I’ll admit: I own two pairs of leather shoes. One pair is from before I found out about animal cruelty (oh, yeah, there was such a time), and the other is a pair of knee-high leather boots I bought secondhand from a thrift store. Is the latter option better? Why did I choose to buy leather boots, albeit pre-loved? The overarching question: are leather shoes sustainable?
Leather shoes have long been a popular choice for their durability and timeless style. However, the sustainability of leather shoes has come under a cloud. This post explores the various ways in which leather shoe production affects the environment, including water usage, chemical pollution, deforestation, and carbon footprint.
Let’s look the enemy in the eye and find out how terrible they really are.
Read: Sustainable Winter Boots
The Environmental Impact of Leather Shoes
We know leather is derived from animals, but in this post, we look at the environmental impact of leather production. We look at sustainability, and do not cover animal welfare or animal rights.
1 / Water Usage in Leather Production
Leather production requires a significant amount of water throughout its various stages. From the initial cleaning and soaking of the raw hides to the final rinsing and finishing processes, water is a crucial resource in the leather industry.
- On average, it takes about 2,000 liters of water to produce one kilogram of leather.
- The water used in leather production often contains various chemicals and pollutants, making it challenging to treat and reuse.
- The high water consumption in leather production contributes to water scarcity in regions where the industry is prevalent.
2 / Chemical Pollution from Tanning Processes
Tanning processes used in leather production can have significant chemical pollution impacts. Chemicals such as chromium salts, formaldehyde, and various dyes are commonly used in the tanning process, which can result in water pollution and toxic waste. These chemicals can contaminate nearby water sources, affecting aquatic life and potentially entering the food chain. Chrome-free tanning exists, where vegetable tans are used, but it’s not common at all.
Additionally, the disposal of tannery waste can contribute to soil pollution and groundwater contamination. The improper handling and disposal of tannery waste can lead to the release of harmful substances into the environment, posing risks to both human health and ecosystems.
To address the issue of chemical pollution from tanning processes, it is important to explore alternative tanning methods that minimize the use of harmful chemicals. Implementing eco-friendly tanning techniques and promoting the use of vegetable-based tanning agents can help reduce the environmental impact of leather production.
- The use of organic and biodegradable tanning agents can minimize chemical pollution.
- Proper waste management and treatment systems should be implemented to prevent contamination of water and soil.
- Government regulations and industry standards should be in place to ensure the responsible use and disposal of chemicals in the tanning process.
3 / Deforestation and Land Use
Leather production contributes to deforestation and land use issues. The demand for leather requires large areas of land for cattle grazing and the cultivation of animal feed. This leads to deforestation as forests are cleared to make way for these activities. Despite being a renewable resource, forests are cleared too quickly for them to regrow.
Additionally, the leather industry is often associated with the destruction of natural habitats, as land is converted for cattle ranching and leather production facilities.
Furthermore, the tanning process used to convert raw hides into leather involves the use of chemicals, such as chromium salts, which can contaminate soil and water sources. These chemicals can have detrimental effects on the surrounding ecosystems, leading to pollution and further degradation of the land.
To address the environmental impact of leather shoes, it is important to consider sustainable alternatives. This could include using alternative materials like plant-based or synthetic leather, which have a lower environmental footprint. Promoting responsible land management practices and supporting initiatives that aim to reduce deforestation can help mitigate the negative effects of leather production on land use.
4 / Carbon Footprint of Leather Shoes
Leather shoes have a significant carbon footprint due to various factors involved in their production and lifecycle. The carbon footprint of leather shoes (following a full life cycle assessment) is primarily influenced by the following:
Raw material production
The production of leather requires raising livestock, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions through methane release. Additionally, the cultivation of animal feed and the transportation of raw materials also contribute to carbon emissions.
Tanning process
The tanning process involves the use of chemicals, such as chromium salts, which have a high carbon footprint. The energy-intensive nature of the tanning process further adds to the carbon emissions.
Manufacturing and transportation
The manufacturing of leather shoes involves energy-intensive processes, including cutting, stitching, and assembly. The transportation of leather shoes from manufacturing facilities to retail stores also contributes to their carbon footprint.
Product lifespan
The carbon footprint of leather shoes also depends on their lifespan and usage. Longer-lasting shoes have a lower carbon footprint compared to shoes that are frequently replaced.
Besides, 300 million pairs of shoes are discarded every year. Not all of them are leather shoes, but many of them are. And the biodegradability of leather isn’t clear in every case. They can take an average of 30-40 years to decompose.
Considering the significant carbon footprint of leather shoes, it is important to explore sustainable alternatives and adopt practices that reduce the environmental impact of the footwear industry. Consider upcycling any leather items you were planning to discard.
One sustainable option is to buy recycled leather. Another is to buy secondhand.
Why Choose Secondhand Leather Footwear
Buying secondhand leather shoes can be a sustainable choice for the environment because it reduces the demand for new leather production. By buying secondhand leather footwear, you are extending the life cycle of the material and preventing it from ending up in landfills. You are also saving money and supporting the circular economy, by adding to closed-loop systems.
Want to do ethical fashion? Buying secondhand leather items beats buying virgin ethical leather any day!! Check out these online thrift stores to get started.
FAQs
1 / Can leather shoes be recycled?
Leather shoes can be recycled, but the process is complex and not widely available. Recycled leather items are available, though.
2 / What are the alternatives to leather shoes?
There are various alternatives to leather shoes, such as synthetic materials like faux leather, canvas, and recycled materials.
3 / Do leather shoes contribute to deforestation?
Leather production is linked to deforestation as it requires large areas of land for cattle grazing and feed production.
4 / How can I reduce the environmental impact of leather shoes?
You can reduce the impact by choosing sustainably sourced leather, opting for second-hand or vintage leather shoes, and properly caring for and repairing your shoes to extend their lifespan.
5 / Are there any certifications for sustainable leather shoes?
Yes, there are certifications such as the Leather Working Group certification that ensures environmentally responsible and sustainable leather production.
This post was about the sustainability of leather shoes
The sustainability of leather shoes is a complex issue. While leather is a natural material with numerous advantages, leather processing does come with significant environmental impacts. It is important for us as consumers, as well as for manufacturers, to consider these factors and explore alternative materials and production methods to promote a more sustainable footwear industry.
And if you’re looking for a super durable pair of sturdy leather boots, at a discounted price, check out your local thrift store. Like I did. This pair will last for longer than me (really!), and I’ll never have to buy another pair of sturdy boots ever again. That’s the advantage of pre-loved leather goods.
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