For conversation sake

[Buddhamom]

While I don't wear any leather due to being vegan, I know others that are vegetarian and wear leather shoes that were bought at second hand stores.  They however do not buy new leather shoes but only used because they said they feel that way the animal didn't die for them.  Just curious how other perceive this thinking.

[mountainsun]

I am OK with 2nd hand leather.  I really do not buy anything leather.  My dh will (reluctantly) buy leather shoes, for work, because they will last a long time and he needs to dress professionally, and because leather is a bit cheaper than really nice vegan shoes.  He does, however, wear vegan, leather looking belts.

I would NEVER buy leather furniture, have leather interior car.  I do not think I would wear even 2nd hand leather clothing, but shoes, for some reason, are OK with me, at this point, lol.

[bandgeek]

I would have no issue buying leather or wool or any other animal product second hand if it was a truly necessary item (like work shoes, or diaper covers if my kid was allergic to synthetic fabrics).  I have 2 pairs of leather shoes I bought before I made changes in my life with regards to veg*nism.  I wear them but I'm always afraid people will call me out on it. LOL  So I'm not keen on buying MORE animal stuff since I'm not even comfortable wearing what I already have.

[katelove]

Originally Posted by Buddhamom 

While I don't wear any leather due to being vegan, I know others that are vegetarian and wear leather shoes that were bought at second hand stores.  They however do not buy new leather shoes but only used because they said they feel that way the animal didn't die for them.  Just curious how other perceive this thinking.

This justification doesn't make sense to me. An animal product is an animal product whether it is used by one person or two or a dozen. I completely get buying secondhand from an environmental point-of-view but from an animal right point-of-view

Killed and turned into shoes is killed and turned into shoes.

[Naturopath Mom]

When I first went veg I use to be fanatical about it. That was until one day someone pointed out that my beloved pillow actually had REAL goose feathers in it *gasp*. I was young (well, I was a teenager) and could not let that pillow go. Fifteen years later and I eat honey and will allow leather when it is gifted. It really does frustrate me, but I really do not want to come off as rude about the whole thing. I will try to just donate the item then if I can.

I did buy winter coat and boots 2nd  hand last minute cause I couldn't find my old nice vegan ones  since we moved. I think the coat is wool although there is no tag. I am not happy about it and am going to buy another coat. I just don't like wearing animals. yeck.

[Shaki]

I think it depends on how you define your vegetarianism. If you are an ethical vegetarian than that may extend from food, to clothes and other goods--you may be someone who buys no animal products  at all.  But within the vegetarian spectrum are people (like me) who may be making different choices regarding purchasing or using animal products and who avoid meat eating for reasons other than ethical. For example I haven't eaten meat for 23 years. I stopped eating meat because I never liked it and when I was old enough to cook my own meals I went veg. Not for ethical reasons but as a matter of personal food preferences. I am not a vegan. I do wear and purchase leather from time to time, I don't check mainstream cheese for rennet, I don't ask if there is lard in the refried beans at a Mexican restaurant, I don't have a problem with other people eating or preparing meat in my home (I don't cook it myself-don't know how) but my father in law is welcome to when he visits, I'm comfortable with my DD making her own choices about eating meat, etc. These are all things that may be quite different than how others on this board live out their vegetarianism. These are also things that have changed over time. When I first went veg I was "stricter" about things (including leather) than I am now. I have a lot of respect for ethical vegetarians/people who completely eliminate all animal products from their lives, however over the long term I haven't found that to be a choice that works for me.

As far as the reasoning behind buying second hand animal products, rather than new: if you are buying second hand you are not spending money to support the leather industry--which is where some people may have decided to draw the line. Some folks may not want leather in their house or on their body while others may simply not want to support the leather industry economically.

[Buddhamom]

I think the most difficult thing for our family was when my middle daughter was younger she was a competative figure skater and she had to wear leather skate boots.  The reason is because when you are doing jumps and spins you need a very expensive stiff boot and they do not make any synthetic ones.  She even petitioned the big name skate makers to see if they would be interested in researching the possibility and they weren't and said they could not achieve the stability they need to keep the skaters ankles safe.  But giving up skating was not an option for her as she loved it so much.  She has come to peace with it because her feet have stopped growing so she doesn't have to change skates due to her feet growing. For me I ethically can't wear leather.  I just feel icky because I have enough skin that I don't need any more. My sister has a leather couch and chairs and when I go there I sit either on the floor or I pull in a chair from the diningroom.

[catnip]

My husband is in the same boat with his work shoes. He has to have special safety certified boots designed for walking 3000+ miles a year in, and while there are several styles and brands, they do not come in a vegan version.

[mountainsun]

Originally Posted by katelove 

Originally Posted by Buddhamom 

While I don't wear any leather due to being vegan, I know others that are vegetarian and wear leather shoes that were bought at second hand stores.  They however do not buy new leather shoes but only used because they said they feel that way the animal didn't die for them.  Just curious how other perceive this thinking.

This justification doesn't make sense to me. An animal product is an animal product whether it is used by one person or two or a dozen. I completely get buying secondhand from an environmental point-of-view but from an animal right point-of-view

Killed and turned into shoes is killed and turned into shoes.

Buying second hand leather does not support the leather industry.  Voting with your dollars, ya know?