Leather is synonymous with luxury. For centuries, the material has been a status symbol. Also, it stands tall because of its high quality and durability. Fashion and manufacturing industries prefer leather because of its high demand. However, this high-class material comes at a severe environmental cost. Traditional production methods leave a heavy toll on the ecosystem and biodiversity. Let’s discuss the impacts of the leather industry on the environment.

Why is Leather Bad for the Environment

Leather production is a lengthy process. Also, it includes several steps. For instance, sourcing, farming and tanning among many more. Each production step impacts the ecosystem in one way or the other. However, this is only the case with traditional methods. Modern production methods are eco-friendly altogether.

Listed below are the negative environmental impacts of the leather industry.

Deforestation and Land Use

Cattle ranching requires huge proportions of land. Industries trim down trees to clear the area. This directly exacerbates environmental change. Moreover, deforestation forces wildlife to migrate elsewhere.

Water Consumption and Pollution

Tanning is a common process in the skin industry. It uses copious amounts of water. This can lead to water scarcity. Particularly, in areas with limited water supply. Additionally, tanning also involves mixing chemicals in water. The contaminated water is then disposed of into rivers. This impacts the aquatic ecosystem.

Chemical Use and Air Pollution

Leather making process also involves the use of many chemicals. For instance, chromium and sulfuric acid among others. Chemical release causes air pollution. Moreover, improper disposal causes soil degradation. Local flora and fauna suffer the consequences. Furthermore, exposure to harmful chemicals poses a threat to workers’ well-being.

Habitat Destruction

Leather harm the environment in more ways than one. Besides the environmental impact, wildlife also suffers the consequences. Cattle ranching, for instance, displaces natural habitat. Valuable wildlife species lose lives during the transition. Similarly, deforestation, at times, destroys extinct plant species.

Waste Generation

The production method produces huge amounts of waste. For instance, trimmings, shavings and scraps. Therefore, industries need to look for huge landfills to dispose of waste materials. Improper waste disposal often leads to soil contamination. Additionally, the wildlife may suffer the consequences.

On the other hand, waste removal processes are energy-extensive. Therefore, there are harmful gasses released into the air.

Indirect Impact on Wildfire

Wildfires cause an enormous amount of damage. Also, these are occurring more frequently nowadays. This is because of climatic change caused by deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. Leather factories are indirect contributors to wildfires. The manufacturing process causes both deforestation and gas emissions. Moreover, industries can be scrutinized for excessive water use.

Sustainable Alternatives and Solutions

The environmental impact of leather production is huge. Fortunately, there are now sustainable alternatives to trim down the impact. Some notable initiatives include the following:

• Vegetable tanning
• Chrome-free tanning
• Agroforestry practices
• Regenerative agriculture
• Recycling and upcycling
• Waste reduction techniques
• Sustainable animal husbandry
• Water conservation measures
• Innovative technologies
• Certification and labeling programs

The industry’s carbon footprint has prompted the environment-conscious public to look for alternatives. Industries can stay in the race by adopting these sustainable techniques. Fortunately, modern techniques do not compromise on quality and durability.

All in all, this can be a win-win situation for all. Consumers get quality products without hurting the environment. Similarly, producers continue to make profits with eco-friendly products.

These are all the impacts of leather production on the ecosystem. The material is high in demand because of its exquisite appeal and durability. However, eco-unfriendly production methods prompt people to look the other way.

Fortunately, sustainable methods are now becoming a norm in the industry. Factories left behind should follow suit and make use of eco-friendly techniques. This will help them thrive in the long run.

Be safe, choose green and stay connected to learn about the effects of the leather industry and more.

Leather industry has a great impact on the environment. Learn all about how it affects the ecosystem and some sustainable alternatives.