The fashion industry has seen a rise in alternative leather options, from fish skin to pineapple leaves to cork leather. High-end fashion brands like John Galliano, Prada, and Christian Dior have dabbled in fish skin options for their products; the practice itself has roots dating back centuries to multiple indigenous groups across the globe. Brands like Nanushka and Hugo Boss, meanwhile, have sought to use leather alternatives that are completely vegan.

Sustainable fashion aims to reduce pollution and waste in the manufacturing process while addressing overproduction and cutting down on CO2 emissions. Sustainability is a complex concept, and faux leather only plays one part in the machine of sustainable fashion. While brands like Allbirds and Sojo have been transparent in addressing their environmental impacts, other brands have participated in greenwashing, promoting products as eco-friendly to consumers without actually improving their practices.

Vegan leather made from plastic materials like PVC and PU can still be harmful to the environment. But when made from natural materials, plant-based leathers make for great eco-friendly options. Additionally, vegan leather's lifespan is much shorter than real leather, so consider how often you will be replacing this product when you purchase it. Real leather does lead to high carbon emissions, but there are ways of making this kind of purchase a sustainable one. Taking good care of the product over time is essential. You can also aim to purchase your next leather good as a meat by-product with vegetable tanning, or from a producer that works with small farms.

Both forms of leather have ways to go in terms of sustainability, but by making an informed decision on your next leather purchase, whether it's vegan or not, you can contribute to their environmental impact.