Definitely a big ethical dilemma - it reminds me of similar ethical complexities regarding animal conservation and law in the United States. The Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) - as well as similar acts - make it illegal to own any part of a marine mammal or feathers from migratory birds, found or otherwise. So finding a cool whale vertebrae on the beach or picking up an unique feather is just as illegal as aggressors who collect straight from the organism itself - the law makes no distinction. Some people have items passed down through the family, like walrus tusk scrimshaws, etc. This idea of 'grandfathered' items or items already in existence is an added layer of complexity. Wouldn't it be wasteful to just trash it?
This feels related to the dilemma of secondhand animal-based clothing items. At this point, fast fashion seems more wasteful than anything else over buying an item of quality that will reduce the need for new purchases... So many sides to this issue!
100% Jackie - the ethical dilemma is so tough and totally agree about repurposing something already in circulation to reduce waste and consumption. Thank you for the insights into the Marine Mammal Protection Act and MBTA, I learn so much from you!
The vegan leather debacle is such a tricky one! I've been able to find bags and wallets made of plant-based materials that actually hold up pretty well (I have a leaf leather wallet that's going strong 3 years on), but clothes and shoes are a challenge. I don't blame you for choosing secondhand genuine leather; I have some pieces from my teenage years/early 20s that are still more than intact so you can't deny the durability. However, I'm keeping my hopes up for more development into plastic-free vegan leathers.
Agree Maria! My bags have held up well, most of my apparel not so much, and some of my high quality shoes are starting to crack. I'm also hopeful for the future of plastic-free vegan leather and am so interested to see how the industry evolves in the next five years.
I’m a big fan of shopping, secondhand and vintage for wool leather and even fur if you can take it.
Tips for wool: hold it up to a bright light before buying and look at every part of it for moth holes. They are insidious. Wool that feels tight and thick, and this applies to cashmere as well, has probably been washed and tumble dried, and has therefore shrunk. Look for balling under the arms.
Tip for vintage leather: it should be soft and supple with no cracking in the seams and no rips at the top of any kind of split or split. Check the linings carefully for rips and wear.
Tip for vintage fur: shake it really hard. If any hairs fall off, do not buy it.
Thanks so much for the detailed tips Sheila! These are so helpful for leather and wool and my eyes will be peeled for moth holes. I do a lot of my secondhand shopping online and I'm curious if there's anything that you look for in photos or descriptions?
Glad these were helpful, Tina!💕 Sorry, I’m an in-person shopper only. For anything wool, I would definitely ask for lots of detailed pictures, and even ask outright, “Are there any moth-holes?”
This was interesting to read. While I was reading it I thought shopping for wool and leather secondhand might be a good answer. Why would vegans be against this in general? Is it because by wearing these fabrics you’re still kind of advertising them to the world and in that way effectively promoting those materials?
As always I admire your thoughtful commitment to sustainability.
Thank you Sita :) That's a great question and definitely - some vegans feel that even secondhand animal textiles promote exploiting animals, which I totally understand since I didn't feel right wearing animal products for the last eight years. It took me a looong time to get here, but secondhand seems like the best middle ground until plant-based next-gen fabrics become mainstream.
This was so interesting thanks Tina!
Thank you so much :)
Definitely a big ethical dilemma - it reminds me of similar ethical complexities regarding animal conservation and law in the United States. The Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) - as well as similar acts - make it illegal to own any part of a marine mammal or feathers from migratory birds, found or otherwise. So finding a cool whale vertebrae on the beach or picking up an unique feather is just as illegal as aggressors who collect straight from the organism itself - the law makes no distinction. Some people have items passed down through the family, like walrus tusk scrimshaws, etc. This idea of 'grandfathered' items or items already in existence is an added layer of complexity. Wouldn't it be wasteful to just trash it?
This feels related to the dilemma of secondhand animal-based clothing items. At this point, fast fashion seems more wasteful than anything else over buying an item of quality that will reduce the need for new purchases... So many sides to this issue!
100% Jackie - the ethical dilemma is so tough and totally agree about repurposing something already in circulation to reduce waste and consumption. Thank you for the insights into the Marine Mammal Protection Act and MBTA, I learn so much from you!
The vegan leather debacle is such a tricky one! I've been able to find bags and wallets made of plant-based materials that actually hold up pretty well (I have a leaf leather wallet that's going strong 3 years on), but clothes and shoes are a challenge. I don't blame you for choosing secondhand genuine leather; I have some pieces from my teenage years/early 20s that are still more than intact so you can't deny the durability. However, I'm keeping my hopes up for more development into plastic-free vegan leathers.
Agree Maria! My bags have held up well, most of my apparel not so much, and some of my high quality shoes are starting to crack. I'm also hopeful for the future of plastic-free vegan leather and am so interested to see how the industry evolves in the next five years.
I’m a big fan of shopping, secondhand and vintage for wool leather and even fur if you can take it.
Tips for wool: hold it up to a bright light before buying and look at every part of it for moth holes. They are insidious. Wool that feels tight and thick, and this applies to cashmere as well, has probably been washed and tumble dried, and has therefore shrunk. Look for balling under the arms.
Tip for vintage leather: it should be soft and supple with no cracking in the seams and no rips at the top of any kind of split or split. Check the linings carefully for rips and wear.
Tip for vintage fur: shake it really hard. If any hairs fall off, do not buy it.
Thanks so much for the detailed tips Sheila! These are so helpful for leather and wool and my eyes will be peeled for moth holes. I do a lot of my secondhand shopping online and I'm curious if there's anything that you look for in photos or descriptions?
Glad these were helpful, Tina!💕 Sorry, I’m an in-person shopper only. For anything wool, I would definitely ask for lots of detailed pictures, and even ask outright, “Are there any moth-holes?”
Incredibly helpful, thank you again! And a great reminder to do more in-person shopping for secondhand.
Good luck and kudos to you for switching to biodegradable products! 💕 Vintage all the way!
This was interesting to read. While I was reading it I thought shopping for wool and leather secondhand might be a good answer. Why would vegans be against this in general? Is it because by wearing these fabrics you’re still kind of advertising them to the world and in that way effectively promoting those materials?
As always I admire your thoughtful commitment to sustainability.
Thank you Sita :) That's a great question and definitely - some vegans feel that even secondhand animal textiles promote exploiting animals, which I totally understand since I didn't feel right wearing animal products for the last eight years. It took me a looong time to get here, but secondhand seems like the best middle ground until plant-based next-gen fabrics become mainstream.