Information to support the vegan and vegetarian lifestyle.
"I refuse to eat animals because I cannot nourish myself by the sufferings and by the death of other creatures. I refuse to do so, because I suffered so painfully myself that I can feel the pains of others by recalling my own sufferings." -- Edgar Kupfer, Dachau concentration camp survivor
Our animal rights file archive. See also our vegetarian files archive.
Another Slashdot post (quoted material is another poster to whom I'm replying):
Say there's going to be a huge tragedy and someone's family is going to die. If you could chose whether your family dies or someone other family dies, which would you choose?
There is a large difference between "If between my father and some stranger, I can only save one, so I save my father", and "To save my father, I'm going to kill a stranger." Everyone understands if I throw the single life ring to my dad instead of some random guy (though I'd try hard to save both); everyone also undertands that it would be monsterous if I killed the stranger to get the new heart that my dad (hypothetically) needed.
My father's life is more precious to me, sentimentally, than that of a stranger, so if all else is equal and no one's rights are being violated his claims have priority to me. But his life is not, ethically, more precious than that of a stranger; I cannot make a good argument that his life is more precious than J. Random Stranger, so I'm going to kill J. Random Stranger to harvest that heart. We all understand that to be a violation of J. Random Stranger's rights.
Similarly, we all understand that if a dog and a human are both drowning and we can only save one, we save the human. (Usually. If it's Hitler versus Lassie, I'm saving Lassie.) But this does not imply anything about the ethics of harming the dog for the human's potential benefit.
A guide for those attempting to reduce or eliminate their use of animal skins for clothing and other uses.
Part I: General Information
Part II: Sources of Non-Leather Goods
Part III: Specific Items
Part IV: The Rest of The Story
The Leather Substitutes Resource Guide (formerly, the "Leather Alternatives FAQ") is compiled by Tom Swiss. It was last modified September 17, 2007. Copyright (C) 1992-2007. Please copy, share and enjoy this information. Send praise, information, flames, money, beer, etcetera to tms@unreasonable.org.
You are encouraged to print this list out and distribute unmodified copies to your non-netting friends or local vegetarian organization, so long as you do not do so for monetary profit.
This list is only as good as the information I get. If you have comments on any of the stores, catalogs or products mentioned in this list, or if you know of other good products or sources, please send them to me! Also note that this list has been compiled over many years and some material may be outdated; if you find this to be the case, please let me know.
I've tried to give credit where it is due and include the names of people who send me information. If you're willing to be contacted about a product or recommendation, let me know and I'll include your e-mail address. Where I've quoted people directly, I've tried to indicate any changes or updates in square brackets, [].
If you send information about a vendor, if you can please include the regular phone number as well as any 800 (toll-free) number (these cannot be used by folks outside the USA).
Many, many thanks to all contributors!
For those new to vegetarianism, we will start with a few words about the attitude of vegetarians towards the use of leather goods. We should note that there are some vegetarians who have little or no objection to the use of leather and other animal-derived goods; many who adopt a vegetarian diet primarily for reasons of health would fall into this category, as would some who adopt a vegetarian diet for its lower environmental impact (but see below). Even those who are vegetarian for ethical reasons may use some leather goods - if there is no available alternative, if the goods were gifts, or purchased before the person became a vegetarian or purchased by mistake.
Thus, a vegetarian wearing leather shoes is not necessarily a "hypocrite", as some critics would like to point out. However, for the sake of convenience, in the rest of this document we will assume that "vegetarian" implies "wishes to avoid the use of leather goods."
One should also be aware that it can be difficult to tell synthetics from the real thing; my "Real Fake" jacket and vegetan Doc Martens fooled many people. In conversations on the topic, I have been asked if it is a good idea for vegetarians to use leather-looking goods - does it encourage the use of leather? I say no. With all the real leather in use, someone seeing me in my fake leather jacket and thinking it real isn't going to be significantly encouraged to get a leather jacket; but if they say "Nice jacket", or ask "Hey, aren't you vegetarian? Why are you wearing leather?" it's a perfect opportunity to engage in some educational dialogue.
Some claim that using leather alternatives is harmful to the environment, as these alternatives usually use plastics which are derived from petrochemicals, or fabrics like cotton whose production often involves the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. However, the production of leather is also damaging to the environment.
From the Nov/Dec 1991 issue of the Vegetarian Journal:
Environmentally, turning animal hides into leather is an energy intensive and polluting practice. The Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology states, "On the basis of quantity of energy consumed per unit of product produced, the leather-manufacturing industry would be categorized with the aluminum, paper, steel, cement, and petroleum-manufacturing industries as a gross consumer of energy." Production of leather basically involves soaking (beamhouse), tanning, dyeing, drying, and finishing. Over 95% of all leather produced in the U.S. is chrome tanned. The effluent that must be treated is primarily related to the beamhouse and tanning operations. The most difficult to treat is effluent from the tanning process. All wastes containing chromium are considered hazardous by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Many other pollutants involved in the processing leather are associated with environmental and health risks. In terms of disposal, one would think that leather products would be biodegradable, but the primary function for a tanning agent is to stabilize the collagen or protein fibers so that they are no longer biodegradable.
Evaluating the relative environmental and health costs of leather versus non-leather products is difficult to do. It is apparent that they all involve practices that can adversely affect public health and the environment. Since leather is intimately related to the exploitation of animals, it seems most desirable to buy canvas, limit purchases, go barefoot, and encourage companies to develop more ecologically sound alternatives.
And this doesn't even take into account the ecological cost of modern animal agriculture techniques.
Also, note that some synthetics use recycled or recyclable materials.
There are many other considerations to take into account when buying products - corporate policies on sweatshops, labor relations, environmental law, right down to customer service and plain honest dealing. These are important considerations, but they are outside the scope of this document.
Listing a company here as a source of non-leather goods is not an endorsement of their general business practices. You are encouraged to research the behavior of the companies you purchase from and factor these things into your decisions.
Once upon a time, finding things like leather-free shoes was a difficult process, involving hours of combing through catalogs or the stock at your local department store, wondering if the trim on those shoes was plastic or leather. But in the Information Age, several companies have come on-line specifically to serve the vegan community. Now leather substitutes are just a few mouse clicks away! And for the old-fashioned, you can call for a catalog printed on dead trees.
Several companies specializing in environmentally-friendly good carry shoes, backpacks, and other goods made from recycled materials or from hemp.
The following sources carry both leather and non-leather products, so read carefully:
Men's: Addias - materials listed on box; call (800) 448-1796 for information. Asics GT-2010. Avia Stability Trainers and Defenders (possibly also those with hydrolite or HLT2, the 141 crosstrainer, the 2000 series running shoes, the 333, Arc 351, and Arc 383 walking shoes, and several basketballs shoes, but that's all based on old information). Brooks Vangaurds. Converse All Stars ("Chuck Taylors") and canvas One Stars. Etonic Stableairs. K-Swiss canvas sneakers. New Balance - most running and some walking shoes, read labels or write to 61 N. Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02134 for a current list of non-leather shoes. Rob Spray likes his Asahi MY-3 tennis shoes. Nike - call (800) 344-NIKE for a list of animal product-free shoes; many of their non-leather shoes use a synthetic called Durabuck. Saucony G.R.I.D. Sensation II, possibly others. Vans canvas, flannel, linnen oxfords; (800) 750-VANS for more information.
Women's: Addias - materials listed on box; call (800) 448-1796 for information. Asics GT-2010. Avia Stability Trainers (and possibly the 680 and 525 aerobics shoes, running shoes in the 2000 series, the 333, 383, and 351 walking shoes, but that's old information). Converse All Stars and canvas One Stars. Etonic Stableairs. Keds canvas shoes. New Balance - all running shoes and the 590 walking shoe; read labels or write to 61 N. Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02134 for a current list of non-leather shoes. Nike - call (800) 344-NIKE for a list of animal product-free shoes; many of their non-leather shoes use a synthetic called Durabuck. Reebok canvas sneakers. Richard Simmon's line from Payless Shoe Source. Saucony G.R.I.D. Sensation II, possibly others. Tretorn canvas tennis and walking shoes. Vans canvas, flannel, linnen oxfords, mules, and Mary Janes; (800) 750-VANS for more information.
Children's: Attack Force. Converse All Stars. Nike shoes with Durabuck (that number again, (800) 344-NIKE). Pro Wings. WJ 900.
Aesop and Vegetarian Shoes carry leather-free athletic shoes from various manufacturers.
Kim Laurie on rock climbing shoes:
In addition to the LaSportiva 'Tao's which I posted mention of some years ago there are now a few more to chose from. The La Sportiva 'Tao's are a popular shoe. They are of 'slip lasted' construction and made from Lorica. The advantage of the Lorica over a conventional leather shoe is that it will not stretch and this is very critical in a climbing shoe where fit is everything. In addition EB of France produce a 'board lasted' technical boot called the 'Tropicana' As the name suggests it is brightly colored. Pretty standard construction using fabric and rubber. They look good (which is important in this sport!) but I found that the rubber soles are only average in grip. These I found in Ellis Brigham Sports in London ph. [+44 (0) 171 240 9577]. A much better slipper I found is the US made 5.10 called the 'Anastasi'. This is slip lasted for good feel and features the best sticking rubber soles in the game, their own Stealth 5.10 rubber which sticks like a bugger(sp? we say boogy) to your finger. They are available in a Velcro strap model which I find really convenient for bouldering as you can get them on and off quickly when your feet are crying out in pain. They have an off-centre toe point which is really smart when you think about it because so does your foot! I got these at Snow and Rock in London at 150 Holborn St. EC1 Ph. [+44 (0) 171 831 6900] or for mail order [+44 (0) 1753-830 868]. In the USA I believe that you can get them from Western Mountaineering in Cupertino CA, La Sportiva 'Tao's available here too. In fact most good climbing shops will carry the 5.10s and the Tao's.
She also says that Palladium and other 'knock-offs' from Asia and India produce Chuck Taylor-like canvas and rubber shoes and boots.
Allen Schubert notes, "As best I can tell, Asics makes nonleather/sythetic footwear. Whenever they _do_ use leather, it is labelled as such."
For "serious" hiking boots, your best bets are probably the Ethical Wares (available from them directly or from Aesop) or Vegetarian shoes (direct or from Pangea or Heartland) lines, or the Garmont Vegan.
Kim Laurie: "ROHDE of Germany and PRC of Italy produce walking boots designed for snowy conditions. Both of these are synthetic fleece lined and look comfortable. Water resistant but not waterproof. Synthetic fabric construction claims to breathe. Designed with warmth and comfort in mind more than ruggedness. The PRC boots called 'Kampus' are available from Ellis Brigham Sports in Covent Garden, London Ph. [+44 (0) 171 240 9577]. The RHODE models were spotted down in Penzance in the far corner of England, the name of the shop eludes me but I am certain they are a popular brand around Europe."
It's not hard to find rubber and fabric snowboots. L.L. Bean has some types.
(Tom Billings reports that non-leather narrow width men's dress shoes are just about impossible to find. Any information on sources for such shoes would be appreciated.)
Shari Dawson tells me that Naturalizer shoe stores carry a variety of women's shoes in imitation leather and suede, including narrow sizes.
Vegetarian Shoes in the UK. Michael Traub says they "make synthetic shoes which will easily outlast leather shoes. They also require less maintenance (i.e. no need to polish them)." Their line is quite extensive.
Val Voorheis reports that Kenneth Cole's UNLISTED line "has a lot of non-leather shoes. They are all clearly marked (and the non-leatherness is part of the advertising). They have a toll-free number, 1-800-UNLISTED, for information on retail locations that carry these products. In addition, some of them are pretty stylin', they are pretty good quality, and moderately priced (not Payless prices, but not terribly out of line.)"
Birkenstock makes leather-free versions of some models - the Arizona, the Milano, and the Florida. Note that other sandals may have non-leather straps but still have the suede liner; those in the Alternative line have "Birko-Flor" straps and "Birko-Lon" liners, and are leather-free. They are also a lot less expensive! Available from Birkenstock Express.
Aesop, Ethical Wares, Heartland Products, Pangea, and Vegetarian Shoes have plenty of shoes.
If all else fails, try Payless Shoe Source, Fayva, Kinney, K-Mart, Sears, J.C. Penny, Pic 'N Pay, Woolworth, Thom McAnn, Wal-Mart, Marshalls, and other inexpensive chains and read labels (aren't most vegetarians compulsive label readers by now anyway?); look for the words "All man-made materials", or for shoes made from canvas or other obviously non-leather fabric.
Briefcases: Inexpensive briefcases at office supply stores are often non-leather. Aesop carries both a business attache and portfolio. Land's End has a canvas briefcase. (Or ditch the briefcase and get a nice backpack or satchel - they're easier to carry on the bus or subway.) Mass Army Navy sometimes has canvas military style briefcases, or even aluminum attache cases that look like they should be handcuffed to someone's wrist.
Handbags and wallets: Most department stores carry some non-leather bags and wallets. Sporting goods stores often carry nylon or canvas wallets.
Ballet Shoes: R.G. Barry Corp., Box 129, Columbus OH 43216; or Capezio, (800) 533-1887 to find a store near you. Grishko's website says they have vegan ballet slippers available.
Balls and Gloves: Spalding Sports offers a synthetic leather volleyball, basketball, and soccer ball. The Vegetarian Resource Group says that Spalding makes a vinyl baseball/softball glove, but one netter says he called Spalding and they didn't know what he was talking about. (800) 225-6601 to find stores in your area that carry Spalding products. Dudley makes a synthetic softball: (800) 523-5387. Heartland Products carries a non-leather glove made from poly-vinyl.
Biking Gloves: REI carries Novara Lightning Gloves and Novara Lifeline Lyrca Gloves, made from Nash - a fabric that looks and feels like leather but wears even better. No leather palms on these gloves. Cotton/spandex "skiing" gloves have also been recommended. Joe Clark found a non-leather brand of winter bicycling gloves called "Paris" at a store up in Toronto; he also recommends "Pearl Izumi Lobster Therma-Dores" for warmer weather.
Drums: The following companies carry doumbeks, bodhrans, and similar drums made with synthetic Fiberskyn or mylar instead of animal skins (and other pretty groovy musical instruments too):
Ice Skates: L.L. Bean's Bauer hockey skates with nylon and synthetic leather uppers.
Guitar Straps: Planet Waves makes a strap with a funky quick-release "Planet Lock" system on the ends; Pangea carries these. Core One makes the "Kepur" guitar strap made from a synthetic material.
"Leather" Jackets: Avon Products carries a leather look-alike dress jacket. A company called Windbreaker makes a fairly good-looking, but only moderately durable, biker-style jacket, but the only store I knew carries them has closed. Vegetarian Shoes has their own line of "Real Fake" jackets - I have one and love it! Heartland Products and Pangea carry some of the Vegetarian Shoes jackets.
Motorcycle Gear: Carl Olsen keeps a page about vegan motorcycle gear at http://www.waterjets.org/vegan_motorcyclist.html
Aerostich (http://www.aerostich.com/) makes motorcycle protective gear from Cordura nylon, ballistic nylon, and Gore-Tex laminates.
In the U.K., the Vegan Bikers Association can be reached at http://www.nildram.co.uk/veganmc/. They provide information (mainly clothing related) to vegan motorcyclists. If any U.K. bikers get any info from them, I'd love to add it to the list.
Hein Gericke apparently carries a non-leather motorcycle boot, according to Mike Johnson. Their U.K. mail-order phone number is +44 (0) 1904 679860.
Locally to Baltimore, a friend reports that a store called "Cycle World" (on Ritchie Highway in Brooklyn Park) carries several items of non-leather gear made by a company called "Willy and Max."
Work Gloves: Cotton "jersey" gloves are easy to find, as are canvas gloves. Cotton gloves with rubber coating on the palms and finger have also become very common as gardening gloves, and offer more protection. I found decent synthetic leather "West Chester" leather work gloves at Home Depot, they were marketed as automotive work gloves if I recall correctly. Sadly, I haven't seem them there recently, but some of Wells Lamont's MechPro gloves look similar. Wells Lamont also has a synthetic leather "sport utility glove".
Warwick Mills makes industrical safety gloves with TurtleSkin, a puncture and cut resistant synthetic.
A good way to locate on-line retailers for these is to search Froogle.com; for example, here's a Froogle search for Wells Lamont MechPro.
(Note that some of the Wells Lamont and Warwick Mills gloves are leather and some are non-leather - read specific model descriptions!)
Adult Toys: VeganErotica.com (www.VeganErotica.com) manufactures hand-crafted vegan bondage gear, whips, belts, harnesses, and other items. Who says veganism is boring?
Raw material: Fabric stores often carry inexpensive vinyl "leather",or leatherette. (Though I can't seem to find one online that does.)
Naugahyde is the best known of the quality fakes. Try the Naugahyde companies' home page - www.naugahyde.com - to find a distributor near you. It looks like these sites sell Naugahyde online:
Vegan Wares (www.veganwares.com) sells the material they use, "a high-tech synthetic microfibre material which is breathable and, in most situations, more durable than leather."
VeganErotica.com (www.VeganErotica.com) carries bulk vegan "leather" material.)
Look at the most inexpensive products - they are most likely to be non-leather.
Some vinyl shoes may squeak. Try mineral oil, hand cream, or similar lubricants between the noisy surfaces.
Many patent "leather" looking shoes are synthetic. Again, check the label for "all man-made materials."
"Leatherette" is a brand name of high-quality vinyl, not a form of leather.
In no particular order:
Reuters reports on a study showing that exercise and healthy eating may help prevent aging-related memory loss. They specifically cite omega-3 fatty acids and their anti-inflammatory effects; unfortunately, the article mentions only fish oils as a source of these, neglecting the plant based sources which may provide better results.
Anyway, whenever I hear of some new study like this, I always remember the words of Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy, when confronted with a purported "immortality" serum: "[L]engthen lives? Poppycock. I can do more for you if you just eat right and exercise regularly.".
Things I didn't know were out there: I was under the impression that the only source for the popular supplement glucosamine (believed to support joint health) was shellfish. Turns out there are vegan sources. Deva makes a glucosamine with MSM and CMO supplement that's available at vegan specialty retailers; KAL makes a vegan glucosamine that you're more likely to find at your local store. I will probably add this to my regimen...maybe to Piccolo's too, she's been having some knee problems.
This is an old collection of files pertaining to vegetarianism. Most of it dates to the early 1990s. In some cases the politics, or even the science, may have changed, however we're preserving the information for your browsing pleasure.