Is it leather? Writes on LinkedIn: Over the past decade, we’ve seen a surge in “vegan leather” and other synthetic substitutes marketed as eco-friendly alternatives to genuine leather are making their way into our closets at an ever-quickening pace. From shoes and handbags to jackets and belts, these fake materials come with a promise of ethical and environmental benefits—but there’s a catch.

First, these promises are all greenwashing. There is nothing ethically or environmentally friendly about fake leather (plastic) – it devastates our planet every step of the way, from raw material harvesting to production to disposal where plastic lives forever in landfills.

Second – Let’s talk about durability.

Genuine leather, when cared for, can last decades—even a lifetime. There are people still using leather bags passed down from their grandparents. The patina, the character, the strength – it all improves with age.

Compare that with many leather alternatives on the market today—mostly polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These are plastic-based materials. They may look similar to leather at first glance, but the difference becomes clear with time.

After just 2-3 years, these synthetic pieces often start peeling, cracking, and breaking down. That “vegan leather” tote or those sleek faux-leather boots?

They’ll likely end up in the trash, needing replacement much sooner than their real leather counterparts.
That means 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦, and 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.

Ironically, what starts as an “eco-conscious” purchase results in a larger harmful environmental footprint over time. Fast fashion thrives on this cycle—lower durability drives more sales. But true sustainability isn’t just about materials; it’s about longevity.

The takeaway? Before buying that next “leather looking” item, consider its lifespan. What will it look like in five years? Will it age gracefully—or fall apart?

Sometimes, the most sustainable choice is the one that 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵.