i REALLY REALLY think that a fursuit museum would be AWESOME! not only would it keep old suits from piling up in dumps, but it preserves their artwork for future furs to see and appreciate :3 id pay money to go to a fursuit museum
Or, if at that point the suit unwearable you can use the foam and fur as stuffing for personal projects so none of it goes to waist. All of my fabric scraps (including the leftovers from mistakes) are being put in a "stuffing" Bag for later use as did the leftovers from the 1.0 version of my tail.
Thank you for making this!!! This is something I have been thinking about for a few years now, and I really love making suits but I hate the plastic. I have done extensive research about possible alternatives to faux fur, fleece, foam, hot glue, etc but haven’t found much so far... especially not much that’s affordable. I really hope that this aspect of fursuit technology evolves to be much more sustainable, that would be absolutely amazing!
I have two counterpoints to this whole issue. 1. Consider the impact of the furry fandom vs general consumption of plastics. 2. The claim that plastics don't biodegrade is a half-truth. Almost all plastics are biodegradable _when exposed to the right strains of bacteria, fungus or protozoans._ The problem is that waste management companies would rather just dump everything in a pile and be done with it instead of properly cultivating these microbes.
Most forms of plastic consumption can be broken down into niche categories such as fursuits. These suits our fandom produces still undeniably contribute in some part to the issue at large, so we can't just brush it off as not a big deal if it's still helping to wreck our environment in any capacity. Relatively harmless does not equate to harmless. I absolutely agree with your second point however; there are ways in which plastics can break down, our society just isn't putting any effort into actually utilizing these methods yet, and I doubt we'll have sufficient resources to tackle the issue this way for a long time -- certainly not enough to put a dent in the staggering amount of discarded plastics covering the globe already. That's probably why this was only briefly mentioned at 9:09 as a passing thought instead of a potential solution; it's just way out of the scope of possibility at the moment.
@@PopLadd "Relatively harmless does not equate to harmless." Problem with this line of reasoning is that it dips into the nirvana fallacy - refusing to accept a solution unless it's perfect, even if that perfect solution is unfeasable or non-viable. Thing is, "less harmful" is still _less_ harmful. You could compare it to CO2 emissions and small engines - sure, small engines do emit CO2, and in fact relative to size they're actually extremely nasty in that regard. But their total combined output is so low that it almost doesn't even register next to things like cars, fossil fuel based power plants and the concrete industry (concrete production is actually the biggest CO2 emitter due to how limestone has to be burned to produce lime, with a combustion reaction that makes even coal look clean in comparison). Similarly, the use of plastics in fursuit construction has a similar minimal impact, due to both low volume production and the relatively long usage life of the suit compared to most plastic products - and similarly, not making them wouldn't do much to global plastic consumption either. As for biodegradation, in most places it's not a matter of research at this point. With most plastics we already know what specific organism will degrade them. Heck, "big bad" polystyrene is one of the easiest - mealworms can live on the stuff. And polyethylene, one of the most commonly used plastics, is biodegraded by _Pseudomonas fluorescens_, with the help of bacteria from the genus _Sphingomonas_, at a rate of 40% by mass in six weeks. The only one of the "unholy trinity" of waste plastics that isn't biodegradable to our knowledge is ABS, which is already made obsolete by the completely renewable and biodegradable PLA (Polylactic Acid). Unfortunately, faux fur is an acrylic, and thus does require more research.
I'm trying to imagine a Furry History museum and an exhibit of popular furs fursuits. The fursuits would be displayed on mannequins in their respective signature poses.
I thought about creating some sort of 'bio-foam'. It could be plant based. There are fabrics made of different kinds of plants, I think it's possible to create some sort of biodegradable faux fur. Humans can make amazing things that seem impossible. Sustainable foam and faux fur should be possible to make.
I loved that call to action at the end about promoting sustainability, it's absolutely crucial to spread the word and take action in any way possible. (Also who's the suiter in the thumbnail uwu)
Hey Dude After seeing your video I realize about faux fur being a problem for the environment (and not just faux fur). And so I searched if biodegradable faux fur existed and APPARENTLY it DOES :D It is an Ukrainian design company who created it ! It's quite new (from this year) but it is a so great news :')
sadly faux fur can't be felted due to its smooth texture :( the idea of a plush suit being stuffed with the shreaded remains of other suits pleases horror kick greatly
There can't be an eco friendly fursuit unless you use thrifted real fur and no foam, glue etc. ... But uhm.. Yeah i wouldn't wear real fur bc it's kinda disgusting to wear a dead animal to look like one. But fursuits really aren't that big of a problem to our environment bc industries are WAY WORSE then us normal humans. If Industries and companies don't stop we won't be able to stop anything that happens lol. Sad but true
this is not completely our fault, isn't the government supposed to sort out safe recycling and disposing? or like to use natural material to make fabrics? this isn't just a fur thing, its a clothing problem thing
That is a nice dragon head. The fursuit is slowly coming to a end. With VR chat and Second life and IMVU. They are plenty of Virtual suits that cost the same as a regular one. However this could be a start of new fursuits. Hopefully when materials get better and more biodegradable we will be able to see more.
Excelente trabajo y muy bien tratado, esta parte de la vida de los fursuits de la que jamás se habla. A decir verdad, el daño, destrucción o desecho de los fursuits es practicamente tratado como un tabú, nadie quiere hablar de lo que ocurrirá al final de la vida útil de un fursuit, sin embargo debe ser tratado como lo que es, y así podemos empezar a ingeniar técnicas para reducir y tratar los desechos generados por nuestro hobbie. En fin, gran video, y gran serie!
not saying its not worth pointing out how the fandom contributes to pollution, but fursuiters are a small percent of the fandom and an even smaller percent of the whole population. most furries dont own more than one fursuit anyway, and its worn repeatedly for many years even with damage. meanwhile the entire world is using polyester in their clothes and throwing them away when theyre damaged at all. again, its worth discussing, but it puts a lot of guilt onto fursuit owners when its not nearly as big of an issue as, say, waste management or fast fashion.
Since I live in Brazil (hell), it's too hot for a fursuit, for now I have a simple cheap puppy mask, but in the future I plan on ordering a real leather custom one form a brazillian company that does some really cool pet play masks. It's good to remember that not every furry needs a fursuit, it's not a requirement to be part of the fandom.
I know how to make recycled paper...its easy! I could just make some paper accessories and use cotton for what I cant and see what I can make! Besides, I just want a partial.
Personally I disagree biodegradation and combustion are practically the same chemically. Also a partiality biodegradable fursuit will likely fall apart faster causing the non biodegradable part to be discarded along with it. I fully support reuse, repairs and re/upcycling. And cutting down on plastic waste in our daily lives. I routinely use second hand material in construction and save scraps for repair. I have used cut fibers as fillers but in general they are too messy and go into the burn bag rather than being shipped off to a landfill. I believe the most ethical fursuit is very durable and easily reparable.
The richest 100 corporations may be responsible for the overwhelming majority of the pollution driving climate change, but these companies make the products we buy..it is our dollars keeping them producing the unsustainable products in the methods they currently are. Our actions en masse can change the course of these practices toward more sustainable ones. As much as it hurts, we do need to lay blame on ourselves to a degree. We can't keep absolving ourselves because it feels better to keep our unsustainable habits. Each of us can only change our own habits which can eventually lead to broader, more major changes up the dollar driven totem pole!
This gave me enough reasons not to get a fursuit at all. I mean I don't really do a lot about environment protection but some things just dont have to be. After all, it is our planet we live on and our future family members. From my POV we shouldn't destroy it just because someone want to use a luxury commodity. And sure, it may not be a big part of plastic contamination but it's one part and at this point anything that can be avoided is best done so. Thanks, didn't know how unecological fursuits actually are. Or I could just buy myself a tiny forge in my basement, switch my Sona to a robot and make it out of metal while accidentally starting the ai revolution, what?
I very much doubt that fursuits will generate as much waste in 1000 years as regular consumerism does in a single hour. Sure environmentally friendly fursuits are a nice idea, but changing this industry will do nothing to fix the sheer magnitude of the environmental crisis. There are more practical methods to address environmentalism and getting eco friendly fursuits should be a side effect of this, not as a driver for it.
i REALLY REALLY think that a fursuit museum would be AWESOME! not only would it keep old suits from piling up in dumps, but it preserves their artwork for future furs to see and appreciate :3 id pay money to go to a fursuit museum
One way to recycle/upcycle a worn down fursuit is by purposefully making it look creepy so you can continue to still use it.
Or, if at that point the suit unwearable you can use the foam and fur as stuffing for personal projects so none of it goes to waist. All of my fabric scraps (including the leftovers from mistakes) are being put in a "stuffing" Bag for later use as did the leftovers from the 1.0 version of my tail.
just make it a skull doggo and impress everyone
Thank you for making this!!!
This is something I have been thinking about for a few years now, and I really love making suits but I hate the plastic. I have done extensive research about possible alternatives to faux fur, fleece, foam, hot glue, etc but haven’t found much so far... especially not much that’s affordable. I really hope that this aspect of fursuit technology evolves to be much more sustainable, that would be absolutely amazing!
This is a really cool perspective I would have never considered otherwise with fursuit fabrication!
I have two counterpoints to this whole issue.
1. Consider the impact of the furry fandom vs general consumption of plastics.
2. The claim that plastics don't biodegrade is a half-truth. Almost all plastics are biodegradable _when exposed to the right strains of bacteria, fungus or protozoans._ The problem is that waste management companies would rather just dump everything in a pile and be done with it instead of properly cultivating these microbes.
Most forms of plastic consumption can be broken down into niche categories such as fursuits. These suits our fandom produces still undeniably contribute in some part to the issue at large, so we can't just brush it off as not a big deal if it's still helping to wreck our environment in any capacity. Relatively harmless does not equate to harmless.
I absolutely agree with your second point however; there are ways in which plastics can break down, our society just isn't putting any effort into actually utilizing these methods yet, and I doubt we'll have sufficient resources to tackle the issue this way for a long time -- certainly not enough to put a dent in the staggering amount of discarded plastics covering the globe already. That's probably why this was only briefly mentioned at 9:09 as a passing thought instead of a potential solution; it's just way out of the scope of possibility at the moment.
@@PopLadd
"Relatively harmless does not equate to harmless."
Problem with this line of reasoning is that it dips into the nirvana fallacy - refusing to accept a solution unless it's perfect, even if that perfect solution is unfeasable or non-viable.
Thing is, "less harmful" is still _less_ harmful. You could compare it to CO2 emissions and small engines - sure, small engines do emit CO2, and in fact relative to size they're actually extremely nasty in that regard. But their total combined output is so low that it almost doesn't even register next to things like cars, fossil fuel based power plants and the concrete industry (concrete production is actually the biggest CO2 emitter due to how limestone has to be burned to produce lime, with a combustion reaction that makes even coal look clean in comparison). Similarly, the use of plastics in fursuit construction has a similar minimal impact, due to both low volume production and the relatively long usage life of the suit compared to most plastic products - and similarly, not making them wouldn't do much to global plastic consumption either.
As for biodegradation, in most places it's not a matter of research at this point. With most plastics we already know what specific organism will degrade them. Heck, "big bad" polystyrene is one of the easiest - mealworms can live on the stuff. And polyethylene, one of the most commonly used plastics, is biodegraded by _Pseudomonas fluorescens_, with the help of bacteria from the genus _Sphingomonas_, at a rate of 40% by mass in six weeks. The only one of the "unholy trinity" of waste plastics that isn't biodegradable to our knowledge is ABS, which is already made obsolete by the completely renewable and biodegradable PLA (Polylactic Acid). Unfortunately, faux fur is an acrylic, and thus does require more research.
I CANT GET THIS VIDEO OUT OF MY RECOMENDED HELP
@@oanhkim5232
Can't help you with that.
Its great to point out the harmful effects we leave behind in order to try and be better but I feel so bad now for owning a fursuit :sob:
National Fiber Technology aka NFT has cotton furs! These are potentially more biodegradable because it's cotton, not polyester.
I've made a resin base + clay fluffy dragon costume that uses real dyed feathers for fluff, so it's somewhat environment friendly.
I'm trying to imagine a Furry History museum and an exhibit of popular furs fursuits. The fursuits would be displayed on mannequins in their respective signature poses.
I thought about creating some sort of 'bio-foam'. It could be plant based. There are fabrics made of different kinds of plants, I think it's possible to create some sort of biodegradable faux fur. Humans can make amazing things that seem impossible. Sustainable foam and faux fur should be possible to make.
Man this channel is so underrated
I loved that call to action at the end about promoting sustainability, it's absolutely crucial to spread the word and take action in any way possible.
(Also who's the suiter in the thumbnail uwu)
Hey Dude
After seeing your video I realize about faux fur being a problem for the environment (and not just faux fur). And so I searched if biodegradable faux fur existed and APPARENTLY it DOES :D
It is an Ukrainian design company who created it ! It's quite new (from this year) but it is a so great news :')
sadly faux fur can't be felted due to its smooth texture :(
the idea of a plush suit being stuffed with the shreaded remains of other suits pleases horror kick greatly
I need eco friendly fursuits to be a thing rn! D: that would be so nice~
There can't be an eco friendly fursuit unless you use thrifted real fur and no foam, glue etc. ... But uhm.. Yeah i wouldn't wear real fur bc it's kinda disgusting to wear a dead animal to look like one.
But fursuits really aren't that big of a problem to our environment bc industries are WAY WORSE then us normal humans. If Industries and companies don't stop we won't be able to stop anything that happens lol.
Sad but true
Metal fursuit
@@meoangeldragon dead animal. Oh gosh make me an idea
this is not completely our fault, isn't the government supposed to sort out safe recycling and disposing? or like to use natural material to make fabrics? this isn't just a fur thing, its a clothing problem thing
That is a nice dragon head.
The fursuit is slowly coming to a end.
With VR chat and Second life and IMVU.
They are plenty of Virtual suits that cost the same as a regular one.
However this could be a start of new fursuits.
Hopefully when materials get better and more biodegradable we will be able to see more.
You can use any and all fabric scraps as stuffing
Bro that intro was poggers
Great video ! Very inspiring, documented and insightful ! Keep up the awesome work !
Excelente trabajo y muy bien tratado, esta parte de la vida de los fursuits de la que jamás se habla. A decir verdad, el daño, destrucción o desecho de los fursuits es practicamente tratado como un tabú, nadie quiere hablar de lo que ocurrirá al final de la vida útil de un fursuit, sin embargo debe ser tratado como lo que es, y así podemos empezar a ingeniar técnicas para reducir y tratar los desechos generados por nuestro hobbie. En fin, gran video, y gran serie!
not saying its not worth pointing out how the fandom contributes to pollution, but fursuiters are a small percent of the fandom and an even smaller percent of the whole population. most furries dont own more than one fursuit anyway, and its worn repeatedly for many years even with damage. meanwhile the entire world is using polyester in their clothes and throwing them away when theyre damaged at all. again, its worth discussing, but it puts a lot of guilt onto fursuit owners when its not nearly as big of an issue as, say, waste management or fast fashion.
Another excellent well researched video thank you!
It's amazing! Bravo, great production too :)
can't u just use the leftover fur as stuffing for plushies???
Thanks for all your research and knowledge 😊 great video
I did not know that and I will remember that.
psst, this episode isn't on your fursuit history playlist ! thought i should let u know :)
Whos suit is on the thumbnail?
*Hemp has entered the chat*
Since I live in Brazil (hell), it's too hot for a fursuit, for now I have a simple cheap puppy mask, but in the future I plan on ordering a real leather custom one form a brazillian company that does some really cool pet play masks. It's good to remember that not every furry needs a fursuit, it's not a requirement to be part of the fandom.
I know how to make recycled paper...its easy! I could just make some paper accessories and use cotton for what I cant and see what I can make! Besides, I just want a partial.
I have literal trashbags full of shredded paper......
you already know where this is going :)
Personally I disagree biodegradation and combustion are practically the same chemically. Also a partiality biodegradable fursuit will likely fall apart faster causing the non biodegradable part to be discarded along with it. I fully support reuse, repairs and re/upcycling. And cutting down on plastic waste in our daily lives. I routinely use second hand material in construction and save scraps for repair. I have used cut fibers as fillers but in general they are too messy and go into the burn bag rather than being shipped off to a landfill. I believe the most ethical fursuit is very durable and easily reparable.
I _N E E D_ that suit in the thumbnail
You assume I won’t be buried in mine
The richest 100 corporations may be responsible for the overwhelming majority of the pollution driving climate change, but these companies make the products we buy..it is our dollars keeping them producing the unsustainable products in the methods they currently are. Our actions en masse can change the course of these practices toward more sustainable ones. As much as it hurts, we do need to lay blame on ourselves to a degree. We can't keep absolving ourselves because it feels better to keep our unsustainable habits. Each of us can only change our own habits which can eventually lead to broader, more major changes up the dollar driven totem pole!
I wanna find the fursuit island in the ocean
yikes..
i hope my dinomask is around long.
This gave me enough reasons not to get a fursuit at all. I mean I don't really do a lot about environment protection but some things just dont have to be. After all, it is our planet we live on and our future family members. From my POV we shouldn't destroy it just because someone want to use a luxury commodity. And sure, it may not be a big part of plastic contamination but it's one part and at this point anything that can be avoided is best done so. Thanks, didn't know how unecological fursuits actually are.
Or I could just buy myself a tiny forge in my basement, switch my Sona to a robot and make it out of metal while accidentally starting the ai revolution, what?
I see, so the solution is to be the fursuit. Must go study biology, brb
Check out our follow up series "Fursuit Future"
I very much doubt that fursuits will generate as much waste in 1000 years as regular consumerism does in a single hour. Sure environmentally friendly fursuits are a nice idea, but changing this industry will do nothing to fix the sheer magnitude of the environmental crisis. There are more practical methods to address environmentalism and getting eco friendly fursuits should be a side effect of this, not as a driver for it.
Imagine you die in a fursuit
I am like 322