Lisa Pottle, a jewelry maker behind the Etsy shop Spirit Sisters By Lisa, expressed disappointment upon learning about Etsy’s upcoming ban on fur sales. Pottle, who recently acquired rabbit and foxtail fur for her earrings, stated that she had just started incorporating fur into her beaded cabochon designs. The new policy, announced by Etsy via email on April 2, will prohibit the sale of fur items starting in August as part of the platform’s biodiversity initiatives.
Previously, Etsy’s animal product policy only restricted the sale of items made from endangered animal species. However, the updated policy will now require the removal of all fur-containing products derived from animals primarily hunted for their pelts by August 11. Notably, the ban excludes taxidermy and byproduct materials like leather.
Pottle, who relies on her Etsy shop as her main source of income, voiced concerns about the impact of the ban on her business, as her fur earrings are popular among customers who appreciate their cultural significance. As an Inuk originally from Nunatsiavut, Pottle explained that using fur in her creations is a way to honor her heritage and connect with her ancestors.
The ban has also drawn criticism from Doug Chiasson, the executive director of the Fur Institute of Canada, who penned an open letter to Etsy’s CEO expressing worries about how Indigenous communities will be disproportionately affected by the policy change. Chiasson emphasized the importance of sustainable wildlife resource utilization, including the ethical use of fur, in biodiversity conservation efforts.
Despite considering transitioning to Shopify for future sales, Pottle plans to continue selling her fur earrings on Etsy until the ban takes effect in August. She lamented the limited time she now has to introduce new designs, including a potential best-selling earring style she had in mind. Etsy has not responded to queries from CBC regarding the policy change.