As more people choose vegan food for environmental reasons, clothing and equipment free of animal-derived products is also trending. What is vegan outdoor gear’s environmental impact?

What is vegan clothing?

Vegan clothing and outdoor gear are products designed for outdoor activities that steer completely clear of animal-derived materials such as fur, wool, leather, down and other feathers, or silk.

What are the benefits of vegan clothing?

The first benefit of vegan clothing is obvious: No animal cruelty. By choosing vegan gear, one might therefore be able to align their gear with their own ethical standards. Plant-based vegan clothing may also offer performance characteristics: Many materials are hypoallergenic, breathable and quick-drying. You also might not have to think as much about caring for your gear either, as some lightweight synthetics are longer-lasting than natural fibers and less prone to shrinking or damage in the tumble drier.

What are the impacts of vegan clothing?

The sustainability of vegan clothing depends on the materials used. Petroleum-based, virgin fibers generally take a very long time to degrade and have a considerable carbon footprint. Cotton, meanwhile, needs large amounts of water as well as pesticides when farmed. Plastic fibers can also ultimately contribute to microplastics pollution, currently found in life all over the globe – both land and sea. Also, vegan products are not necessarily synonymous with high ethical production standards but might come with their own complexities in terms of sustainability. So, overall, it depends on the specific material in question.

How durable are vegan products?

Some vegan materials, like polyester, might be very long-lasting; it doesn’t easily fade, is elastic yet form-retaining, and is tear-resistant. Others, such as the vegan leather alternative material known as TPU, might be less durable than real leather, and not age as well. But proper care and maintenance are key for lengthening the life of your outdoor gear – and this is true for all materials.

Where can I find vegan outdoor products?

Research is your friend. While few brands have committed to going fully vegan, quite a few offer vegan alternatives in almost every product category and outdoor sport, from vegan climbing shoes to cruelty-free clothing. To find what you are looking for, try using filter mechanisms on retail and brand websites to find vegan options. Some brands also use third-party vegan certifications.

How do I ensure purchasing high-quality vegan clothing that is responsibly produced?

Again, a little bit of research into vegan labels might go a long way. Many are familiar with the rise of vegan certifications in the food industry, and you can also find them on textiles and footwear. Common certifications for recycled materials as well as fair labor standards might also give some insights into the production standards of a brand. When it comes to standards in vegan leather, however, a unified solution has not yet emerged.

What are some key vegan materials in outdoor gear to look out for?

There are a lot of vegan materials that you can use in your outdoor adventures. In fact, there’s a vegan alternative for essentially anything one needs. Plant-based fabrics such as hemp, bamboo, or Tencel offer unique benefits. And when you can’t avoid it, using gear made from recycled plastics might be a good option to minimize waste and reduce the product’s carbon footprint, when there are limited alternatives or when weight and performance might be paramount.

Be aware of seemingly vegan products, though. While some brands might not be using leather in their shoes, some of the components might still be animal-based, such as the glue. Also, not all materials might be traceable due to complex supply chains. If you are unsure, contact the manufacturer. This way, not only will you get an answer but also help put the issue on the agenda of the brand as something that their customers are invested in.

 

 

Lead Image: Susan Larsen