-Casual Chat Vol. 1: "Leather Consumption from Different Perspectives"
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"Cowhide" is a byproduct, so people say it's sustainable, but what's the reality?
Ann: The other day, a customer told us, "Knowing LOVST TOKYO and thinking about apple leather and vegan leather made me wonder, 'What about the animal-based leather I've used so far? How has it impacted the environment?'" We received that comment!
Kaito: It's truly an honor that we've inspired people to think about these things! It makes all our hard work worthwhile. *tears*
Ann: Yes, it's a really encouraging comment. But we still have a long way to go! Let's keep working hard! Now, back to the main topic... First, let's confirm the general perception of "leather."
Ann: "Leather" is generally seen as a byproduct of the meat industry, isn't it?
Kai: Yes! I think it's certainly a byproduct. However, if we continue to consume "leather" without understanding the industrial structure involved in its transformation, we might face consequences later on...
Ann: That's true! In fact, the fact that we've been consuming without much thought has led to various problems, including climate change. But it seems like it's becoming standard practice to take responsibility for one's consumption now, isn't it?
Kai: Oh, that's reassuring! The difference between knowing and not knowing is significant, after all. So, shall we delve into the truth hidden behind leather?
The Truth About Cowhide ① Water Usage
Ann: First, regarding water. Wow, 17,128 liters is an incredible amount! That's enough for 85 baths...
Kai: Of course, this includes the water used while cattle are raised, but it seems that a lot of water is also used in the tanning process to soften the leather!
Kai: Of course, this includes the water used while cattle are raised, but it seems that a lot of water is also used in the tanning process to soften the leather!
Ann: Water is a limited resource, after all. I looked it up, and apparently, 27% of the world's freshwater is consumed by livestock farming!
Kai: From a global perspective, there are people suffering from drought and water shortages, while this much water is used for meat consumed in developed countries like ours... It's quite disheartening.
The Truth About Cowhide ② Chrome Tanning
Ann: Next, it's about the "tanning" process that Kaito mentioned earlier, to soften the leather. I've heard that a lot of chemicals are used!
Kai: Yes! Japanese tanners (leather processors) seem to be quite mindful in their manufacturing, but it seems that chrome tanning is still the most common method for "leather" generally available on the market.
Kai: Yes! Japanese tanners (leather processors) seem to be quite mindful in their manufacturing, but it seems that chrome tanning is still the most common method for "leather" generally available on the market.
Ann: Is that so... *tears* And the working conditions in developing countries are also a concern, aren't they? I often see videos of rivers with unbelievable colors and workers with severely irritated hands.
Kai: It's a sad reality... I've heard that many brands actually aren't able to trace the manufacturing background of their materials.
However, the leather industry also has environmental protection organizations like the "Leather Working Group (LWG)" that assess environmental measures such as the safety of chemicals used and water treatment, so
, if you're going to choose,
the best option might be products made by tanners who are committed to environmental conservation.
The Truth About Cowhide ③ Livestock Industry
Ann: The environmental burden of the livestock industry might be becoming more widely known recently. The CO2 emissions from the livestock industry are equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, aren't they?
Kai: I remember when I first heard that it was equivalent to vehicles, I couldn't believe it, thinking, "Wait, is the livestock industry really emitting that much!?"
Ann: Among livestock, it's particularly the rearing of cows, which are the primary source of "leather," that has a significant environmental impact, isn't it?
Kai: Recently, some people are practicing a lifestyle called "climatarian," which involves choosing the order of consumption (chicken > pork > beef) based on the environmental impact of livestock! For example, if it's "beef curry" or "chicken curry," they choose chicken curry!
※Climatarian: A neologism combining "climate" and "vegetarian," referring to a dietary habit of choosing foods and menus that produce as few greenhouse gas emissions as possible.
Ann: Indeed, I feel that making such choices is more environmentally conscious and reasonable! (By the way, I choose not to consume animal products...)
Ann: Among livestock, it's particularly the rearing of cows, which are the primary source of "leather," that has a significant environmental impact, isn't it?
Kai: Recently, some people are practicing a lifestyle called "climatarian," which involves choosing the order of consumption (chicken > pork > beef) based on the environmental impact of livestock! For example, if it's "beef curry" or "chicken curry," they choose chicken curry!
※Climatarian: A neologism combining "climate" and "vegetarian," referring to a dietary habit of choosing foods and menus that produce as few greenhouse gas emissions as possible.
Ann: Indeed, I feel that making such choices is more environmentally conscious and reasonable! (By the way, I choose not to consume animal products...)
The Truth About Cowhide ④ Deforestation
Kai: Have you ever wondered what will happen to the "livestock industry" in the future, especially with the term "vegan" becoming more common recently?
Ann: Yes. For me, I think it's better if as many animal lives as possible can be saved!
Kai: That's true, but actually, with population growth, the "livestock industry" continues to grow... And because pasture land is needed to raise livestock, deforestation is also occurring, which I feel is a very vicious cycle for the environment.
Ann: Cutting down trees that absorb CO2 and creating a source of CO2 emissions along with the sacrifice of many lives is a situation that needs to be reevaluated immediately. Nearly 70% of deforestation is for cattle pasture, they say!
The Truth About Cowhide ⑤ Negative Industrial Structure
Kai: By the way, it seems that even raw hides, which are circulated as "byproducts," are a source of income for livestock farmers.
Ann: So that means consuming leather products indirectly supports the livestock industry, doesn't it?
Kai: Yes, I think there might be pros and cons depending on the perspective, but from an overarching view, it's certainly that kind of industrial structure.
Ann: So that means consuming leather products indirectly supports the livestock industry, doesn't it?
Kai: Yes, I think there might be pros and cons depending on the perspective, but from an overarching view, it's certainly that kind of industrial structure.
"Cowhide" is a byproduct, so people say it's sustainable, but what's the reality? Summary
Ann: We've summarized our conclusions. What do you think?
Kai: Thank you! I think it came together quite well.
Indeed, if we consume without an overarching view of the industrial structure, it seems to lead to guilt later on. That's also the essence of the "positive guilt" that we want to address.
Ann: Yes! Instead of thinking in a principalist way, we want to continue tackling issues with a more liberal and flexible mindset.
Kai & Ann: Thank you for your question!
If you have any other concerns, please feel free to discuss them with us. You can also easily ask questions on social media!
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ANNE | Public Relations Manager
My interest in animal welfare and adopting a vegan lifestyle sparked a serious consideration of "sustainability." This led me to discover LOVST TOKYO, and with a burst of resolve, I changed careers. I now live in Lithuania and work remotely in PR.
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KAITO | Representative Director
I founded LOVST TOKYO based on my own experience of not being able to accept "veganism." Through fashion, I aim to spread diverse values and solve social problems caused by the livestock industry.
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