Can vegans wear silk?!

It is great that you are concerned about animals. It's a wonderful attribute.

Silk is made from a silkworm. The PETA website states,"To obtain silk, distributors boil the worms alive inside their cocoons. Anyone who has ever seen worms startle when their dark homes are uncovered must acknowledge that worms are sensate—they produce endorphins and have a physical response to pain."

Personally, I don't like the feeling of silk on my body knowing that I harmed an animal in the process. Just because I'm bigger doesn't mean that I have the right to hurt others, animal or human. I would say, don't buy silk. Wear an alternative and be proud of the choice you make.

You can buy violin strings that aren't made from horsehair. PETA also lists two companies that sell non-animal violin strings. Please make sure to buy a few stickers from PETA's company to let others know your values and beliefs; while you're there, you can pick up a few non-silk shirts. I visited the PETA headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia and the people who work for the organization truly practice what they preach. The ones I met were vegans, brought their dogs to work, and wore non-animal products. They were also gloriously polite when they vocalized their concern about the abuse of animals and encourage others to do the same. Let people know you don't have a horsehair string and why! It's a great way to teach others about being kind to living beings! Good luck!

Silk: http://www.peta.org/about/faq/Whats-wrong-with-silk.aspx, http://www.peta.org/issues/Animals-Used-for-Clothing/down-and-silk-birds-and-insects-exploited-for-fabric.aspx, http://www.petacatalog.com/?utm_source=PETA&utm_medium=Shop&utm_campaign=PETA%2BCatalog

Violin Strings: http://www.peta.org/living/Animal-Friendly-Fun/Animal-Friendly-Instruments.aspx

Most vegans won't wear animal products, regardless of whether it has been produced inhumanely or not, but that is your own personal choice. The links below will take you to sites of companies that sell cruelty free silk. There may be more companies, but these are the only two I know of.

If you go to your local music store, they should be able to help you find synthetic strings and bows for your violin. If not, Google will provide you with plenty of options. Just type in "synthetic violin bow" or "synthetic violin strings."

http://www.aurorasilk.com/fabrics/silks_…
http://www.ahimsasilks.com/

No. Silk is an animal product. You would have to buy some similar fabric. All silk is animal product.

I don't know if there is an alternative bow for your instrument. If not, then you have to make a choice whether it's OK for you. It's not possible in the modern world to be completely 100% vegan, it's just something you can strive for.

No silk is not vegan and there are no humane ways to obtain it. As another user pointed out, rayon is a great vegan friendly alternative.

Horsehair bows aren't vegan but there are synthetic alternatives. Just google them and you'll find them.

No. Vegans don't buy silk.

As for the violin, you already own it so don't worry about it. Try and see if there are substitutes for a future bow when you wear out the old one.

Vegan

No but rayon is a vegan alternative to silk.

And yes there are synthetic substitutes for violins.

rayon isnt biodegradable and sits in landfills for 5000 years. is that humane? dolphins choke on it too isnt that nice.

Boy, these kinds of discussions are ridiculous!

Would you NOT drive a car if not all car employees were not VEGAN? How about gasoline? I could go on and on how ridiculous this argument is getting.

Isn't the basic premise of all this based on food consumption? Sure, activists protest against wearing real furs. But that's what they are...extremists pushing THEIR cause and not respecting rights of others.

If I had the time, I could argue that you should not live in your homes because I would believe not many carpenters, plumbers, and electricians are VEGANS. Get it?

A violin is simply a beautiful instrument. If you want to use a non-horsehair bow, that is your choice. If I told you that a non-horsehair bow costs ten times as much, would you buy it? You need to understand the rules of supply and demand. Typically the less in demand is much more expensive! Now stick to arguments of EATING vegan, okay?

hahahahaha vegan fail that horse was probley really sad that it had to die for your violin but look on the bright side now you can play something nice for its childrens funerals

If the silk shirt is the right size they can.