The first thing that may come to mind when people hear the word "leather" is its association with shoes, clothes, handbags, and furniture. For some, leather represents a luxury upgrade, particularly in cars. However, what often goes unconsidered is the life lost to create those shoes, bags, or car seats.
Each year, over a billion animals are killed for the global leather trade. Most leather purchased in the U.S. and U.K. comes from China, India and other countries with insufficient animal welfare laws. These animals suffer immensely throughout their lives, and their lives often end brutally, sometimes with parts of their bodies hacked away while they are still conscious.
Leather is not a sustainable product and is made solely for profit. Its production contributes to climate change and significantly impacts our planet’s biodiversity. According to calculations from CIRUMFAUNA, verified by Faunalytics, a cowhide leather tote bag produces 100.5 kg (221 pounds) of CO2e, while a synthetic alternative emits only 14.4 kg (31.7 pounds) of CO2e. These leather calculations do not account for the entire life cycle of the animal; if they did, the CO2e figures would be higher.
Concerning biodiversity, raising cattle significantly impacts our planet’s resources. According to Collective Fashion Justice, 80% of Amazonian deforestation in Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia is driven by cattle ranching. The loss of this much wild space to raise cattle diminishes oxygen produced by plant life, CO2 sequestration, habitat for wildlife, and the capacity of our natural areas to filter our water.
Raising cattle for leather also affects our freshwater sources. According to calculations from CIRCUMFAUNA, producing a standard cowhide leather tote bag requires 17,127.8 liters (or 4,524 gallons) of water, equivalent to the amount a human is recommended to drink daily for over 23 years.
The good news is that more leather alternatives are being offered to us. These alternatives, such as apple skin leather or mycelium, possess the same qualities as leather while being more sustainable and not harming living beings. Many shoe and bag brands are emerging with vegan products, and car companies provide synthetic leather for seats. Watch for these products because their quality will likely surprise you. If you're looking for shoes, bags, or clothing that are cruelty-free, click here.
Resources:
1. Are Cows Killed For Leather? www.PETA.org. https://www.peta.org/features/cows-killed-leather/
2. Labarbera, Natalie. (2022, December, 1) Leather is not a natural or sustainable by-product, it’s a profitable material produced at the expense of the planet. www.collectivefashionjustice.org. https://www.collectivefashionjustice.org/articles/leather-is-not-a-natural-or-sustainable-byproduct
Photos courtesy of Pixels and AradBranding.
