WINTER ESSENTIALS // thrift finds + thoughts on wearing leather and wool as a vegan

[@earthmamma85]

Wearing already purchased animal products and second hand animal products is way better than buying new anything. Second hand wool, leather, etc. is far better for the environment than contributing to the demand of plastic based vegan products.

[@greenknitter]

I agree, but I think buying new products made from wool, leather and other animal sources (if they're locally sourced and made, and from not half way around the world) are also better for the environment than buying plastic based vegan products. Plastic is non-biodegradable. Wool, animal skins etc are.

[@verafortunato9561]

Thank you!! I always say this!! I don't understand people that buy new vegan products and are against second hand products made of wool or leather (etc). It's 100% better to buy second hand products, regardless of their composition, than to buy new vegan products that use natural resources to be produced.

[@dandelionessxoxo]

or you can thrift vegan leather items or buy new vegan items made out of 100% recycled plastic or plant based leather

[@404errornotfoundimanpc]

Can I just say how much I appreciate you? I've had it with these faux zero waste youtubers who purchase 50 items to try for their users. You are so incredibly wholesome and actually care for the environment and not just views and I love you. Thank you 🙏

[@Gittemary]

Thank you so much, I really really appreciate it 😍🌿

[@SaarEskimo]

I am so happy you discussed the wool thing. I went vegan almost 2 years ago. I (as many others) started with just the diet, but whenever I needed something new (for instance a bag, or shoes) I have been buying vegan alternatives. However a lot of the clothes I own, I've owned for many many years and one of those is a red christmas (but can pass for winter) sweater from H&M that is just super soft. Last year I realised that is because its made from angora wool.. which is a practice that I am super against. However, I've had this sweater for coming up on 13 years and it's still in (nearly) perfect condition. And since I really like it and know I will wear it until it can't be worn anymore, I have decided to keep using it. I understand striving to being perfectly vegan, but I think wasting animal products is just as bad as knowingly using it. So I prefer to use what I have (and sometimes this happens to food as well, for instance I bough veggie burgers in a big bulk package recently, only to find out it had cheese in it.. And even though I don't knowingly buy cheese or dairy anymore for myself, I have decided I would eat it myself, because in the place we are now in the world with the big C19, I wouldn't feel comfortable giving it away. I know it's controversial, so I am happy you talk about it!

[@greenknitter]

Angora rabbits or goats? If it's goats and from countries like China then yes can totally understand not wanting to support that. Rabbit fur can and should be used in ways that do no harm whatsoever to the rabbits. It's possible to spin angora directly from an angoran rabbit onto a spinning wheel! no pain or discomfort involved for them. This comes down more to knowing where your clothes come from and how they're made, rather than the materials used. IMO.

[@sanna6947]

The style of the skirts is an A-line, kinda like a triangle! 🔺

[@AthynVixen]

I was about to post it's a line

[@Gittemary]

THANK YOU! 💚😂💪

[@brnkpos]

I was going to write this 😌

[@jasminetorres1546]

Idk how I just found you I’ve been watching zero waste videos for years but I’m glad I did. I love your videos & you ❤️

[@dogvertigowatermelon]

"Let people be people, and let people do their best" I so appreciate this! We're all out here doing what we can. I wouldn't trade my old, leather boots for anything. They have kept my feet dry and protected for years! Not so much can be said for any alternative I've tried - and it will eventually biodegrade.

[@angelikabatwoman]

Love all the clothes you got would totally wear all of them myself 😍 and also good points you made about leather and wool looking like fake leather/not wool and you're not promoting them that way, that's why I was hesitant about second hand animal products, but you're right, you can't tell

[@kathleen6288]

I had super wins thrifting recently. I got a small pet carrier (opens from the top also) for $4, a brand new $15 make up bag for $1 and a Big Ben alarm clock for $3. I adore 2nd hand items & the price! I'm with you on the leather, silk & wool, purchase what is already here. Great video, as usual!

[@Madeline-McLaughlin]

I'm soooo jealous of the white two piece set. It looks so great on you!

[@angelikabatwoman]

Omg how cool is the story with that coat! So nice that it has such a family history 😊

[@Kai-mc8up]

if i need something really warm i always go for local wool businesses where i know they are treated well, that or i use my own sheep for simpler things such as blankets that i know how to make/spin myself! :)

[@SimonaShine]

I love that rope brown cup! I even commented on IG that I loved it,it's so beautiful

[@redrose8264]

Also can we please talk about some of the fraudulent marketing with 'vegan' leather? Most of the time its simply faux leather but because we associate vegan with plant based, people buy them thinking they're more eco friendly even though its just pvc. I've had so many friends by vegan docs without realising they're just faux

[@eleenagrant-jones8118]

Good on you. I applaud you on wearing wool and leather if it already exists. The whole idea is low impact so using what we have rather than consuming more must be a good idea.

[@frappuccino68]

Yay for pointy boots! Still love my black, but kudos to you for trying new colours. "Let people be people" Love that attitude!

[@mimblewimble12]

"trophy wife sipping wine in Aspen" will now be an aesthetic I aim for 😂😂

[@Gittemary]

Always 😂🍸

[@pyenygren2299]

In the nordic countries we have winter in the winter. I don't know what I would do without wool to keep me warm.

[@karobythell4425]

I just wanted to tell you that thrifting has been my way of life since I was a teenager ( i am 61 ) i love your enthusiasm and wonderful info , its so much easier to absorb impt info about trying to consume less esp when the resources in this world are not infinite ! And mostly i thrift because of the fast fashion wages to the workers are so appalling as well as the environmental standards being hazardous to human , animal and plant health . My daughters thought when they were young that " new " meant we got it from the charity shop . They are now 39 , 33, and 24 now and because I told them about your marvellous laugh , self deprecating humour and brilliant well researched info , they all watch you now too . AND they tell their friends too . Recently they held a friends clothing swap . No money changed hands . Everyone went away with something new( 2nd hand ) but new to them and it was great . Gaia , oneof my daughters , thinks you were an elf in your last life lol ! ( & yes she snamed because i was reading james lovelocks book when i was pregnant !! ) the best clothes we love are the recycled ones we have made great memories when wearing , and i want to say a big thank you to you for bringing so much joy into your videos . I love your ethics and your openess . And you are a such a smart cookie . big hug, youre such a force for good , and you speak truth to power , Ps we love bananagram too ! ( but we love Settlers of Catan more )

[@patstachiw2272]

wool is awesome

[@arianarazi2621]

The skirts,the suede jacket and the deviderss..soo jealous !! Tomorrow starts in Greece the second lock down...stay safe girl

[@janaeiskonfektknisterpapie7004]

When I wenn vegetarian I stopped buying leather. But now (vegan) I bought leather second hand-shoes for the winther. They fit awesome and really last. It's less wasteful in my opinion.

[@KyleighJanee9]

Love the haul and all of the stories behind each item, so cool! I completely agree with you about second hand animal based clothing or things you already owned. I do have a friend that felt sad every time she wore this pair of leather boots bc she didn't realize they were real leather when she bought them, so she sold them where they would be loved and appreciated and got the vegan version for herself, which I also think is a great solution if needed. Going forward with sustainable shopping, I really want to be better about taking my time to collect pieces that I really want instead of finding something to just make it work as I end up getting rid of it later on.

[@sprinkledrainbow7251]

Great finds. Love the tree! I went thrift shopping this weekend and I found a musical instrument I've been wanting. Happy thrifting! Hugs ❤

[@redrose8264]

I completely agree with it being fine to buy wool and leather secondhand both because its not creating new demand or using new resources and also because they are a lot better for the environment than faux leather or polyester. I think with buying wool first hand that its fine to support local, non-mulesing farms as well

[@kimberlyhenry7717]

I love Bananagrams! It's fairly popular here in Canada as well. That large wicker divider is an amazing find!

[@francesbonatsos3329]

Love your channel! Looking forward to your sustainable Christmas ideas🥰

[@alexapapinutti7128]

LOVE this thrift haul🤗 this things are so beautiful and now It have a second Life🌱💖😘

[@gforgrendetta]

Thank you for validating some thoughts I’ve had about used animal-derived items. I’ve been very bothered by the issue of micro pollution, as it’s literally killing us all slowly, whereas wool and leather products that have already been around, the damage is done and they don’t contribute further to pollution. Wearing the skins of my brothers and sisters makes me incredibly sad, however, so I basically wear polypropylene clogs all year (duck feet, hard to buy shoes). Wool is quite sad too, but as other options are either pollutive or beyond my price point, that’s what I’m using at the moment (things I acquired pre-veganism). There’s obviously quite a diversity of viewpoints on these topics. Thank you again for sharing yours & thank you for your lovely channel. Peace, love, & piggies. - Greta

[@kennedyr956]

That last outfit with the suede coat was so cute!

[@julihath8046]

Wow! Excellent haul! Love that Christmas tree!

[@shannondoahmalloy]

Honestly thank you for your refreshing perspective on re-using animal-based clothing items! The amount of resources and waste that goes into so-called "vegan fashion" is astounding, considering most of them are PLASTIC and will never decompose. I'd much rather buy pre-loved leather than any form of plastic (and yes, I'm aware that various forms of vegan plastic are more sustainable now than they have been in the past but you're right-- it's always better to use what's out there in the world)

[@aubreylevesque912]

I love that little tree! It is lovely! :)

[@cassandrelosser5826]

I'm not vegan but vegetarian and I'm totaly against killing animals "just to" use their skin. But then when it's about shoes I always buy leather bcs it is much much more sustainable on the long run and i think it is better than buy polyester shoes that will destroy quickly and will end up thrown away. And for wool again as long as the animal is well treated and just shave bcs you need to for his well-being then it's ok and much better than to buy polyester acrylic wool..... It's Always a latter of perspective and what is better for the environment!

[@Gittemary]

Polyester alternatives to animal based materials is definitely unideal for sure, but sadly sheep aren’t necessarily treated nicely in wool production :(

[@cassandrelosser5826]

@@Gittemary it always depend from where is coming the wool and as I fashion designer I hardly work toward that 😉

[@cassandrelosser5826]

I mean this is what we all should do!

[@veganistatravelista7122]

@@cassandrelosser5826 and people almost sadly never know where the wool is coming from :(

[@cassandrelosser5826]

@@veganistatravelista7122 that is true ! But what you Can do as a consumer is to look for the small business like mine which are more transparent and propose wool from small farmers that treated well their animals ! Their are more and more brand like this, at least in France and in Sweden from what I know so far

[@heidikuronen9491]

Now I really feel I want to start looking for a wooden reusable Christmas Tree!

[@SedarSederhana]

I absolutely love the pitcher! 😍

[@houtbyj]

I’m not vegan but have been vegetarian for a while. I have always debated whether it’s alright to buy leather and wool. But over time I’ve realized that vegan leather does not last like real leather does. I’ve decided to invest or buy second hand leather shoes because I know they will last at least double the length and contribute to plastic waste.

[@ClaireIona]

I love jumpers too 😊 you picked up some great finds 💙

[@Alis-Nicola]

Love love love the Xmas tree! 🤩

[@simpleMarian]

What is the brand of the pointed boots?

[@Wheezywatches]

This is my biggest back and fourth as a vegan. I’ve had leather shoes for 4 years that wore really well. 2 years ago, I bought a pair of vegan sneakers and vegan sandals and in those 2 years they are trashed. For me, buying leather boots makes sense for longevity and wear being in a snow state but if I can I’ll get them thrifted I will. Sneakers are harder to find so I try to limit my shoe consumption to what I need and to a very versatile piece.

[@authornesilstone]

I would rather have one pair of good leather shoes then have to buy a new pair each year cause they break

[@Cindy-by3ho]

Love the Christmas tree!

[@Huggible11]

How do you care for your wool tops? I had gotten a wool sweater secondhand washed it in cold water and it completely shrunk on me! I even read that it was okay to wash in cold water.

[@Gittemary]

I spot wash it if I spill something on it, I freeze it to get rid or bad smells and I let it air out in between uses 😊🌿

[@kennedyr956]

I'm from america so when you said "jumper" at the beginning, I pictured a one piece 🤣

[@Gittemary]

Haha of course 😂🌿

[@boatasaurusrex1134]

Like a romper/jumpsuit? Do you call them jumpers in the US? 😂 That's actually cute lol

[@MsIdgie1]

Yes, we call them sweaters here.

[@orlafennelly7112]

I agree that if its already created theres no harm with wool/leather once its vintage etc. By the same logic would eating non vegan foods be harmless if the food is going to waste too? Im just curious i would imagine eating non vegan would be far more diffcult to justify even though the reasoning is the exact same for wearing leather. Im not trying to be critical just honestly curious. Myself I am not a vegan so i cant really speak on this. i love your videos gittemary

[@Gittemary]

You can easily make the same argument for non-vegan foods, I don't eat them because I don't feel good when I do, and I don't want to, so that's a definite line for me. But I know many people who eat plant-based but when they dumpster dive and rescue food they'll eat whatever because it has already been wasted, same goes for getting a wrong order in a restaurant - eating a veggie burger that has mayo or cheese by mistake for instance. Again, a completely personal decision that does not affect the demand for more products. It is really all about finding a place where you feel comfortable while also making informed and consciously sustainably decisions 🙌😊

[@sachawhellams8743]

Not an expert, but the main difference I think is that when you buy meat etc. there's a demand for that product and supermarkets etc continue to order quantity depending on consumer demand. If you buy leather from a charity/ thrift shop you're just buying what others have given away, therefore no increased demand for new leather.

[@orlafennelly7112]

@@sachawhellams8743 oh yes ofc I agree but that’s not a fair comparison. Thrifted leather v new meat. I’m talking about meat or other non vegan foods that would be wasted the same way unused second hand leather and wool would be wasted. Say dumpster driving and finding stuff or other similar instances. Personally I think actually eating it rather than wearing it is far more emotional and I couldn’t do it just bc of the waste not mindset.

[@linedallaire9631]

HEYYYY love this content .....please do more thrift shopping ...please pretty please xx.... I totallly beleive in recycling ,and why pay full price for 1 item when you can have more bang for your buck at a second hand shop. Love from Canada

[@elizabethstart7466]

Those are expensive. The reusable Christmas tree. Good find.

[@airamillerot]

Exactly what my problem is. Finding stuff that is comfortable to wear but doesn't make me feel like I am a ball of weird shaped fat. And that fits my style, that is kind of geeky/corporate goth

[@Gittemary]

Love the idea of corporate goth 😍😂🌿🌿

[@inesladasic7106]

Corduroy A-line skirt.

[@siljeostman3816]

In Norway having things like shoes repaired is so expensive, so of course most people decide to get more value for their money by just buying a new pair instead. Then again repairing is expensive because less and less people use such services, so it's kind of a vicious circle... :(

[@charlescayton2958]

Nice video 👍

[@Prizzy999]

I was vegan for 6 years, now I'm vegetarian again but my take on leather and wool has always been the same over the years (and has caused me loads of problems with the vegan and animal rights community I used to be part of): It's definitely more sustainable to own leather shoes and belts and wool jumpers, as they last for many years if taken good care of, I've had leather shoes for something like 13 yrs and they're still perfect. Same for wool jumpers. The vegan guys I used to volunteer with gave me a really hard time because of me wearing those and I tried to make them understand that buying acrylic stuff and plastic shoes is not sustainable, but they wouldn't listen and eventually I made the decision to quit. Being also a very essential person I need high quality durable stuff so I'll stick to my leather shoes and wool clothes and don't feel guilty at all about that.

[@greenknitter]

That's why I couldn't stick with being vegan also. To me eschewing even second hand wool and leather in favour of unsustainable vegan alternatives made from non- biodegradable materials makes no sense from an environmental or animal rights pov.

[@Autumn1988]

I’m a knitter and focus on using UK, mulesing free wool in my projects. I don’t believe in “vegan yarn” as most of it is acrylic (plastic) which is terrible for the environment and also tends to be more heavily dyed etc. You can get cotton and bamboo which are nice but I don’t mind wool as farmers don’t raise animals for it (like fur) and they have to be clipped for their welfare. I’m not a vegan though so I can understand why vegans wouldn’t use anything from animals even if it’s a byproduct like wool. Wool is a great relatively sustainable warm fabric and fully decomposes which Is why I like it. That’s just my thoughts

[@lynnpierce7642]

Really nice haul darling. Love your skirts and white two piece outfit and black boots. The white outfit looks marvelously cute on you. Wear what you love darling. Go forth and be gloriously happy.🙂👍❤️

[@lucycollison7914]

I am vegetarian, not vegan, and I think that it would be fine to buy second-hand leather as you are not supporting the industry, or buy actual leather very occasionally if you are going to wear it a lot, for a long time and cant find it second hand.

[@greenknitter]

Love your thrifted items, especially the tree and your Nan's jacket. Re- vegan leather and yarn versus animal skins and wool...if there were no second hand leather shoes, jackets or anything else made from leather, and no second hand clothing made from merino, wool etc, would you then buy only vegan items made from pleather, polyester, acrylic and so on?

[@paigeb6783]

Can anyone recommend a sustainable marker brand to me? I have been looking for more markers to color with and I really cannot find any of them second hand

[@hannahrnnejohansen3860]

Hvad er dine tanker om Det Kollektive Klædeskab?

[@RKMP2]

Kween 💞💚

[@govegan6112]

As an animal rights activist, for me, I can't and won't wear something that will constantly remind me of the cruelty to animals that was involved.

[@Gittemary]

That is also completely and 100% fair

[@charlescayton2958]

💛

[@aubreejobizzarro1208]

I’ve rarely bought leather or wool brand new, but even push come to shove, I think I would choose it over oil based plastic faux leather that will cause massive amounts of pollution in its production, and since it has a short life span, massive pollution in its waste state. Granted, wool and leather production is going to have issue too. Especially in the chemical tanning of leather which is very toxic. And the land used for the wool production. And the machinery to card and spin the wool fibers. However, I know that wool and leather also last much much longer and look nicer for longer than synthetic materials. It makes me sick to my stomach how heavy “faux” leather/fur is marketed by companies now. I see faux and my brain says plastic. I would love to see more plant based faux leather products on the market, but simply wearing plastic to save the planet is an oxymoron in my book. I also don’t like how companies pander to consumers by using faux, like they are altruistic vegans super concerned with industrial farming and food harvesting. I think it makes more sense to opt for natural materials in everything, not only because it reduces the amount of plastic and waste, but also the longevity of your style and clothing. Wool is always going to be a “pain” to clean, but it also has tremendous warmth that you wouldn’t get from an H&M sweater. Also buying second hand doesn’t increase the demand for a product, and the item gets used longer, instead of going into a landfill. Unused clothing is throwing money away, all the time, labor, and resources aren’t used to the maximum. Makes me super bummed.

[@mmk82758]

I’m not at all trying to be a dick, just sharing my opinion: when I first went vegan and the topic of thrifting wool or leather came up, someone asked me if I would furnish my home with an Ed Gein lamp because the person was already dead. Well, no, I would not. So I have never forgotten that and personally won’t wear wool, leather, etc. even when thrifted.

[@fitzyfitz95]

Sorry but I believe it is not a good argument. Buying cecond hand wool and leather doesnt support the exploitation of animals like buying new. Wool is an amazing fabric and I don't think it is more sustainable to buy new/thrifted plastic based fabrics. Also Wool is the only natural fabric that is warm in colder climate and you can keep the pieces for generations. I am sure that buying second-end leather shoes is more enviromentally friendly than new plastic shoes (which are terrible for the environnement). However I do wish vegan leather (as in plan based leathers) were more popular. Do whatever you want buy your argument does not work.

[@martinaantonuccu1752]

From a vegan perspective I completely agree when you say to use what we already own even if it is non vegan, until it’s fine and then buy something to replace it but buying a new item, even if it is not actually new but second hand, that it’s not vegan from my point of view it’s not ok. Why not choose an item that is vegan and second hand? You are still supporting an abusive industry even buy second hand because when you buy it someone else, an omnivore, fell ok to buy animal-based clothes.

[@Gittemary]

You can obviously do that as well, this was not a black/white situation, just an example. But for shoes, for instance, many people perhaps don't have the budget to purchase new vegan shoes, and vegan shoes are not necessarily abundant in thrift stores, where most shoes contain leather parts, I guess this in my example because it applies to many second-hand situations. I don't personally regard buying a second-hand product that contains leather as non-vegan, but again, it is completely fair if that is something you or other people are not okay with, there are tons of other solutions as well 🌿

[@lelexoxo303]

From an environmental perspective (I'm a vegetarian), I'd much rather wear a non-petroleum-based piece of clothing, like a wool sweater or vegetable died leather shoes. At least those have a possibility of degrading at some point in time, rather than turn to microplastic.

[@beegarcia5817]

I totally understand your perspective but as an empath I cannot choose to wear second hand animals skins as I feel that negative energy from their death will be present and I feel that wearing them on my feet to walk on is disrespectful to their lives. Perhaps if you are able to first honor them and try your best to give their souls peace it would be okay but again I also feel gross at the touch of it. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@victoriaannmiddleton318]

The tip of your nose is distractingly shiny, but cute!!