Junk Creation Ethics
November 28, 2007 by Joshua Johnson
Filed under Home & Living
Those of you who read my blog often (thanks to all 4 of you) know that I often shop at thrift stores for the materials they offer, an not always for the items themselves. My question today stems from a recent trip to the thrift store for “fur” material–I needed a fur-like material for some bear ear headbands I’m making for a play.
The ethical question, in my mind, is: “Am I a monster for cutting up stuffed animals for their fur?” Am I the stuffed animal version of Cruella Devil from 101 Dalmatians? When does seeing something for what it’s made from get out of control?
I’d love to hear your thoughts… (I’ll feature the bear ears on Friday.)
It did make me shudder at first,looking at the cute little duck,but you can look at it as taking an unwanted and unloved stuffed animal giving it a new purpose in life!
So, I’m cutting them up for their own good, right?
Please, I’ve seen those massive bins full of stuffed animals that no one buys. If you don’t cut them up they’ll just end up in the garbage dump eventually.
BTW, objects don’t require ethics – even if theu are cute objects.
Good point. Does that mean everyone wants to see the earless dog?
I could put pictures up…
I always do that. Not to stuffed animals but I’ve cut up perfectly fine thrift dresses to make kids clothes, tapestries to make dresses, and all kinds of other stuff. Recycling at it’s best.
I agree with Tracee. I’ve been in one local thrift store when they haul out the old stuffed animals that have been there for a couple of months in huge garbage bags. I asked what they did with them, and they told me they send them to be recycled. So please keep recycling the plushies!
Haha: Plushies! Nice one.