Clothing/Cosmetics and Animal Abuse Article from All-Creatures.org

'Regenerative leather' is a myth - here's why

From Collective Fashion Justice
August 2023

In response to the growing awareness of leather's massive impact on the climate, land, and animals themselves, the leather industry has begun to push what they call 'regenerative leather.'.

Promised as a climate solution that holistically considers nature, it fails to live up to those lofty claims.

First up, what is ‘regenerative agriculture’?

While 'regenerative agriculture' as a whole lacks a broadly agreed upon definition, the Climate Reality Project defines it as a “system of farming principles and practices that seeks to rehabilitate and enhance the entire ecosystem of the farm by placing a heavy premium on soil health”.

Methods included in the regenerative agriculture movement include the use of cover crops, reduced tillage, poly cropping and more. Notably, these methods do not require the presence of animals. While animal life is critical to healthy soils, native and sparse grazing by wild animals being replaced by domesticated farmed animals bred for profit does not benefit soil, land or biodiversity.

Why do people think we need a ‘regenerative’ solution to transform leather supply chains?

The rearing of cattle for meat, dairy and leather can lead to soil erosion, especially when land is 'overgrazed' and when cattle are introduced to land that has not evolved to withstand the hard hooves of these animals, as is the case in some major hide exporting countries, such as Australia and the United States. Soil compaction results in lessened drainage and water infiltration, harming the health of soil.

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Please read the ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE.

 

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