PETA Global 2018 Issue 1

Zero to 60

Without the Moo

PETA is the driving force behind the rollout of vegan-leather car interiors.

T hree years ago at Tesla Motors’ annual meeting, PETA told its fellow shareholders that the automaker could reduce its carbon footprint by ditching climate-catastrophic animal-leather interiors and switching to vegan leather.

The global leather industry slaughters more than 1 billion cows, sheep, lambs, goats, and pigs for their skin every year.

Elon Musk, Tesla’s eco-minded cofounder and CEO, said he’d “absolutely” consider it.

And thanks to PETA, car buyers now have all kinds of choices.

And he did. In January 2016, Tesla rolled out its Model X SUV with a totally leather-free option. Then, in December, it made vegan-leather seats available for all its vehicles. It gets better: Last year, vegan-leather seats became the only option. Tesla is in good company: After a push from PETA, US automaker General Motors (GM) got on board with animal-friendly offerings, too. PETA’s video exposé showing that cows are abused on ranches supplying GM’s leather processor was followed by demonstrations at America’s top historic automotive capitals. Vegan Leather: King of the Road Conscientious consumers are cheering as more automakers make the vegan-leather transition, because cruelty to animals shouldn’t be an accessory on anyone’s list. Vegan leather is a luxurious, compassionate, environmentally friendly alternative.

BMW, Land Rover, and Mercedes-Benz are among the luxury carmakers using vegan leather, while consumers on a tighter budget can give Chevrolet, Chrysler, GM, Honda, Subaru, and Toyota a look-see. But that’s just for starters: Fifteen automakers now offer a completely leather-free model or leather-free options for the seating, steering wheel, and gearshift knob. That adds up to more than 70 models. Check out the complete list at PETA.org/LeatherFreeCars . Compassion Behind the Wheel Not only does outfitting your ride in vegan leather or fabric result in peace of mind behind the wheel, it also tells other road warriors that animals don’t have to suffer and die in order for humans to “’round, ’round, get around.” Every year, the global leather industry slaughters more than 1 billion cows, sheep, lambs, goats, and pigs for their skin. Many endure the horrors of factory

farming, including extreme crowding, confinement, and deprivation. Most aren’t given any painkillers when their tails are amputated or they’re castrated, branded, or dehorned. Their skins are turned into finished leather with a toxic brew of formaldehyde, coal-tar derivatives, mineral salts, and various oils, dyes, and finishes, some of which are cyanide-based and many of which end up in our groundwater and waterways. Take Action Now The next time you buy a car, choose one with a leather-free interior, and be sure to let the automaker know how much you appreciate having that option.

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