I'm pretty sure even vegetarians don't buy animal byproducts, aside from their dairy and eggs. I've never liked labels and stereotyping anyhow.
Don't feel badly though. I have been riding motorcycles for over 40 years. I've always worn leather for protection. The thing is, I bought my leather boots, chaps, and jacket, long before going vegan. It doesn't bring the animal back to life by throwing or giving it away, does it? Is wearing it still a crime in the eyes of vegan's? If so, then I am guilty.
'Guilty' is a good word, as I must admit, I do feel a bit guilty wearing leather, and calling myself a vegan. However, replacing my boots, chaps, and jacket with synthetics, would not be cheap. If I was super rich and money was no object, sure, I would give the leather to the secondhand store, and buy synthetic. Some day I will have synthetic, but just not today.
I made a serious commitment to veganism, and that commitment for me means, I won't consume or use animal products ever again, to the best of my ability. And while I'm still using my leather for riding, I am 100 percent committed to never buying more or replacing the leather when it wears out. Does that make me any less vegan? I don't know, and if the vegan community wants to judge me for it, they can go right ahead.
Furthermore, while I am very passionate about animals and animal cruelty, I am not what you would call a full blown activist. I'm also not what you would call a pacifist, but I do like to keep a low profile. I am doing my part, the way I see it, but I try very hard not to smear my lifestyle in others faces.
Lastly, I do not have decades of this lifestyle behind me. I'm still a new vegan, myself. It takes time for everyone. The food was the easy part. The sundries, clothing, etc., will take me a little longer. The important thing is you are also doing your part now. You are no longer contributing to the world of animal cruelty...at least not knowingly. You are still a vegan as far as I'm concerned. Besides, this is NOT about what people think, this is about the animals, themselves. I do my part, and feel good about it. You should too!
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