Stop The Suffering Of Ducks And Geese — Call For Compassion In Fashion
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Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site
Every feather ripped from a bird in agony is a silent cry for justice. Together, we can stop this brutality and demand compassion from brands profiting off their suffering.
Down feathers might keep us warm, but their origins are cold and barbaric. Millions of ducks and geese endure unspeakable suffering so these feathers can be used in jackets, pillows, and other products. Eddie Bauer’s commitment to outdoor apparel should not come at the cost of unimaginable cruelty.
The Truth Behind Down Production
The down industry thrives on hidden cruelty. Live-plucking—the process of ripping feathers from conscious birds—is a widespread practice. Birds are held between workers’ legs, their bellies exposed as feathers are violently torn out. This brutal procedure often results in broken limbs, paralysis, and open wounds1. Workers crudely sew up these wounds without anesthetic, only for the process to be repeated when the feathers grow back2.
Eddie Bauer claims its down is sourced responsibly through Allied Feather and Down, but investigations by animal rights organizations reveal the ugly truth. Middlemen suppliers cannot guarantee that down is cruelty-free because farms misrepresent their practices3. Despite claims of ethical sourcing, birds continue to suffer behind closed doors.
The Human Cost of Inaction
Eddie Bauer’s reputation for quality outdoor gear is tarnished by its reliance on an industry built on suffering. As consumers demand transparency and compassion, brands that fail to adapt risk losing their credibility. By continuing to use down, Eddie Bauer indirectly supports a supply chain riddled with pain and deceit4.
Alternatives to down, such as synthetic insulation and recycled materials, are not only cruelty-free but also offer comparable performance. Companies like Patagonia and The North Face have already embraced humane and sustainable options, proving that innovation and compassion can go hand in hand5.
Why We Must Act Now
Every day Eddie Bauer continues to use down, countless ducks and geese endure needless suffering. These sentient beings feel pain and fear, yet they are reduced to commodities for human comfort. This is our moment to demand change.
Eddie Bauer has the power to lead the outdoor apparel industry toward a more ethical future. By transitioning away from down, the brand can align its values with those of its customers and ensure that its products are a source of pride—not pain6.
Take Action Today
Join us in calling on Eddie Bauer to end its use of down feathers and commit to cruelty-free alternatives. Your voice matters. Together, we can hold Eddie Bauer accountable and push for a future free from animal suffering.
Sign the petition now and demand a compassionate change.
- Susan Cosier, Audubon (18 December 2020), "Everything You Need to Know About Buying Ethically Sourced Down Products."
- Four Paws (2025), "Live Feather Plucking."
- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (2025), "Eddie Bauer and Live Plucking Exposé."
- Collective Fashion Justice, "Down Is Never Ethical."
- Fashion Dive (10 October 2024), "H&M to Phase Out New Down Fiber."
- Karen Lapizco, World Animal News (12 November 2024), "Victory! H&M Commits to Ending the Use of Virgin Down Feathers by 2025."
The Petition:
To the CEO of Eddie Bauer,
As customers and advocates for ethical and humane practices, we call on Eddie Bauer to immediately end the use of down feathers in your products. The process of obtaining down, especially through live-plucking procedures, inflicts unimaginable suffering on ducks and geese. Birds endure severe pain as their feathers are violently ripped out, often resulting in broken limbs, open wounds, and paralysis. These wounds are crudely sewn shut without anesthetic, leaving the birds to endure this process repeatedly throughout their lives.
Despite claims from your supplier, Allied Feather and Down, to source responsibly, investigations reveal that live-plucking and misrepresentation of down as "ethically sourced" are still widespread. Middlemen suppliers cannot guarantee cruelty-free practices due to the hidden nature of this industry. By continuing to use down, Eddie Bauer is complicit in these inhumane practices.
We urge Eddie Bauer to transition to cruelty-free alternatives, such as synthetic or recycled insulation materials, which provide the same warmth and comfort without the need for animal suffering. Many leading brands have already adopted these humane alternatives, proving that compassion and quality can coexist.
Humanity and compassion must guide our decisions, especially when they involve the treatment of sentient beings. Eddie Bauer has a unique opportunity to set a precedent for the outdoor apparel industry by committing to cruelty-free products. This shift will resonate with your customers, who increasingly demand ethical practices from the brands they support.
By eliminating the use of down feathers and embracing sustainable, humane alternatives, Eddie Bauer can ensure a better future for all. A future where innovation and compassion work hand-in-hand, leading the way toward a kinder, more responsible industry.
We respectfully request your action on this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
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