The leather industry is often viewed as purely supplemental to the meat industry. However, this is a total misconception. Far from being an incidental or auxiliary commodity produced through the production of meat, the leather industry is projected to grow to $743.50 billion by 2030.
The economics of the leather industry and the meat and dairy industries arguably cannot sustain themselves independently of one another. Without the sale of leather, the cost of meat would have to rise dramatically to make up for lost revenue.
Additionally, not all leather even comes from animals slaughtered for meat. So-called “luxury” and “exotic” leathers come from animals killed primarily or even solely for their skin, like ostriches, tigers, alligators, sharks, elephants, lizards, stingrays, zebras, and countless others.
The leather industry is responsible for severe environmental devastation entirely independent of the meat and dairy industries. The extreme toxicity of leather tanning chemicals also endangers the lives of tannery workers and those in surrounding communities.
Most leather products come from countries without even the most basic of animal welfare legislation or enforcement. However, no matter the country or regulations, the leather industry is responsible for abject animal cruelty.
Is leather just a byproduct of the meat industry? The answer may surprise you. Learn about where leather comes from, what leather is made of, whether leather supports animal cruelty, and the environmental devastation and public health threat of leather production.
What is vegan leather made of? In this guide to vegan leather alternatives, learn about the growing number of plant-based and bioleathers, the history of synthetic leather, and the debate over whether any leather alternative is truly sustainable.
Read more about A Guide to Vegan Leather & Sustainable Vegan Leather Alternatives
Is leather just a byproduct of the meat industry? The answer may surprise you. Learn about where leather comes from, what leather is made of, whether leather supports animal cruelty, and the environmental devastation and public health threat of leather production.
Read more about Is Leather a Byproduct of the Meat Industry?
This video will open your eyes to the truth about our food industry. Come face to face with the real-life impact of your dietary choices. See where (and who) your food comes from.
Read more about Open Your Eyes
Were vegan principles and practices shaped by the rise of major world religions during the Middle Ages? Learn about the interplay of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism & secular ethics.
Read more about Vegans In The Middle Ages | The History of Veganism Part Two
The numbers in this video are shocking. We are great at counting calories, measuring profits, quantifying just about anything. But when it comes to knowing our impact on other beings, we fall short. How many animals do we eat every year?
Read more about How Many Animals Do We Kill Every Year?
From cradle to grave, racehorses live tortured, terrifying, brutal, and completely thankless lives. Above all else, horse racing is a business. It’s not for the love of the sport, and certainly not for the love of the horse. It’s for the love of money.
Read more about Horse Racing Exposed: From Cradle to Grave
