The KInd Life Community Forum

For right now, I am continuing to use the leather items I owned before making the transition. This includes two leather coats (one brown, one black) that I have owned since high school (about 12 years now). They are still in good shape and still keep me warm. I also have one purse (a Coach, that I saved a long time to get; going to be hard to get rid of that), and a couple pairs of shoes, including a pair of Doc Martens that still look almost brand new. Most of these items I've had for many years, almost all are 5 years or older. I think the coats are the oldest. As these things wear out, I'll be purchasing kinder items to replace them, but I have no plans at this time to go all out and replace all the leather in my closet. I'm unemployed, and barely scrape rent out of my wallet, let alone money for new shoes and coats.

However, I'm also aware of how my wearing leather could appear to other people. Until I'm able to afford to make the changes, I'll use moments like that as teaching experiences! If I'm out eating with someone and they ask why I don't eat meat, but I'm wearing a leather coat, I explain to them what I've learned about the ways we use animals and how I feel about purchasing new leather, but I'll also tell them why I still have the leather I'm wearing. Usually, the person sees the sense in the path I'm taking, is interested in the transition I'm making, and wants more information!

I think part of living a kind life is realizing that everyone will be at different stages at different times. I think the fact that people see me continuing to use the same coat for years makes me more approachable for people who are new to this way of thinking. They realize the transition doesn't have to be extreme and immediate but that, once made, it should be permanent. Like, once you've worn out the old leather coat, don't buy a new one; buy a kinder coat!