUR CONTRIBUTES TO 'THE GOOD LIFE'?

Owning things and having things, yes, it makes us happy but only on a short term. There are also good things to say about fur and the contribution to economy but it does not make a difference for me. I eat fish, but I am otherwise a vegetarian, so I also avoid meat. But at least, when you see a leather product, you can choose from production where you know the animals are well treated. Food is the main purpose and the whole animal is used.

ARE YOU AWARE THAT IN 2/3 OF THE EUROPEAN FUR PRODUCTION CARCASSES ARE USED FOR ENERGY PURPOSES AND BIO DIESEL?

No, I was not aware of that. Before I could have an opinion on that, I would have to investigative the issue further. It would not change my opinion though. I have made my choice to avoid taking lives of animals, but I want to point out that I am not a militant vegan. I know that fur is a legal production in many countries, but if we had a vote on fur farming I would vote against it.

WHY IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FISH AND FUR ANIMALS?

You are right. There is no difference between the animals, except that most fish have lived a free life. I stopped eating meat only a year ago, and I am a pragmatic person so I take one step at the time - you do not have to be radical. In the long run I may avoid fish too. Most people who use fur do it from motivations that I do not agree with: Vanity, sense of luxury, or that it makes them feel happy or it feels soft. I do not want to take more lives than I really have to, especially, when we have other options. So I do not  believe in encouraging the fur industry.

TALK ABOUT BEING CONSUMER AND AVOIDING ANIMAL PRODUCTS

It is even hard to avoid leather, so I do not live like I would like to do. One example is that I lost my wallet and needed a new one. Now, how is the synthetic wallet produced? It is such issues you are facing, so you need to think a little bit more, because it is difficult. As a consumer it is very hard to have control of any production.

WOULD IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO YOU WITH A TRANSPARENT FUR LABEL THAT GUARANTEED ANIMAL WELFARE?

Personally it would not matter, because I have taken a stand. But I think it would make a difference for many people, because people have the impression that the welfare on fur farms is bad. It might make a difference, and it would matter to some people. It is a sensible issue, and it is not only activists who are against fur.