Campaign against the use of leather

LEATHER is often described as a "natural" material because it's made using animal skin.

However, people often fail to realise that numerous toxic chemicals are added to the leather during production to ensure it will not decompose.

The UK throws away two million pairs of shoes every week. Many of these are leather and sit in landfills unable to biodegrade.

Most leather tanning takes place in developing countries where labour costs are low and environmental regulations lax. Some tanneries simply allow their effluent to flow into rivers untreated, polluting fresh water supplies with toxic chemicals.

Local villagers who depend upon the water for washing and drinking can suffer serious medical problems.

While billions of Third World families are struggling to survive with little or no access to fresh water, considerable amounts of water are being used to raise, feed and slaughter cattle, and then even more as their skins are taken through the tanning process.

Another excuse often used to justify the use of leather is that it's a by-product of the meat industry. However, the UK leather industry is worth billions of pounds each year. An animal's skin makes up seven to 10 per cent of his or her total financial worth.

By buying leather goods, you are supporting the meat industry and the slaughter of animals.

Viva! has recently launched a campaign against the use of leather. To read our report, find out more about leather production and to see a list of leather-free stockists, please visit www.thebigcoverup.org.uk

Fiona Galbraith, Viva! campaigner, Bristol.