Do Vegans own/wear leather?

ChrisRS87

So recently I posted about Vegans and hunting, and one of the biggest reasons for "no" was they didn't enjoy unneccessary killing.

Since Vegans are against consuming any animal product, does that mean they are also against wearing animal products?

Leather products I can think of:
Car seats
belts
shoes
jackets
watch bands
bags


I'm just curious, I suppose the argument can be made that's similar to the philosophy of the native americans where they don't want any part of the animal to go to waste. But on the flip side demand fuels supply I suppose.

Thoughts?

hbrittingham

I think it depends on the reason they are vegans. Some people can't digest animal products and some people are vegans for moral (their own moral) reasons. The vegans that are vegans because of moral reasons do not wear/own leather. There are actually vegan suede or leather look items such as boots and coats.

carriempls

Generally speaking the definition of a "vegan" means someone who does not use or consume any animal products. So yes, that includes leather, wool and so on. And things like gelatin and honey. A lot of beer and wine isn't vegan (fish bladder and ground animal bones can be used in the filtering process). Some colorings used in food are mad of ground beetles, stuff like that.

Now, someone may just follow a vegan diet for nutritional or health benefits and not be concerned for ethical reasons so still may use leather products.

It's all a personal choice.

I'm a vegetarian (not vegan) for mainly ethical reasons but I do have a few leather products. I am ethically OK with leather for myself as while I don't eat meat, most folks do and the vast majortiy of hides for the leather we use comes from animals killed for food. If an animal is giving their life for ours, the least we can do is honor it and not be wasteful about it. I limit it quite a bit, though. I think I have a couple pair of shoes and maybe one purse made of leather. Most of my stuff is plant or man made materials.

Zylahe

I'm not vegan, but i won't buy leather products ( shoes, bags, couches) .
Its a choice and i'm confortable with it, but each to their own.

Dub_D