Sunday, June 5, 2011

How many feathers can a vego bear?

I bought my son a new doona today, a feather one. It's lovely, very fluffy, just the kind of doona to keep a small child (or anyone who fits into a single bed) warm during the reclining hours.

But... [and I can't say this too loudly because I fear the answer: Should a vegetarian actually buy a feather doona?].

I'm assuming (on reflection, after the thrill of my trip to the local Westfield has subsided) that the 85% duck feathers and 15% duck down that make up my son's doona filling were collected pond-side by enthusiastic bird-watchers who did not rip said feathers and down from dear birdies' sides but picked them up, delicately, one by one, as they fell to the ground during sun-bathed morning wing stretches, right?

Right?

On the other hand, how many baby acrylics died to make his previous acrylic-stuffed quilt? Gah!

What a shame we can only metaphorically bask in the warmth of our parents' love; that would have solved my son-warming doona dilemma.

10 comments:

Noonie Trousers and Then Some said...

Just don't bloody eat the thing and you should be ok

Kettle said...

Good point well made, Noons.

Shit you make me laugh.

Anonymous said...

Are you a vego 'cause you don't like meat or because you're worried about animal cruelty?

Anyway, it's not like the thing is stuffed with foie gras or anything (which would be bad for several reasons).

Kettle said...

Alex it started when I read this, and terrible things happening to small creatures for the sake of my lunch doesn't seem particularly necessary to me.

Ha foie gras doonas! It's just a matter of time, eh...

Elephant's Child said...

And have you noticed how many vegie cook books are at least half desserts? Even as a carnivore I didn't eat bacon on my ice cream or steak and caramel souffle.

You are between a rock and a hard place. If you eschew the feather doona and opt for the acrylic you have to wear the label of climate destroyer. So, since you can't win, go the feathers.

Kettle said...

I agree, TEC. What's with the faux meat desserts? I came across a recipe on the weekend for some kind of 'mince meat' creme caramel... truly mystifying.

squib said...

I don't eat meat of fowl and I always buy free range eggs and rescue bees and spiders from bad predicaments but there's no getting away from my hypocrisy as as I put on my leather shoes and open a tin of tuna

Kettle said...

And bees aren't? Anything that gets around with a giant stingy hook on its arse can't be particularly kind.

there's no getting away from my hypocrisy as I put on my leather shoes and open a tin of tuna

Squib I just keep telling myself I'm reducing my impact... reducing my impact... reducing my... ah shit.

Unknown said...

At least bees have the decency to die once they've stung you. Wasps however, are the true bastards and just keep on stinging. If you ask me, wasps have bad attitudes towards this whole stinging caper.

Anonymous said...

Maybe, but bees don't carry off grubs and things that attack your veggies. Wasps should be like a vego's best mate.