Sneakers made from Kangoroos or from recycled material from the last beach clean up

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In March, Puma and Nike announced they would end the production of athletic shoes using kangaroo leather. We welcome this crucial shift for protecting and conserving this iconic Australian species. However, Adidas continues to produce and sell K-leather shoes, despite the serious concerns raised by animal welfare organisations over cruel methods used to kill kangaroos and despite EU consumers' demands for cruelty-free products.

Fact: This year alone, hunters are licensed to kill 3.8 million adult kangaroos to supply the kangaroo industries in the largest massacre of land animals on the planet. An email recently sent out by John Kelly, spokesperson for the Kangaroo Industry Association of Australia, states: "This [soccer boot] industry is vital to the kangaroo industry. Without it underpinning kangaroo skin prices, the entire industry would be at risk". With 70 per cent of the market for professional football boots, Adidas is the kangaroo industry's largest customer – a driving force behind the massacre.

As conscious consumers, our choices play a vital role in influencing the market. By opting for sustainable and eco-friendly materials, we can encourage companies to prioritize ethical and environmentally responsible practices. Supporting brands that use alternative materials to leather can drive positive change within the fashion and accessories industry.

Real leather versus pleather

Although there are a lot of fake alternative leather products available in high street stores that are both cheaper and free of animal byproducts, this does not imply that choosing faux is a really sustainable option.

Plastics derived from petroleum, especially PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and PU (polyurethane), are used to create synthetic leather, sometimes known as "pleather".

These polymers are the main cause of our escalating microplastic pollution problem because they are made from fossil fuels, are neither recyclable nor biodegradable, and take up to 500 years to break down.

On the other hand, when it comes to emissions from cow ranching, deforestation, and the toxic runoff from tanning, leather from animals is an environmentally destructive material.

This indicates that while leather made of plastic is undesirable

for the environment, real leather is equally taxing for our planet, minus the microplastic issue!

A Sustainable Future for Fashion

The fashion industry, including the leather sector, is gradually evolving to embrace sustainability. Brands are now increasingly adopting circular economy principles, focusing on recycling and upcycling materials. By promoting these sustainable practices, we can collectively contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of the fashion industry.

We at sustainableproductsandlifestyle.com decided to sell exclusive Sustainable non-toxic vegan products

Any other choice would be ridiculous.

we even sell shoes made from cactus trees

There are many really sustainable leather substitutes that use plants, rather than animal skins, to generate biodegradable and sustainable materials, despite the fact that labeling synthetic leather "vegan leather" is much of a greenwashing marketing trick.

Consider leather-like items manufactured from materials like pineapple leaves, bamboo, mushrooms, cactus, and cork, all of which are reasonably priced, renewable, and, in most cases, recyclable and biodegradable.

Go take a look at our articles on plant-based and vegan leather substitutes to find the ideal environmentally friendly option for you. The top vegan shoe brands to give you a conscience-free spring in your step are listed in our article The best vegan shoe alternatives. We have the purse of your desires.

Real leather is hazardous for the environment because of the sourcing and tanning procedures, but there are many alternatives.

Government limitations

Chromium VI usage in leather products has previously been constrained by the EU and the US. Even though this doesn't prevent tanneries from using the chemical in other countries (China is still the largest producer worldwide of leather, followed by Brazil, Russia, and India), if additional countries follow suit, it could improve the sector.

Responsible producers and vegetable tanning

Vegetable-tanned leather, which uses the natural tannins from organic resources including tree bark, leaves, roots, and even tamarind seeds, is replacing chromium tanning on behalf of more ethical producers.

However, eliminating a chemical that is toxic to aquatic life and to human health is only the first step.

The Working Group for Leather

The LWG pushes manufacturers to use sustainable leather processes. It fosters the traceability of leather supply chains, the reduction of deforestation, and audits and certifies suppliers.

Other programs

Italian tanneries that recycle and cleanse their wastewater produce chrome-free leather

Brooks Men’s Ghost 14 Running Shoes

for the leather producer Green Hides.

For its leather shoes, B-Corp-certified company Nisolo employs chrome-free skins and carbon offsetting techniques. To lessen the carbon footprint of the material, the Leather Sustainability initiative offers brands and producers consultations on a global scale. And all throughout the world, sustainable fashion manufacturers are stepping up to lessen the effect left by unsustainable leather practices.

An improved future

Conclusion

In conclusion, as individuals passionate about leading a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle, we must be mindful of the environmental impact of our choices, including the products we use. While leather has been a popular material for centuries, it comes with significant environmental concerns, particularly during its production. However, by opting for sustainable alternatives and encouraging brands to adopt eco-friendly practices, we can collectively work towards a greener and more ethical fashion industry.

Let's embrace sustainability and make conscious choices that promote a healthier and safer planet for future generations. Together, we can outrank the misconceptions surrounding leather and its environmental impact, spreading awareness and driving positive change for a more sustainable world.

Buy at SUSTAINABLEPRODUCTSANDLIFESTYLE.COM buy with us. Pick from our big assortment of Shoe brands that produce animal cruelty-free sustainably sourced

non-toxic, made from recycled material, or shoes made from plants.

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