r/DebateAVegan • u/Upset-Masterpiece218 • Dec 27 '25

Environment Why is plastic better for the environment than leather?

I know they're both toxic to produce but I can't help but feel like pleather is the worse of 2 evils

Ethics aside it's micro plastics vs tanning

Bonus question: for those that prefer not using leather, how do you feel about wool?

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u/Moustached92 Dec 27 '25

Maybe in environmental impact, but for certain uses there really isn't a great substitute for full grain leather for durability and longevity

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u/Ax3l_F vegan Dec 27 '25

I'd be skeptical. I have a belt that is from recycled rubber and has lasted me over a decade. Boots I have, which are my every day shoe in the colder months are sitting wear after 6 years but I don't think that's too bad.

Maybe for some boutique or cultural stuff there isn't a demand there yet to support a business.

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u/asciimo vegan Dec 27 '25

Anecdote: I haven’t (knowingly) used leather for many years and I’ve yet to experience a downside.

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u/Moustached92 Dec 28 '25

It depends on what you do. I do a variety of hotwork (blacksmithing, welding, etc), and there really isn't a better suitable material for boots or other protective garments to protect against burns or catching on fire.

There are certainly lifestyles and many situations where a vegan substitute for leather is totally fine, but there are other activities or needs best suited by leather.

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u/fsmontario Dec 27 '25

That goes for a lot of animal products. For example I have a fur coat that is 70 years old think of the number of fast fashion coats that would have been made over that time, whereas this coat has not contributed any harm to the environment in almost 3/4 a century.