Ethical leather
How to Enjoy Leather (Ethically)
Fashion and design is cyclical, but one thing that has pretty much stuck at the forefront of chic is leather. It is a luxurious looking, practical fabric that adds a great touch to every outfit, or household. Whether it's a couch, a bag, a belt, or a suitcase, leather can be a great investment – and a great gift for a loved one at Christmas.
Despite all the great benefits of leather, there are a large group of people in the world who think we should not consume leather. With what we know about the treatment of animals in conventional agriculture, it is understandable to be a bit put off by seeing animal skin. For many, it is a cruel and unnecessary violation of the animal for human aesthetic. So, we thought we should provide you with some information so you can decide what feels right for you.
Animal skin has been an essential resource for humanity throughout history but not as an aesthetic choice. Animal skin was used for many purposes from clothing to shelter and tools, and the skin was harvested as a part of the long and natural process of finding and making food. The use of animal skin was a nose-to-tail process as we know it today, and was stewarded by our Earth’s ancestors.
The Indigenous, nose-to-tail cultures across the globe have a rich history of harvesting animal skin in a respectful and sustainable manner. In Australia, Aboriginal Australians would skin kangaroos from their hunt to use in their daily life and cultural practices. The products left over after removing the kangaroo meat (for eating) are used with care. According to some sources, the teeth were used to make needles, the sinew from the tail used as thread and of course the skins used to make cloaks for wearing. The cloaks included design or decorative incisions on the inside to represent the wearer and protected them from the cold, rain, wind and potentially predators who would hunt them in the bush. These cloaks were so important that people were buried in their cloaks at the end of their life. These practices are deeply rooted in tradition, reflecting a profound reverence for the animals and the land. Indigenous culture is famous for its ability to use every part of the animal they hunted, minimising waste and emphasising the spiritual and practical importance of the animals to their communities. Never taking more than they need and never leaving anything to waste was the best way to meet their needs, protect country and honour the animal’s life.
More than Kangaroo hide, different agricultural animals provide diverse types of skin, each with unique qualities and applications:
The skin of cattle is one of the most commonly used types of animal skin. It is thick, durable, and suitable for a wide range of products, including leather jackets, belts, and upholstery. Pigskin is known for its flexibility and suppleness. It is often used in making gloves, footballs, and fine leather accessories. All of the old water skeins travellers would use were made of pig skin (or pig intestine!). Goatskin is prized for its softness and strength. It's used in crafting high-quality gloves, bags, and musical instrument covers. Sheepskin is another widely known skin, prized for its natural insulation and softness. It is commonly used for making cozy slippers, rugs, and car seat covers. Some animals, like alligators and snakes, provide exotic skins that are used in the luxury fashion industry for high-end accessories and apparel, too.
Unfortunately, as the demand for animal skin has risen, so has agricultural production, and for all the wrong reasons. The more popular animal skins including furs like mink, coyote (in America), leather like reptile skin, pig skin and hide like sheep hide, the more animals are bred to meet the demand. As Animals Australia says, the leather industry is not a by-product. Skin harvesting can have devastating consequences on the environment and the animal, where profit matters over keeping animals and the planet safe and happy. Animals are overbred, suffer terrible conditions that cause illness and injury. There’s even been incidents of diseases and sicknesses being transmitted to humans wearing suffering animal skins. Bad conditions are bad for the animal, planet and humans.
Many people think pleather is a better option: a faux leather made from polyester. It doesn't include the direct suffering or slaughter of animals, so isn't that better? Unfortunately, many people say 'no'. Not only is the production of plastic terrible for the environment, with the use of resources and co2 emissions, as well as shedding causing microplastics to get into waterways and soil, and the likelihood that the pleather will flake, break and get thrown in the trash as it's gotten 'old' and 'ugly'. This contributes to waste and will continue the cycle of microplastics, Co2 emissions and losing land to literal rubbish. If you see a leather product that seems very cheap or from stores that don't specialise in leather, consider if it's made of plastic.
Does this mean you have to give up your favourite leather, pleather or even fur products? Not if you don’t want to. If you’re willing to, looking for sustainable brands who care for their animals and consider the ethical implications of their business. To look out for an ethical brand, consider:
Check for Certifications
Look for certifications and labels that indicate ethical sourcing and animal welfare. Examples include "Cruelty-Free," "Sustainable Leather," or certifications from reputable organisations such as the Leather Working Group (LWG).
Research the Brand
Investigate the brand or company that sells the product. Ethical companies often provide information on their website about their commitment to animal welfare and sustainable practices. They may also disclose their sources and production methods.
Ask Questions
Don't hesitate to reach out to the retailer or manufacturer to ask questions about their sourcing and production methods. Ethical companies are generally open to answering inquiries and providing details.
Local Sourcing
Ethical practices sometimes involve sourcing animal skin locally, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supporting local communities.
Review Independent Assessments
Read reviews and reports from third-party organisations, consumer groups, or ethical fashion advocates. These sources may provide insights into a company's ethical practices.
These are good ways to discover if the skin you’re buying is ethical or not. By making informed choices about the kind of products you buy, you’re supporting companies and individuals who are striving to make a difference. This way, the products you buy are high quality, guilt-free and low cost for the planet.
