I became vegetarian recently, and have some leather stuff I bought a long time ago...belts, wallets etc. What did everyone else do with them? Charity, friends? Or should I just bury them in a grave?
Since I've already purchased them, usually I just wore them until they were no good anymore... But, for other things that dont wear out easily, such as a coat I had... I gave that to my friend. I'd say charity or friends is your best bet, because would you want that animal to have died for nothing? I suppose that sounds cooky, but that's just my opinion. By any means I wouldnt waste it and just throw them out, I'd find someone who would get use out of it, or give it to charity Anyway good luck and congratulations on your transition Feel free to PM me if you ever have any other kinds of questions regarding your new found lifestyle, I'd be happy to help
I kept my old leather stuff for awhile after I went veg., but since I am very outspoken on the fur issue, I decided it would be best to give everything to charity. Plus, having it around was starting to freak me out. But that was just me. If it doesn't bother you, I think you should feel free to go ahead and keep that stuff until it wears out.
Yeah, I kept mine too. At least the stuff that I really liked (I know...that sounds horrible) and I gave alot of it to charity. My husband and I are trying to wean (sp?) ourselves off of the leather goods that we already own so everytime we give away something we really like we reward ourselves by buying something good. My husband recently gave away a pair of leather sneakers that he liked so I bought him some green hemp Addidas that are so cool!
Lotus butterfly I like your idea! I was planning on buying some new non leather shoes, so maybe I'll just donate a pair of leather ones(one in one out).... Thanks guys
Congrats on the switch I still use the leather things I already had. Can't see the sense in wasting extra resources needed to make new non leather ones. I don't actually have any particular repulsion to leather itself (the existing product, obviously don't appreciate the production etc.) So can live with them. Though of course in time they shall be replaced with non leather alternatives, and I certainly don't buy leather items any more.
I have one pair of boots of buffalo and elk hide that were a custom-made grad gift (and pricey) I keep and maintain them for sentimental value, and they cannot be replaced. everything else was given to people who could use/wanted it. took a few months to find those people. Some finally schlepped off to the thrift store. I get used silk/wool but I don't buy new. I get my omni son used leather. How about a yard sale if you have a bunch? proceeds to replacements or a cause.
The word vegetarian refers to meatless diet. It has nothing to do with what one wears. Leather. Whats so horrible about leather? I comes from cows that are are already dead so the skinning doesn't hurt them. Wool? Guess what? Sheep shearing is a lot like getting a haircut. By all means go try hiking in cotton or synthetic socks and cloth or synthetic shoes. Do you know what will happen? Your synthetic shoes/boots will fall apart you'll probably twist and ankle due to total lack of support and your feet will look like hamburger beacuse cotton and synthetic socks cause blisters galore! When I hike I always wear my oh so comfy Smartwool Hiking Socks and my leather trail runners like I did when I hiked the Appalachian Trail. Wool is natural and its processing is far less damaging to the environment then cotton or synthetic materials. Wool socks last 5- 10 times as long as cotton socks. Cotton also sucks all the life out of the soil and needs tons of fertilizer and pesticides. Sheep can live just about anywhere. All they need is water and grass and someone to watch them. I applaud ya'll for choosing a healthy diet but you're taking it a bit far with the Wool and Leather are cruel and evil attitude.
Veganism not only applies to eating a healthy and cruel free diet but also to a cruel free lifestyle. Some people choose to live their lives this way, some don't. Obviously you don't. That's your choice and obviously you're okay with it. Why are you getting so offended? If I'm correct this thread was not about converting everyone into non-animal product wearing people, just someone who is joining the rest of us who make this life choice for themselves because we feel that is right. You act as though it is a personal attack against you. Also, I see where you are coming from on the issue of cotton killing the environment because of the use of pesticides which is why it's important to support the growing of things organically. And if you think wearing leather isn't cruel, and if wearing wool socks is as simple as giving a sheep a haircut...you may want to do a bit more research.
