Naturally, such considerations also apply to our clothing choices. Many vegetarians struggle over the issue of purchasing synthetic over leather products, since most synthetic products are petroleum based and pollute the environment in both the manufacturing process and disposal. Fabric materials are considered more desirable, since they are commonly made from natural fibers such as cotton, but the cotton industry relies heavily on pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Both options have negative environmental consequences. However, many people are unaware that the leather industry has its own set of environmental problems to address.
Split leather is from the area beneath the top grain.
Bonded leather contains ground, pulverized, or shredded leather, and thus is not wholly the hide of an animal. Leather can come not only from cows, but other animals such as pigs, deer, elk, buffalo, and lambs. These include alligators, crocodiles, lizards, snakes, and kangaroos, among others. Therefore, many species are exploited to make leather products. The leather industry is directly related to the meat industry and contributes significantly to the profits obtained from raising animals for slaughter.