The Royal Family is taking a step in the green - and fashionable - direction.

PETA has worked with many celebrities and organizations to try to find a solution to the high use of real bear fur for the hats of the Buckingham Palace Gaurdsmen. Not only is the Family recognizing this as a "cruel and unnecessary practice in today's world", but they're turning to some popular British designers for inspiration.

High-end designer Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney, and US designer Marc Bouwer have all agreed to produce caps if commisioned.

"It currently takes one black bear for every hat worn by the Buckingham gaurd. 50-100 new hats are needed every year. Over the past five years the MoD has spent more than $600,000 on bear skins."

According to ecorazzi.com, Baroness Taylor, the Minister for Defence procurement (also in charge of gathering military equimpent) will meet this week with PETA to discuss alternative materials to the bear fur.

This post was fueled by comments on the prior blog: - What other ways could the Royal Family 'go green'? Isn't it ironic that the British are using the North American black bear...?

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