Leather

[angie]

Hi! I'm interested in how others feel about leather products, especially shoes. Even though I haven't eaten meat for over 10 years, I have always bought leather shoes without really thinking about it. I'm starting to feel uncomfortable about buying leather. How do you deal with this issue?

[markB]

Hi Angie

This is a common problem for vegetarians as most shoes are cheap and uncomfortable.

If I have old leather things I still use them as it means that there is no more harm being done and it is environmentally friendly not to buy a replacement non-leather version. Also, buying second-hand leather goods is fine by me for similar reasons, especially as profits can often go to worthwhile causes (eg Salvos or St Vinnies).

Ultimately, however, the decision to buy leather goods is affected by how far up the ethical ladder you wish to climb. Buying a one-off leather article which will last you several years is quite different to eating animals every day!

I certainly know many women who have this problem with shoes and I do not have any problem with their decision either way. Men's shoes seem to be more easily obtainable in non-leather, so it is not such a problem.

Mark

[Davey]

Hi Angie

Buying non leather shoes can be a problem as alternatives are mostly expensive, bad for your feet or let in water, (e.g. runners).

Also occupations may make the wearing of non leather shoes unacceptable.

We may feel better however if we always wear non leather footwear whenever we have the choice, (but conform when we don't).

As Mark points out footwear is only an occaisional purchase.
_________________
Health and Happiness always. Davey

[kristen4382]

Hi Angie =)

I have been feeling similarly lately. These days I get the shoes re-soled whenever possible. I have some boots I am in looove with [aside from being made from cow carcass] so I take them to one of those remarkable engraving places that seem to do everything, and for a great price the soles, heel and toe of the boot is jazzed up with a bit of rubber or something. It works out well ethically, and financially!

If you feel strongly enough to not want to wear them at all, I'd head towards those clothing bins. At the moment I am loving PVC shoes Anyone know if there is a Sydney store along the lines of the vegan footwear one in Collingwood [?], Victoria? I keep forgetting to go there when I'm at the tennis. I'm always too poor by then, to buy their shoes anyway.