I’ve been vegetarian for almost ten years now. There was a time I felt extremely guilty for being vegetarian, yet still owning leather shoes and accessories. So one fall I took all of my leather shoes, bags, belts, and jackets except one pair of BCBG brown heeled boots I invested in, and sold everything to Crossroads, my favorite buy sell trade retailer. I then used the money from the sale to purchase two pairs of vegan faux leather shoes, a bag, and a belt. Despite my knowledge, over the year I had also bought a faux leather jacket. All of the vegan products I had bought had been made with PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride).
The following year I discovered that PVC was a toxic material and ended up selling all of my PVC fashion items to Crossroads for exchange credit. I then used the credit to trade for a wool blend winter coat and a pair of tall leather riding boots. Because of the problems associated with PVC, many concerned parents only buy PVC-free bottles for their babies and PVC-free toys for their children. Although there is a great PVC scare for children, media doesn’t really talk about it as much in regards to fashion, vinyl flooring, or other everyday items.
So What’s The Big Deal?
According to the Center for Health, Environment and Justice, PVC releases chemicals such as dioxins, lead, mercury, and phthalates linked to diseases such as asthma, learning and developmental disabilities, as well as cancer in children. These same toxins released from PVC have also been linked to breast cancer and reproductive health problems.
PVC has been coined “the poison plastic” because in its production it fuses vinyl chloride molecules with toxic metals such as lead and cadmium which are added as stabilizers and plasticizers. The chemical properties of chlorine as well as by-products of PVC during production are extremely toxic, and can easily accumulate in our food supply and our bodies different from similar chemicals that do not contain chlorine. PVC is the only major plastic that contains chlorine therefore is uniquely hazardous.
My Eco-Friendly Choice
After selling all my leather goods, then selling all my PVC goods, I have finally come up with my own choice in which I am comfortable with. Because I like quality items that last for years and years, I now choose to buy well constructed leather goods second hand. This is very easy where bags, belts, and most shoes are concerned. Yet some shoes I have bought new because of my extremely narrow finicky-to-fit feet. Purchasing second hand leather makes me more comfortable than buying new leather. Leather is biodegradable too. There is a balance with everything, and finding what you feel comfortable with is important.
Read more on this topic here.
(Image by Dawn Michelle)
peng peng says
i share your sentiments exactly! same goes for polyester (my once amazing collection of vintage 70s shirts are long gone). only problem is that most leather is treated (in polluting tanning factories) so it doesn’t break down easily. But it will last longer than plastic shoes, which you’d have to buy more often.
Jessica says
Hi Dawn Michelle,
I very much enjoy reading your blog! I am a vegan minimalist who enjoys art and style. As an ethical vegan, I have struggled with the issue you raise in this post; however, I wonder if polyurethane might be a better option? It can be made degradable and does not involve or emit the same chemicals as PVC or leather.
Kind regards,
Jessica
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Jessica,
I looked up a few things on polyurethane (PU) and it is a plastic material. Polyurethane foam used in mattresses, seat cushions, etc is toxic. There are three different types of polyurethanes: toluene diisocyante (TDI), diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), and paraphenylene diisocyanate (PPDI). MDI is a food grade polyurethane and is “less” toxic than TDI polyurethane foam. To be honest it is really hard to tell what you are getting with PU and if it is the kind that will biodegrade or not. It is still plastic that is chemically created.
I read about the toxic chemicals in leather production as well and it really is a tough call. I think that is why I feel better buying second hand leather yet I can have a really hard time finding second hand shoes that fit my finicky feet well. The production of leather does hurt animals, the environment, and the people who work in those factories. I would love to hear more opinions on this one myself. Thanks so much for your comment!
Best,
Dawn Michelle
Jessica says
Hi Dawn,
Thanks for your insight and sorry for the delayed response! I figured I’d get an email when you responded but ended up having to search out this post to see your response.
I totally understand how difficult it is to be an ethical vegan, environmentalist, and humanitarian simultaneously, and on top of that fashionable! It’s probably been my biggest struggle as a vegan. One of my concerns with wearing leather shoes and accessories, be it second-hand or owned previous to veganism, is that the world translates that as a weakness in the vegan lifestyle and philosophy. However, I think one’s solution to this issue may depend on their prioritization of veganism, environmentalism, and humanitarianism, as it’s almost impossible to give them fair weight without wearing a potato sack or pulling your hair out. Being a minimalist might be the best first step for decreasing one’s impact on any issue.
I did find this site that talks about the impacts of leather vs pleather: http://www.thevegancollection.com/about-us
And also this shoe company that actively uses eco PU: http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/eco-partners
That said, I commend you for being such a proactive vegan and minimalist!
I look forward to your response.
Kind regards,
Jessica
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Jessica,
Hope you’re well and thanks for continuing the conversation. Minimalism is definitely a way to decrease your environmental impact in every way. It is so true that it can be completely frustrating trying to weigh vegetarianism, environmentalism, and humanitarianism on exactly the same terms. I think it is important to make decisions that resonate with you personally. We learn more about each topic everyday and there is still so much more to learn.
Now that I’ve been reading Plastic Free by Beth Terry and am educating myself on the problems with disposable plastic and the toxicity of plastic, when the topic of leather vs pleather comes to mind, I’m still more comfortable with second hand leather. Second hand leather products do not have a new environmental impact, nor does it hurt more animals, or continually support the meat industry. Even if the PU used is non toxic it still will never biodegrade and will be part of the plastic problem in the environment. Now trying to minimize my plastic consumption has really been a new desire and focus. It is important to follow your own intuition not simply a definition.
Best,
Dawn Michelle
Jessica says
Hello Dawn,
Life has been a little crazy-busy for me, but I wanted to circle back on our conversation.
I completely agree that blindly following a definition is unwise and, like you mentioned, it is important to continually learn and grow. I appreciate your insight (and your level of research), so I’m curious what you think the effects of buying secondhand leather shoes might be on the big picture idea behind veganism, environmentalism, and even humanitarianism. Or, for that matter, what your version of the big picture idea is. I realize this is a deep question and that no answer will be perfect, but I like to understand other activists’ points of view, as it helps me evolve within my own vision for a more gentle and respectful world.
In terms of plastic, I will have to check out the book you suggested. While I have always disliked plastic, especially disposable plastic, I have more recently been focusing on ridding my use of it altogether.
Kind regards,
Jessica
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Jessica,
Hope all is well with you! I believe buying second hand anything has a lower environmental footprint regardless of the material. I think that it is actually more environmentally friendly than purchasing something that is made environmentally friendly because you are recycling versus buying new.
As for shoes in particular I wear a 9AAA (ridiculously narrow) shoe. It has always been extremely difficult for me to find shoes that fit no matter how they are made. I’ve made due with shoes that haven’t fit well for a long time, and most recently purchased another pair of shoes that actually fit. They are handmade in the US. I also found one pair of 9AAA vintage shoes via Etsy this past December as well so will most likely be looking for vintage narrow shoes there more often.
Everything doesn’t always come in a one size fits all package or a one size fits all theory. Do what you intuitively feel is right. I always do my best to make decisions that have a positive effect on the environment such as making chemical free beauty products, eating organic, and maintaining a wardrobe that is 90% secondhand. Doing my best brings me more peace than striving for perfection even as a perfectionist.
Best wishes,
Dawn Michelle
Daisy says
I have lately become conscious about these things so I’m a veggie newb. As in I decided not to eat meat a month ago and I don’t even feel comfortable calling myself a vegeterian. I still drink milk and eat dairy but not eggs, so I’m not a vegan. I don’t know how I feel about leather though because I do buy luxury handbags and they are made from leather. Though at the moment due to decluttering and trying to restart my collection own only one vintage YSL bag that I snagged from my aunt’s collection. I do also look at pre-owned bags in that department but I don’t know if it’s any different from buying straight up. I recently sold a YSL bag I bought new and I don’t know if it makes me more environmentally conscious if I had bought it pre-owned. Is it really better?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Daisy,
I believe buying second hand is always better. It has a much lighter carbon foot print than shopping new. Take your time as you transition into a new lifestyle. Like I mentioned in this article, I sold all of my leather items and bought PVC products. I then found out later that PVC wasn’t necessarily better for the environment since it is toxic in production and to my body. I then ended up selling all of my PVC products. I could have saved myself a lot of time, money, and frustration if I had taken my time.
This is one choice that I’ve found peace with. I no longer create my own limits if they do not serve me and the environment in the long run just to fit a definition. Do what you intuitively feel best doing. We are all different and will find peace in different ways.
Best wishes,
Dawn Michelle
Sandy says
Glad I found this article. This was an eye opener.
Thanks Dawn.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sandy,
Glad you liked it! This was a big issue for me for sometime. I had to find my peace with it and weigh every side of it. Have a beautiful day!
Katja says
Dear Dawn Michelle,
thank you for your blog!
I’m curious about your opinion about fur items.
Best wishes
Katja
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Katja,
I’m not personally into fur. I’m also so glad you are enjoying the blog! Have a beautiful day!
Alexandra says
Hello Dawn Michelle,
I’m so glad that I found your article. I have been vegetarian for 12 years and animal welfare is important to me; however, I too have recently had to face up to the terrible environmental impact of plastic-based items. I am torn between wanting to protect animals, but also live naturally and in harmony with the environment. I do have a few pairs of leather shoes now. I suppose I figure that if we – as you do – only buy what we absolutely require and we fully cherish what we have, then it is better than buying lots of PVC/PU products. I have felt guilty about purchasing leather, like it makes me a hypocrite. But, there must be some ethical, environmentally-friendly leather companies out there that respect the animals, right? I am new to looking into all this, as I am really trying to detox my lifestyle from all chemicals and reduce my environmental footprint.
Thank you very much for the information and insight. I’m glad I’m not the only vegetarian who has been through this!
Alexandra xoxo
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Alexandria,
I remember when I was going through my “buy only vegan leather” phase and a friend’s husband said that it would make more sense to purchase one pair of high quality leather shoes than so many PVC shoes. Quality costs more but will last you for years and years. Cheaply made shoes can’t even be repaired as easily at a shoe repair and PVC isn’t biodegradable. If you can buy leather second hand shoes you are actually making the most environmental choice. Best wishes!
Jess says
Hello,
Thank you for your article – very interesting. I like the idea of non-leather shoes, bags, etc for the cruelty free factor, however I see that fashion made from synthetic materials get a lot more ‘heat’ than synthetic materials used for other things. For example, some object PVC handbagd but are ok with nearly all everyday things made from plastics/ PVC like furniture, iPhone cases, etc. Not talking about disposable plastics. Is there extra (unfair) scrutiny on fashion? Maybe still based on a bias that “leather is best”? I’m thinking about well-made synthetics which are long-lasting, not “fast fashion” items. On a side note, my impression was that leather took many decades to biodegradable due to the tanning process (with animal skins bio degrading quickly of course). Thank you in advance for your thoughts 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Jess,
This is a complicated issue which is why I wrote about it. When I was purchasing faux leather shoes, bags, and jackets, they tended to wear out very quickly, and the shoes were not always reparable at the cobbler. Plastic isn’t always easy to avoid. My Vitamix which I love is made of plastic. I choose not to wear plastic against my skin though and most recently donated clothing items that were made from synthetic fabrics. Avoiding toxic chemicals takes a lot of effort with clothing, cosmetics, household cleaners, furniture, etc. In general I feel that buying second hand is the best ecofriendly option. Reducing the amount of items you own and consume help too.
Stefanie says
I just came across your bost as I too am having a conflicting view point on this topic. I am very well aware of the ethical view point and the environmental issue of the agriculture industry. HOWEVER, I’m also a very big environmentalist and want to look at all of the harmful things. That’s when I hit my roadblock. Anything made of fossil fuels is BAD. Plastics are bad. So what do I do? For instance, I need a diaper bag. I can either buy a used leather diaper bag or a used nylon bag. Which is the best option? Both being used. Idk. I know leather is dyed and treated with chemicals but the nylon bag is just toxins and chemicals. Not to mention coated. I’m conflicted. Aside from an ethical stance, are synthetics really better????
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Stefanie,
Go with the bag is made better since it will last longer. In general 2nd hand is already in the right direction. I have found that with 2nd hand purchases many of the off gases from chemicals have already been emitted.
For me I prefer 2nd hand leather, yet there are also great cloth bags that aren’t synthetic, it’s just finding them. You don’t always get to choose when thrifting since it’s more about lucking up though. I hope you find the perfect bag that fits your needs and ethics!