Do our fashion choices affect the environment? Part 2
Part 2: An environmental and ethical perspective on animals in fashion
Cozy leather jackets have become a staple in many of our wardrobes. But, did you know there is animal cruelty and brutal killing behind them?
Despite what the leather industry tells you, animal farming for fashion is harmful to poor sentient beings and the planet. Studies suggest it accounts for 16.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Clothing made from leather, wool and fur are portrayed as sustainable options that help reduce waste. It’s high time to unveil the reality behind them.
The environmental impact of animal agriculture for fashion
Overgrazing & land clearing
Animal farming is a resource intensive industry and its impact begins much earlier than the shearing or production process. The area used for raising and feeding animals accounts for up to 83% of the world’s agricultural land. In addition to such excessive land clearance, animals are left to rear for a longer time than what the pastoral land can cater to. This practice of overgrazing has resulted in the degradation of land, soil erosion and deforestation.
Carbon footprint
According to an FAO report, animal agriculture is responsible for 14.5% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and is a major part of the climate change crisis. While land clearance is a significant contributor to this, a closer look shows us that the majority of these emissions come from ruminants like cows and sheep. Their digestive process involves enteric fermentation and the biogas becomes a substantial source of methane emissions. The carbon footprint of animals used in fashion is further amplified during the processing of their skin in large chemical factories.
Emissions from tanneries
Leather is commonly portrayed as a by-product of the meat industry and a sustainable way to use the skin of dead animals. But, the stats show us this is far from the truth.
A cow’s hide makes up for 10% of its value and 3 million wild animals are slaughtered for exotic leather alone. With the global leather goods market size expected to shoot to USD 739 billion by 2030, can we still consider leather as a by-product?
A single tanning facility wastes about 15000 gallons of water for every ton of hide processed. Further, the effluents from tanneries often contain chrome, arsenic and other toxic substances that are dumped into waterways. These environmental hazards can be solely attributed to tanning factories, which are independent of the meat industry.
The chrome-tanned leather products later end up in landfills and take a longer time to biodegrade. However, the demand for premium leather goods doesn’t seem to slow down and signals the need to rethink our fashion choices.
The fashion footprint of wool
Wool is often perceived as harmless and eco-friendly. However, research reveals that sheep’s wool production is ranked as more polluting than the commonly used polyester. The scouring and carding of wool is a chemical intensive process and results in significant carbon emissions. This makes its climate cost 5 times more than that of conventionally grown cotton. Yet, wool greenwashing has successfully concealed this massive environmental cost.
On the other hand, the age-old indigenous wool production methods have proven to be a truly sustainable practice. They are rooted in local ecosystems and establish harmony between humans, sheep, and the environment. A revival of these traditional practices would be an effective way to reduce the environmental hazards of mass industrial wool production.
pexels.com, Peter Holmboe
Animal cruelty: Rethinking ethics and morality
Over five billion animals are subjected to suffering and killing every year in the name of fashion. The “responsibly sourced wool” tags seen on fashion products conceal the amount of torture sheep undergo.
Fashion also plays a huge part in species extinction with 107 million animals being slaughtered for their fur alone. Disturbingly, only a small fraction of the animal-derived materials meet animal welfare standards.
The reality is thus evident – any use of animal skin inevitably involves cruelty. Every time we press “add to cart” on woolen sweaters or luxury leather handbags, we support the industry that profits from the plight of innocent animals.
The way forward: You can make a difference
Animals do not belong in fashion, their skin is not ours to wear. There’s absolutely nothing “natural” or “sustainable” about clothing made from wool, leather or fur. The apparel, shoes, belts, etc. are simply not worth the environmental and ethical costs.
Here are a few steps you can take to end the cycle of animal cruelty:
- Choose vegan alternatives to leather, wool, fur, and other animal-derived materials.
- Look for certifications like Leaping Bunny to ensure you buy from cruelty-free fashion brands.
- Slowly switch to a plant-based wardrobe that’s good for the planet, people and animals.
At Jiwya, we believe a 100% plant-based fashion ecosystem is the true mark of sustainability. We demand a future where animals are not part of fashion and the planet is not suffocated with plastics.
Follow us along if you vote for a fashion world where sustainability and style co-exist.
