Given the increasing awareness of our impact on the environment and the current global concerns surrounding the planet, veganism has become increasingly popular. Amongst those who have made this lifestyle change, due to their love for animals, vegan footwear and vegan clothing provide a sustainable and ethical approach to fashion.
In recent years studies have found that retailers’ purchasing of vegan alternatives such as vegan leather and vegan fur are experiencing an upward trend. If you’re still skeptical or have doubts about vegan fashion, particularly vegan footwear, here are some reasons why choosing to buy vegan footwear will allow you to put your best foot forward.
The damaging impact of leather goods
Throughout history, leather has been used to create shoes and footwear. From leather loafers to brogues, boots, and more. The choice of leather provides a durable and smart design. More recently, however, people have become aware of the damaging effects leather manufacturing and production has, not just on the animals themselves but the environment too.
According to animal charity PETA, the process of creating leather using animal skin requires massive amounts of energy and dangerous chemicals. Many animal leather products are treated with dyes and stains which are considered hazardous.
Not only is the physical process of creating leather harmful, but the initial stages of raising animals for this exact purpose also create huge amounts of waste and require the use of excessive amounts of water, animal feed, land, and fossil fuels.
Since there is still a huge market for leather products such as shoes and bags, livestock continues to be raised for this purpose, and this purpose alone. This is why vegan activists are working to encourage individuals to make a change. Turning away from the traditional use of animal products for fashion and instead choosing to purchase vegan alternatives. All in the hopes of sending a message to the big brands and manufacturers. With the final goal of achieving a fashion industry that no longer chooses to use animal leather and fur to create fashion products.
It’s cool to be kind to the planet
With celebrities, A-listers, influencers and big designer brands continuing to launch popular fashion products made with animal products, it can be hard to encourage people to make the switch.
However, in recent years big names and brands have been contributing to the cause, saying no to leather and fur and instead, creating vegan fashion alternatives that are both fashionable, stylish, and affordable. This includes rising vegan footwear brands that have only ever used vegan leather alternatives and take a sustainable and ethical approach to the design of fashion shoes and accessories. Creating both traditional shoe styles, such as biker boots, loafers, and brogues, plus trending styles like Mary Janes and platform heels, in vegan alternative products, vegan footwear can be and is fashionable! So, if you have ever thought about making the switch to vegan fashion, now is the perfect time to do so.
