Generally we equestrians are a nature loving kind of tribe and because of that we should place an particular importance on the protection of the environment we so much depend on.
With the upcoming holiday season right around the corner I would like to give out a few words to those ready to go hunting for presents again and /or getting geared up for the hunting season.
With the upcoming holiday season right around the corner I would like to give out a few words to those ready to go hunting for presents again and /or getting geared up for the hunting season.
It is a call for reorientation. A request to join forces in making a choice to be heared out there in the industry, because especially we as equestrians can see to it, that more attention wil be given to the topics of environmental protection and sustainabilty in the equine industry, leather industry and other sectors involved, such as agriculture and medical.
We do in a true sense of the word posses the „role of pioneers “.
We do in a true sense of the word posses the „role of pioneers “.
The current Situation:
All known manufacturers of the tack industry are outsourcing the production of riding accessories to India or the Far-East. Reasons for this are inexpensive leathers and low wages. An Indian employee receives approx. 0.40 EUR per hour, an Italian worker to the comparison with 14 EUR however 35 times as much (Indo German Chamber OF Commerce 1999) in addition there is profit due to export promotions and export qualification of the Indian government, lower freight charges and good infrastructures.
The Indian leather industry employs 2.5 million individuals, thereof in the south of India 70% women.
Production takes place particularly in small enterprises, as well as usually under unbelievably bad conditions of work and with high environmental impact. Since beginning of 1980 the issue of environmental damage, caused by a more than ever booming leather industry, was taken up by civilian-social groups. They pointed out that the extreme levels of salt in the grounds due to the practices of nearby tanneries contaminating the groundwater with heavy metals, particularly with chrome. They also took up the issue of loss of harvest and health damage within the neighbouring population. During the production of 100t chromium tanned leather 110t firm waste is generated. This is accompanied by several types of salts, chemicals, coloring materials and tanning agents used during the process of tanning.
The Indian leather industry employs 2.5 million individuals, thereof in the south of India 70% women.
Production takes place particularly in small enterprises, as well as usually under unbelievably bad conditions of work and with high environmental impact. Since beginning of 1980 the issue of environmental damage, caused by a more than ever booming leather industry, was taken up by civilian-social groups. They pointed out that the extreme levels of salt in the grounds due to the practices of nearby tanneries contaminating the groundwater with heavy metals, particularly with chrome. They also took up the issue of loss of harvest and health damage within the neighbouring population. During the production of 100t chromium tanned leather 110t firm waste is generated. This is accompanied by several types of salts, chemicals, coloring materials and tanning agents used during the process of tanning.
So now one is discussing the possibilities of vegetable tanned and drum died leathers with biologically degradable wastes opposite to the traditional chromium tanning of hides which require save handling of the waste water and recuperation of often toxic chemicals.
Due to the effort of these groups in 1996 finally a regulation for pre-water-purification and chrome-recuperation-devices in tanneries came into effect, but still non purified tannery waste water arrives in purification plants, which are not equipped to handling it. Out of 220 tanneries, using trivalent chromium salt so far only 80 plants installed chrome- recuperation-devices. Wether those tanneries are making a good use of it is left to ones imagination…
Insufficiently purified waste water is therefore used for irrigation of crops leading to a slow poisoning of the population. Toxines such as chrome, cadmium, lead, arsenic and iron polute the groundwater, the ground as well as the food chain and lead to abortions, leukaemia, diarreha and skin deseases as a direct result.
The Facts:
On the list of the 10 most important importing countries for leathers from India the USA is first, followed directly by Germany. Most of the imported leather is chromium-tanned.Besides the above mentioned environmental issues chromium tanned leather is cause of many allergies leading to various health irritations in humans and animals.
According to a study of the faculty of chemistry of the college of further education in Hoexter, Germany three quarters of the chrome-refined leathers researched are containing limit values-exceeding chromium. Chromate ions are mobilized in connection with sweat and sour saliva, i.e. they arrive over the skin into the organism. Chrome-refined custom leathers thus represent a factor of risk for the health of humans and animals. All chrome-refined leathers usually contain a total chrome content between 20 and 30 mg/G. compared to purely vegetable tanned leathers with 0,0 to 1 mg/g clearly under it.
(Source:http://www.fh-hoexter.de/fachbereiche/fb8/fachgebiete/chemie/chemie/diplomarbeiten/poppe.htm)
(Source:http://www.fh-hoexter.de/fachbereiche/fb8/fachgebiete/chemie/chemie/diplomarbeiten/poppe.htm)
In order to be able to serve the demand on the world market, in India one tends to overlook animal protection regulations and regulations for animal health and welfare in the agricultural sector. Abuse, injuries, illness, death are part of the daily agenda.
In such a way damaged “raw skins” however can still be used in the traditional chromium-refineries, because the surface texture plays no role. Due to the usual subsequent treatment of chrome-refined leathers the skin txture usually will not be recognized anymore.
In such a way damaged “raw skins” however can still be used in the traditional chromium-refineries, because the surface texture plays no role. Due to the usual subsequent treatment of chrome-refined leathers the skin txture usually will not be recognized anymore.
To protect “weak stomachs” I will not go into further details at this point. However I would like to advise anybody interested to visit http://www.petaindia.com/feat/f-leathertrade.asp.
Our Obligation:
Now is the time to vote by making the right choices. Our responsibility in this regard grows with the effects of globalization.
Cheap isn´t always the best choice and expensive might be even worse!!!
The slogan “made in…” has a wide range of meaning and is no warranty for the origin of the leather. As mentioned before, all known manufacturers outsource to India. Alone in Kanpur approx. 800 tanneries are busy with the production of leather and upholsterer goods for the world market.
As equestrians we have a special obligation to the environment, sustainabilty and animal protection.
As equestrians we have a special obligation to the environment, sustainabilty and animal protection.
Therefore my request to you: Use eyes, ears and nose when shopping for tack!
Ask about the origin of the leather, the kind of tanning and bring the tack up under your nose. The smell of good leather is probably well-known to everyone. You should ask for eco-friendly, vegetable tanned and drum-died leathers. Thus you will help to protect the environment, humans and the animals.
Ask about the origin of the leather, the kind of tanning and bring the tack up under your nose. The smell of good leather is probably well-known to everyone. You should ask for eco-friendly, vegetable tanned and drum-died leathers. Thus you will help to protect the environment, humans and the animals.
What a beautiful gift to give to all of us !!!
I myself took the first step by building my tack-business to cater to the equestrian community worldwide and to assist you gladly by sharing my knowledge here on this blog.
I am on the lookout now for many “tribe-members” to follow .Will you make the right choice this year ??
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