All’s fair in love and war, they say. But, certainly, not when it comes to fashion. Climate change may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when trying to keep up with the latest trends, but if we want to avoid the climate apocalypse, it’s time to reconsider some of our fashion choices for the sake of the environment.

Leather pieces have become staples in our wardrobes a long time ago. And for those, who have a soft spot for our bovine friends, the obvious alternative would be vegan leather, which has experienced numerous advancements over the past few years. But if we buy an animal-free manufactured product, are we negating our good intentions towards a better place for animals, people and notably, the environment? Indeed, is it better to own a sturdy biodegradable leather jacket that will last you for ages or an industrially manufactured synthetic material that takes a long time to break down once it reaches the end of its life cycle? In reality, both options are far from being green.

In this specific dilemma, in terms of carbon footprint, only most of the real leather production involves a much more considerable amount of greenhouse gas emissions related to the animal rearing, not to mention pollution generated by toxic wastes of the chrome tanning process. Tanneries often dispose of their waste in the nearby streams, causing multiple health threats for human beings and aquatic organisms. Vegetable tanning could be a more reasonable alternative; however, its waste can also be toxic as it requires more water and frequently contains lethal bacteria.

Synthetic, PVC version of leather, in its turn, made it to the Greenpeace list as one of the most environmentally-damaging plastics, containing dioxins that are toxic to humans and animals; it does not decompose and releases dangerous chemicals into the environment. Meanwhile, while toxicity isn’t much of an issue for polyurethane leather, it still relies on fossil fuels, contributing to the largest source of greenhouse emissions.

It is however important to note, that not all real and faux leathers are made equally. There are, definitely, companies that are producing materials in a greener manner. The studies have shown, that when it comes to chrome or vegetable tanning, there is not much of a difference in the environmental footprint, but the impact varies from tannery to tannery. Regarding animal-free leathers, although not without concerns, it is possible to reduce its impact by using recycled and bio materials, like pineapple leaves, mushroom mycelium or kombucha.

Cruelty issue aside, a quality real or faux leather piece can last you for years, making it a long-term investment, because sometimes the most environmentally friendly piece is the one that doesn’t have to be replaced over and over again.