Image from ccdoh1
Perhaps it is ironic that anyone who wants to ride a horse would swear off of animal products altogether. But research shows me that there are some equestrian vegans & vegetarians out there who want to find non-leather tack options.
My question is this, I understand why you don’t want to use leather, but are synthetic products really better?
Not Very Natural
Synthetic products are generally made from chemicals & petroleum which come from big chemical & petroleum companies. Chances are these companies pollute ecosystems, and destroy the habitat of whole species. Just because it’s not made from animals doesn’t mean it is animal or earth friendly.
The Big Picture
Carbon fiber requires noxious chemicals & resins in its setting process and nylon & polyester are made entirely of chemicals.
Image from marinephotobank
Regardless of the effects of these things on you and your animal personally, the footprint you leave by supporting them is ensuring a much grimmer future for animals in general.
I’ve been doing quite a bit of research into animal and earth-friendly products and the more I read about the synthetic stuff the less inclined I will be to use them…ever.
What IS The Right Choice?
I realize this is just a part of a dilemma that vegans & vegetarians face on a daily basis, and it’s one I’m sympathetic to. I’m not ready to go vegan, but I’m working towards a more natural life.
So I will continue to comb the web for good sources, whether it is for natural fly spray, GM-free feed, or even a great vegan shoe store. Just remember that some of the synthetic products that replace leather can have devastating effects too.
For Now…
Start by avoiding products that utilize ingredients which contribute to the slaughter of animals (like many fabric softener brands). Here is a list of animal-friendly fabric softeners.
I tweeted this entry ( @evilgenius2008 ). For years I thought biothane was the right thing to ride/drive in because it isn’t leather. I also used to eat yogurt thinking it didn’t involve killing cows. A tiny bit of research was all it took to realize I’ve been making these decisions without all the facts. Now I’m wondering what else I’ve been doing for decades that I think is responsible and isn’t?