LEATHER is often described as a natural material because it is made using animal skin.

But people often fail to realise that numerous toxic chemicals are added during production to ensure it will not decompose.

The UK throws away two million pairs of shoes a week, many leather, which sit in landfills unable to biodegrade.

Most leather tanning takes place in developing countries, where labour costs are low and environmental regulations lax. Some tanneries allow effluent to flow into rivers untreated, polluting fresh water supplies with toxic chemicals. Villagers who depend upon the water for washing and drinking can suffer serious medical problems.

While billions of Third World families are struggling to survive with little or no access to fresh water, large amounts are used to raise, feed and slaughter cattle and then take skins through the tanning process.

Another excuse often used to justify the use of leather is that it is a by-product of the meat industry. However, the UK leather industry is worth billions of pounds a year.

An animal's skin makes up seven to 10 per cent of its financial worth. By buying leather goods, people are supporting the meat industry and the slaughter of animals.

Viva! has launched a campaign against the use of leather. Please visit www.thebigcoverup.org.uk.

Fiona Galbraith

Viva! Bristol

(by email)