Going vegan - what to do with wool & leather I already o

[GregX999]

I just wondering what people that switched to a vegan lifestyle did with any wool or leather clothes/shoes that they already owned?

It makes sense to just keep wearing them until they wear out - provided you still like whatever style they are (or to donate them if you don't like them anymore).

But I think I would feel a bit "guilty" about wearing them - even though the "damage" was done when I bought them, not just from wearing them. And I think it would feel strange telling someone you're a vegan while wearing a leather jacket.

Greg

[doggles]

hi greg

welcome to vegan fitness!

i'm a new vegan too and have struggled with the same issue. in the end i decided to keep on wearing the leather shoes and wool jumper i already own but replace them with vegan versions when the time comes. i figure the damage has already been done. since i became a vegan primarily for environmental reasons i think that any purchase will have some negative environmental impact, so i prefer not to buy unless necessary. also i don't have that much money.

on the other hand it would be really nice not to have any leather/silk/wool goods so as not to confuse people. it might stop people giving you such a hard time for perceived inconsistencies. i don't want to offend any vegans with stronger feelings on the subject though so i may reconsider at some point.

catherine

[dublin dave]

Hi,
I still use an old down sleeping bag that I bought when I was still a dirty omnivore, a pair of black leather shoes that I was given in work 10 years ago (I reserve these for funerals etc), a leather belt that is 15+ years old and a pair of 2nd hand leather winter climbing boots. I'm going to keep using these until they wear out. I think it is unethical to just dump stuff in the bin.
Respect,
Dave.

*The only animal product that I will still buy are wool mountaineering socks. There are no vegan alternatives that protect against frostbite as well as wool.

[israel]

keep it !

[aliquis]

Personally I get anxiety against meat, leather, fur and so on, so I don't wanna take in say for instance a powerlifting belt, someones leather bag and so on. So to me it's simple, I wouldn't use them.

But if you already own them and don't feel weird using them why shouldn't you? Except if you wanna make a statement.

[Dave Noisy]

I'd say get rid of it if it's a possibility. You'll feel better, not confuse people, etc.. I threw out my own leather, and while i was unhappy with 'wasting', at least it was in the right direction.... (And i didn't have a lot to begin with.)

[Fallen_Horse]

I have kept my old stuff, it sounds weird but I want to get more use out of the death of the animal, I figure throwing it away makes the purchase even more horrible...

[barnz2k]

I replaced asap and stuff was in need of it anyways..

If the decision is to give it away... Maybe to Homeless? rather than a friend or trash?

[Hiking Fox]

It makes sense to just keep wearing them until they wear out - provided you still like whatever style they are (or to donate them if you don't like them anymore).
Greg

I'd wear the wool (it is pretty indestructible) but give the leather coat to a charity shop, cos you're right - leather is a very 'in yer face' statement that it's ok to wear skin. Wool is much more subtle.

[GrahamC]

I'm going through similar decisions at the moment. Probably will be for a while.One thing about which I am certain is that I'm not going to throw perfectly usable items out. I was in need of a new coat anyway, so after buying my new one (which I wore out of the shop), I gave the old one to the first charity shop I came accross. Another option is to sell an offending article on Ebay and then donate the money to charity (or use it to buy a vegan friendly alternative).

[GregX999]

I'd wear the wool (it is pretty indestructible) but give the leather coat to a charity shop, cos you're right - leather is a very 'in yer face' statement that it's ok to wear skin. Wool is much more subtle.

That's exactly what I was leaning towards - I only have one fashion leather jacket (and one leather motorcycle jacket, but currently no motorcycle, and no plans to get one in the near future).

I do have a bunch of Ice Breaker merino wool long-underwear and long-sleeve shirts for winter activities. Unfortunately, I haven't found anything that can even approach wool for temperature regulation (even when wet), and which is naturally anti-bacterial (synthetic stuff starts to really stink after just a few hours of activity due to sweat). Maybe by the time it wears out there'll be some decent bamboo stuff.

I have a few leather shoes/boots too, but they're getting pretty old and in need of replacement very soon anyway.

Greg

[fredrikw]

This is indeed a tricky question. But one thing we mustn't forget is that we are pioneers in this area, not only proving to ourselves that we can minimize the abuse of animals in our daily life, but also showing others this. How can I say to someone that he or she doesn't need wool when I use it myself because of its outstanding properties and that I happened to own this during my pre-vegan days? How can I argue why someone shouldn't buy a pair of leather boots when still wearing my old ones? We need to actively find solutions and not fall back on what we happened to own before we realized that something is wrong.

[bob_summers]

different folks have different means to replace their non-vegan clothing. it isn't realistic for some people to replace, say, four pairs of leather shoes with vegan alternatives in one go. i have a pair of leather motocross boots. admittedly i haven't worn them since going vegan, but i'm not sure what i could do about them, as synthetic alternatives don't, AFAIK, exist. can't ride my bike without them though

i'd suggest, replace what you can, when you can. and if a non-vegan points out your inconsistencies, then ask them what the fuck they are doing to lessen animal abuse

[Wobbly Lifter]

I look hot in leather pants

[ninearms]

i have a pair of leather motocross boots. admittedly i haven't worn them since going vegan, but i'm not sure what i could do about them, as synthetic alternatives don't, AFAIK, exist.

Really? I thought it was the manufacturers of motorcycling boots that pioneered the use of Lorica in the first place.

In fact...http://www.harpersraceshop.co.uk/item931.htm.