Scooter Motorcycles

(This is more of a discussion than a question.)

I think it’s not only justifiable; I think it can be a socially and environmentally conscious choice.

I have been a vegetarian for much of my life and I’ve eaten beef in my adult life less times then you can count on one hand. I’ve also always been very conscious of how my decisions impact the environment and affect social issues.

I used to think that wearing leather was counter-intuitive to environmental and scoial integrity. Now I think that the opposite is true.

It started off because I needed gear when I was riding my scooter that would protect me if I fell. Synthetics were very expensive and only came in grades and sizes more suitable to pocket rockets. So, eventually, I relented and bought a leather after about two years of hesitation. Now I also wear leather shoes and boots.

Okay, so here’s why: Leather, as a by-product of the beef industry, is in huge supply. Until people eat about a 1/50 (!) of the beef that they do in North America, there will always be leather that is not from cattle that is purpose bred. In other words, the environmental impact of the livestock will occur regardless of whether or not there is a demand for leather; the impact is driven by the demand for beef. On the other hand, synthetics have a huge environmental impact as they are usually derived from oils. Additionally, even natural fibres – save a few exceptions such as bamboo – can have a large environmental impact. The only additionally environmental impact from leather is from the tanning process, which in North America is highly regulated.

While there is a big push to have clothing sewn in North America, most textiles/ fabric produced in the world – like over 90% – comes from sweatshop conditions where wages and working conditions are poor, very poor. On the other hand, you can purchase leather clothing and footwear that, from beginning to end, is made and manufactured in North America, Australia or any other country where you are comfortable with the working conditions.

Lastly, cattle that is bred dual-purpose – beef and leather – most likely have beetter living conditions then some other cattle. I say most likely because I don’t know that for sure, but cattle that is over-crowded will nip and kick at other animals, rub into fencing and walls and be more susceptible to bites and infection, causing wounding and scarring. Scarring makes the leather less valuable.

Lastly, even when synthetics or natural fibre clothing beats out leather for environmental impact and social impact, leather out-performs synthetics and naturals almost always. For wind breaking, warmth retention, breathability and water resistance (in balance), comfort and protection, leather wins. Most importantly, though, leather will outlast any synthetic or natural fibre by years and years and years. I meet people who are still wearing leather jackets that were manufactured in the 80′s. Synthetics and natural fibres go to the landfill.

So, what do you think? While leather producers would have a hard time selling their product as eco-friendly and socially-aware, is this a fair arguement? Can someone who is environmentally and socially conscious justifiably wear leather?

look as long as you are going to raise and kill beef for a food source you might as will make use of the by products i.e leather to make boots and gloves — myself if i did not eat meat i would still buy leather boots and gloves if they were available since they wear so well!!!