目次
"Beef leather" is sustainable because it's a byproduct, but what's the reality?
An: The other day, a customer told us, "After learning about LOVST TOKYO and considering apple leather and vegan leather, I started to wonder, 'What about the animal leather I've used until now? How has it impacted the global environment?'" That's what we heard!
Kaito: It's truly an honor that you're thinking about this because of us! All our efforts have been worthwhile! (Tears)
An: Indeed, it's very encouraging feedback. But there's still so much to do! Let's keep working hard! Now, back to the main topic... First, let's examine the general perception of "leather."
An: Generally, "leather" is seen as a byproduct of the meat industry, isn't it?
Kai: Yes! It's definitely a byproduct. However, if we continue to consume it without understanding the industrial structure involved in its transformation into "leather," we might face serious consequences later on...
An: That's certainly true! In fact, the reality that we've been consuming without much thought has led to various problems, including climate change. But it's becoming increasingly important to take responsibility for our consumption, isn't it?
Kai: Oh, that's encouraging! The difference between knowing and not knowing is indeed significant. So, let's delve into the hidden truths behind leather!
The Truth About Cowhide ① Water Usage
An: First, regarding water. Wow, 17,128 liters is a huge amount! That's enough for 85 baths...
Kai: Of course, this includes the water used to raise cattle, but it also seems that a lot of water is used in the tanning process to soften the leather!
Kai: Of course, this includes the water used to raise cattle, but it also seems that a lot of water is used in the tanning process to soften the leather!
An: Water is a limited resource, after all. When I looked it up, I found that 27% of the world's freshwater is consumed by livestock farming!
Kai: From a global perspective, while some people suffer from drought and water shortages, this much water is being used for meat consumption in developed countries like ours... It makes me feel a bit uneasy.
The Truth About Cowhide ② Chrome Tanning
An: Next is the "tanning" process that Kaito mentioned earlier, which softens the hide. I've heard that a lot of chemicals are used...!
Kai: Yes! While Japanese tanneries (leather processors) seem to be very careful in their manufacturing, it appears that "leather" commonly found on the market is often produced using chrome tanning.
Kai: Yes! While Japanese tanneries (leather processors) seem to be very careful in their manufacturing, it appears that "leather" commonly found on the market is often produced using chrome tanning.
An: Is that so... (tears) Also, I'm concerned about the labor conditions in developing countries. I often see videos of rivers turning unbelievable colors and workers with severely irritated hands.
Kai: It's a sad reality... I've heard that many brands actually can't trace the manufacturing background of their materials.
However, there are also environmental protection organizations in the leather industry, such as the "Leather Working Group (LWG)," that audit the safety of chemicals used and environmental measures like water treatment.
So, if you're going to choose leather, the best option might be one produced by tanneries that are committed to environmental conservation.
The Truth About Cowhide ③ Livestock Industry
An: The environmental impact of livestock farming may be becoming more widely known recently. The CO2 emissions from livestock farming are equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, aren't they?
Kai: When I first heard that it was comparable to vehicles, I couldn't believe it! "Is that much really coming from livestock farming!?" I remember thinking.
An: Within the livestock industry, the breeding of cattle, which is the main source of "leather," has a particularly high environmental impact...
Kai: Recently, some people are adopting a lifestyle called "climatarian," which involves prioritizing what they eat based on the environmental impact of livestock (poultry > pork > beef)! For example, if given a choice between "beef curry" and "chicken curry," they would choose chicken curry!
※ Climatarian: A coined term from "climate" and "vegetarian," referring to a dietary habit of choosing foods and meals that have the lowest possible greenhouse gas emissions.
An: Indeed, it seems more environmentally conscious and rational to make such choices! (Though, I personally choose not to consume animal products.)
An: Within the livestock industry, the breeding of cattle, which is the main source of "leather," has a particularly high environmental impact...
Kai: Recently, some people are adopting a lifestyle called "climatarian," which involves prioritizing what they eat based on the environmental impact of livestock (poultry > pork > beef)! For example, if given a choice between "beef curry" and "chicken curry," they would choose chicken curry!
※ Climatarian: A coined term from "climate" and "vegetarian," referring to a dietary habit of choosing foods and meals that have the lowest possible greenhouse gas emissions.
An: Indeed, it seems more environmentally conscious and rational to make such choices! (Though, I personally choose not to consume animal products.)
The Truth About Cowhide ④ Deforestation
Kai: "Vegan" is a term we hear a lot these days, but have you ever wondered what will actually happen to "livestock farming" in the future?
An: Yes. For me, I think it's better if as many animal lives as possible are saved!
Kai: That's true, but actually, with the increasing population, "livestock farming" continues to grow... And because pasture land is needed to raise livestock, deforestation is also occurring, which feels like a very vicious cycle for the environment.
An: Cutting down trees that absorb CO2 and creating sources of CO2 emissions along with the sacrifice of many lives is a situation that needs to be reevaluated immediately. Nearly 70% of deforestation is said to be for cattle pasture...!
The Truth About Cowhide ⑤ Negative Industrial Structure
Kai: By the way, it seems that raw leather, which is distributed as a "byproduct," is also a source of income for livestock farmers.
An: So, does that mean that consuming leather products indirectly supports the livestock industry?
Kai: Yes, I think there might be pros and cons depending on your perspective, but from an objective viewpoint, that industrial structure is certainly accurate.
An: So, does that mean that consuming leather products indirectly supports the livestock industry?
Kai: Yes, I think there might be pros and cons depending on your perspective, but from an objective viewpoint, that industrial structure is certainly accurate.
"Beef leather" is sustainable because it's a byproduct, but what's the reality? Summary
An: We've put together our conclusions; what do you think?
Kai: Thank you! I think it's summarized nicely.
Indeed, if we consume without an overarching view of the industrial structure, it can lead to guilt later on. That's the essence of the "positive guilt" we want to embrace.
An: Yes! Rather than a principal-based approach, we want to continue to address issues with a more liberal and flexible mindset.
Kai & An: Thank you for your question this time!
If you have any other concerns, please feel free to discuss them with us. You can also easily ask us questions on social media!