Wildfires & Climate Change
In the past few weeks the west coast has been battling over 100 fires. Many have been forced to evacuate their homes and thousands of acres of land and wildlife have been burned.
These fires are way too close to home. Not just for us as a California based brand, but for everyone no matter where you live.
Most of these fires were started by a lightning storm but climate change has played a significant role in the intensity and number of fires. As this heatwave continues the fires are likely to get worse.
This is just one of the reasons why we set out to reinvent leather. The meat industry is responsible for much for the deforestation in the world and it’s directly contributing to the global wildfires.
Raising the animals whose skin eventually becomes leather requires enormous amounts of water and pastureland, which must be cleared of trees. In the last half century, 70 percent of the Amazon rainforest has been cleared to make way for pastures or for growing feed crops. This takes a devastating toll on our planet.
The environmental impact of this type of mass deforestation includes carbon dioxide emissions, loss of biodiversity, soil degradation, and water pollution. Globally, animal agriculture is responsible for more greenhouse gases than all the world’s transportation systems combined and is a leading contributor to climate change.
In fact, if everyone in the U.S. ate no meat or cheese just one day a week, it would be like not driving 91 billion miles – or taking 7.6 million cars off the road.
So what can we do now?
To directly support those impacted by the fires, consider making a donation to The American Red Cross. If you would like to directly donate you can do so here.
If you're in California, volunteer your time. You can find volunteer opportunities here.
Vote. Climate change is now one of the two most important issues in politics. You can check if you're registered to vote here.
Consider how your daily routines impact climate change. Something as simple as buying local produce or conserving energy can have a larger impact than you'd think. Additionally, consider how and where the things you buy were made.
Our hearts are with those impacted by these fires and climate change everywhere.
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Now through Tuesday, September 15th, we’re donating 20% of our total sales to the American Red Cross, this donation will directly support people impacted by the fires.
*Facts taken from the Livestock Brief from the Food and Agriculture Organization