Leather - Why It's So Bad, What's The Alternative?

Are you a vegan? Vegetarian? If so then I expect that you already have your views on why leather is 'bad'. The hides of their calves, who are frequently raised for veal, are made into high-priced calfskin.Leather is also made from horses, sheep, lambs, goats, and pigs who are slaughtered for meat. Other species of animals are hunted and killed specifically for their skins, including zebras, bison, water buffaloes, boars, kangaroos, elephants, eels, sharks, dolphins, seals, walruses, frogs, turtles, crocodiles, lizards, and snakes.But, you say, it looks good and feels good - sitting in your leather couch, your leather car seat, paying your bills with that calf-skin wallet, carrying that leather handbag or briefcase. But consider this: nearly half of all water used in the US is used to raise animals for meat and leather! According to the EPA, factory farms are the biggest source of pollution of rivers, streams and lakes. In December 1997, the US Senate Agricultural Committee released a report that stated that animals raised for food and leather produce 130 times as much excrement as the entire human population - without the benefit of waste-treatment systems. A Scripps Howard synopsis of the report stated, 'Catastrophic cases of pollution, sickness, and death are occurring in areas where livestock operations are concentrated'.Locally (in Africa), since 1988, some 30 tanneries in Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, the Sudan, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe have received assistance in pollution control focused on the establishment or upgrading of effluent treatment facilities.Hmmm... it all sounds yucky to me. But what can we use instead of animal leather that is better for us, the animals, the planet?What about the alternatives?Many pseudo-leather materials have been developed, allowing those who wish to wear leather-like garments to do so without actually wearing leather. One example of this is vegan microfiber, which claims to be stronger than leather when manufactured with strength in mind. Vinyl materials, Pleather, Durabuck, NuSuede, Hydrolite, and other alternatives exist, providing some features similar to leather.

Faux leather made by Ultrafabrics has, according to the company's Web site, 'features to protect the environment like a 100% biodegradable backcloth, no plasticizers, no stabilizers, no adhesives, extensive recycling in the manufacturing process-and no need for potentially toxic after-care'.You want non-leather handbags, shoes, wallets, belts... there are many reputable companies out there to help you with your new choices. Check out the Internet for names. Yes a lot are in the US and the UK but you can order safely on line. There are plenty of places in South Africa where you can buy faux leather articles... do a search on Google to find out for yourself!When you buy shoes, check out what they are made of. There should be a label on the bottom or the inside to tell you if the shoe is produced from man-made materials or leather. If you don't see the label, just ask the store manager what they are made from. That is what I do. I always explain that I need to know because I am allergic to leather (morally allergic that is).What about the leather car seats? Can't order faux leather for them. True. But there are alternatives. Even in high-end vehicles, leather seats are becoming something of an anachronism. Leather seats are hot in the summer and very cold in the winter.