Plantbased

This is something I’ve reflected upon in the last few months due to being attacked for it by someone close.

I am an animist, so my approach to this is very much affected by my beliefs.

I keep my clothes and shoes made with materials of animal origin. I do not throw or give them away, as that would be a disrespect to the life that was taken, and an uncertainty about what consideration the next person would have for that very life.

I myself mend and take good care of my things, making sure I extend their life for as long as I can. It is my responsibility to make sure no more is taken from nature than it is absolutely necessary.

Now, if I must buy something, I go second hand first. And I don’t stay away from leather or wool or other animal products due to the above: if I take one with me, I will care for it as well as I can for as long as possible, ensuring the life taken will be honoured and not simply turn into soil-poisoning waste.

It is when buying new is unavoidable that I hit a wall. I’ve had very bad experiences with plastic shoes. I walk a lot, and they ones I’ve tried have made me develop some nasty foot smell I’d rather avoid for the rest of my life… Other times, the shoes simply broke so fast I had to buy new shoes after barely a year. Both my budget and options are limited, so I am stuck on what to do when the inevitable happens and I need new boots.

Anyway, thank you for asking this! It has been useful to write it down – and not sure why you got downvoted…