Also, if you believe in reduction (which the writer appears to promote, too) then fur is most definitely preferable over synthetics. It lasts longer and has the ability to be remodeled. No fleece jacket can say the same.

You are correct that some people are able to avoid both synthetics and animal materials and that makes them an exception to this rule. But the anti-fur movement has always touted synthetic replacements, and promoting the alongside environmental concerns is contradictory. The world is changing, and our beliefs need to adapt. You might not like the idea of killing an animal to make a coat but if you care about the environment then you need to be open-minded about these issues. It is better to use a renewable resource that is biodegradable (and often local) to make a garment, than it is to use a petroleum derivative that will pollute while it is being used and when it sits in a landfill. And for as long as people will need winter clothing (which, let’s face it, may not be for that much longer if we don’t change our ways) we will always be faced with the dilemma of animal product or synthetic? And animal product is better.