Leather is practically a staple in the clothing industry since time immemorial. Ancient civilizations such as that of the Romans have been using it for centuries. As time went on, technology has been used to treat and process leather so that our shoes, wallets, brief cases, and even furniture more durable and long-lasting.

Genuine leather is expensive because as mentioned earlier, it lasts a long time. It is obtained from the skin of snakes, crocodiles, and other reptiles. Animal rights advocates like PETA have been consistently rallying against the use of leather, among other materials, amid claims that manufacturers and consumers are endangering the existence of some animal species. They lodged claims that these animals are made to starve and suffer while being transported and that their tails are sometimes broken and their eyes sprayed with cayenne pepper.

There have also been reports, mostly raised by PETA, stating that other animals have to endure huge amounts of toxic substances or having their skin and eyes burned using chemical and other toxic substances.

Knowing this, you might start having second thoughts the next time you will go shopping for leather shoes, bags, or wallets. The good news is these advocates have been achieving some degree of success in their campaigns through raising international awareness. Big manufacturers such as Nike are now careful about their leather production practices as world bodies and organizations laid out stringent laws against animal abuse and harmful animal testing practices.

It is comforting to know that producers of leather-based products around the world have been made to re-evaluate their processes as well as that of their suppliers. Bills to adopt an anti-animal testing or anti-fur laws are also slowly making progress in various governments.

Advocates are also achieving success to some extent in promoting the use of synthetic leather in place of genuine ones. Officials are making sure that certain regulations are followed and that no laws are breached. More and more companies in all continents have no choice but to participate actively in the campaign for the responsible use of leather.

Award-giving bodies are now recognizing companies that practice good ethics and practices in leather production. For instance, handbag designer IGNES announced that it makes it a point to utilize all its leather products to the fullest to the tiniest of scraps. It has even started donating leftover leather to charity organizations responsible for providing leather braces for handicapped children. The company has been awarded the Most Socially Responsible Handbag recently.

As more companies are taking this example, you should not neglect your part as an ordinary consumer. You owe it to the environment to be socially responsible for every piece of leather that you use. The least you could do is take good care leather products that you own so you could pass them on to the next generations.

Leather is indeed a valuable commodity considering its origins. If you can help it, opt for synthetic leather instead of genuine. Modern technology has made it possible to produce good quality and even organic-based counterparts to genuine leather. Last but not least, be more socially aware by doing your own research and spread the knowledge to your children and your friends.