Alright, since I don't personally know any vegans, I thought I might find a few here to have this conversation.

I've been vegan for 5 years. Here's my dilemma, I'm on a career path that requires the use of leather. This is because there are several items I need to wear that are made of leather and, at this time, non-leather alternatives are not available.

The definition of vegan states, "Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose." Still, I feel buying and wearing leather betrays my values. On the other hand, I also have passion for my career and believe that I need these items to do my job well and safely. I would never buy animal products if there were an equally practical alternative.

This issue could run along the same lines as buying cars, bikes, even furniture. There are some things we, as people, need to live our lives. As vegans, we want everything to be cruelty-free, but there aren't always alternatives that are attainable for everyone. As a vegan, I am focused on contributing to good and causing the least amount of harm possible. I believe that is still my path, even if I have to buy and wear leather products.

What are your thoughts? Honestly.

Get humane leather, the fake stuff that looks as good as the actual or just use another material entirely. Whereas leather typically means "Oh, you've made it," it shouldn't come with leaving your beliefs at the door.

Even though I, personally, am not vegan nor plan to be. That doesn't mean I believe in the abuse of animals just to have a pretty jacket or whatever.

The aim is to reduce animal suffering where practicable. But if it's going to endanger your safety at work and there is no alternative then if it were me, I would go for it. May I ask what kind of work it is?

Your contribution to stopping animal cruelty is very much appreciated by this vegan :)

Currently, I work in a jail. I'm on track to be a police officer. Tactical boots, gloves, and accessories on my duty belt are made with leather. I've scoured the internet trying to find alternatives, but have come up with nothing that comes remotely close to the durability and safety of the available leather products. Somehow, I have to balance the scales. Perhaps by donating an equal cash-value to a cow sanctuary. (:

Haha my guess was way off, I thought a blacksmith. Good luck on pursuing your career, hope it all goes well. I would have thought things like that were standard issue.

I think the donation is a great idea.

Is there anyway you could find used items? That way you wouldn't be contributing to the demand quite as much. I like to buy used clothing; because it's hard to find clothes I like, that are withing my budget, and aren't likely made by companies with sketchy work environments. It's not a huge help, but at least it's something. Good police officers are so important though, especially if you live in the US. Good luck!

Buying used is a great idea I think. Police departments usually have a pretty high turn over too and it should be easy enough to find some folks who've recently left that'll be willing to sell you theirs.

Can you get used versions? So at least you're not putting more money into the industry? Or maybe you could learn how they're made and make them yourself? Or get someone who makes them to make you custom versions?

I would find out what would make a product 100% within job protocol. Your safety is number one in a job like this. I worked as a security guard before and most stuff was standard issue/select companies to buy from due to needing items to be the same as everyone else working and their safety reputation. The issue with the synthetic items is usually they would pose more hazards than what you'd help reduce for your cause. Some of those have a very low melting/damage point you'd either be buying more often or hurt from it.

This said its pricer but maybe there's Kevlar based work items you can buy?