Let’s be honest. If you don’t want to buy leather you don’t have to but don’t act like you are saving the planet or the animals. Vegan leather is toxic and it’s plastic. It’s like carrying a plastic straw on your arm, aren’t we done with plastic straws? Maybe we can use all the unused plastic straws to make more vegan leather handbags, shoes and accessories? Here is a little insight as to why vegan leather isn’t as good as you think, don’t get swept up in the hype.
I know vegans are going to get mad at me. As a former vegan, I sympathize with you, but I don’t relate. When I was a vegan for 6 years I wasn’t a jerk about it. I understood at that time that this is MY lifestyle choice. This is how I choose to eat. I didn’t judge people who ate meat nor did I aggressively push my lifestyle on them. Being planted-based isn’t for everyone. With that said I do think there is an over-consumption of meat as well as production. I will table this discussion for now. Let’s talk about vegan leather.
What Exactly Is Vegan Leather?
I am sure many of you haven’t bothered to look into this. Sometimes the idea of buying this instead of that makes us feel better. It’s like skipping the cheese then adding more low-fat mayo than necessary without wondering what all of the extra ingredients are to make it taste like the real thing. It’s the same concept with vegan leather. Have you ever asked yourself what vegan leather is made from? What’s the impact of vegan leather goods on the environment as well as the health of the people who make it? What about the factory workers? I assuming some of you haven’t even thought about them.
- Vegan leather is made from a chemical substance called polyurethane (PU).
- The chemicals used to make Vegan leather are toxic not just for the environment but for those who make it.
- Phthalates are also used to make Vegan leather which is interesting because it’s one of the chemicals consumers are moving away from in their cosmetics and beauty products.
- Polyurethane isn’t sustainable since it’s made with the use of fossil fuels.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride Leather) is another type of vegan leather that’s non-biodegradable. In addition, just like polyurethane, it’s made from non-renewable fossil fuels.
Upon doing more research I discovered plant-based faux leathers such as pineapple leather and apple leather. There is also a faux-leather made from recycled plastic and rubber. Pineapple (Piñatex) faux-leather is made from discarded pineapple leaves which is great but polyurethane coating is used during production. Although it’s not perfect it’s a step in the right direction. Apple leather is made from a combination of powdered apple peels and polyurethane. The use of polyurethane and other chemicals for both plant-based leathers is still a concern. Recycled plastic and rubber leather is sustainable but it isn’t biodegradable.
Greenpeace
PVC is single most environmentally damaging type of plastic. Thanks to everyday consumers demanding change, it’s finally becoming less common.
Why It’s Not As Good As You Think
- It’s not biodegradable and cannot be recycled, just like our former friend the plastic straw.
- It’s made with non-renewable fossil fuels
- It’s not durable therefore it lacks longevity. You can’t use the same bag for 10 or more years and then resell it or give it to someone else. Part of sustainability is consuming less. This is why consignment stores or clothing rental companies are doing so well.
- It’s used to make cheaper goods, just because it’s not leather doesn’t mean it’s a great item to purchase. You get less value for your money if it doesn’t last 5 or more years.
Nobody is going to run to the consignment store to spend money on a Vegan bag, it has no value. It’s like buying a car, your vegan leather bag depreciates once you purchase it. It’s also not durable therefore it doesn’t last very long. It will end up in a landfill somewhere, most likely in a third world country, polluting the environment.
I understand the desire to purchase items that aren’t made from animals is the goal. Just keep in mind polluting the environment with your handbag once it’s no longer usable isn’t good for the environment in which animals live in as well. Just like the issue with leather, over-consumption and ethics are important. You can’t attempt to solve one “problem” and create another one.
Vegan Leather If You Must
I don’t want vegans and co. to hate me so, I took it upon myself to see if there are good options out there that aren’t toxic or pollute the environment. It’s also up to vegan goods consumers to do their research. For example, MuSkin is actually a faux-leather hidden gem that’s 100% natural, biodegradable and sustainable. It’s made from a fungus, Phellinus Ellipsiodeus – it’s a mushroom. MuSkin isn’t currently widely available and I think it should be. I love my beloved animals just as much as you do but I also understand we sure as hell don’t need any more plastic, it’s done enough damage to our environment. If you don’t believe me look at all the plastic in the ocean! Hopefully, we won’t find a ‘vegan’ leather bag floating there too.
