Meghalaya Environment Minister Wins PETA India Award for Pineapple-Leather Plan

A Progressive Business Concept Award is on the way from PETA India to James Sangma, Meghalaya’s minister for forests and environment, in recognition of his plans to help local farmers by encouraging vegan pineapple-leather production – a move that will also protect animals and the environment. The state is also planning to open a climate change museum and introduce climate change into school curricula.

According to the United Nations, animal agriculture – which includes animals killed for clothing – is responsible for nearly a fifth of human-induced greenhouse-gas emissions. To keep the skins of cows, buffaloes, and other animals used for leather from rotting, tanneries use a variety of caustic, toxic chemicals, which pollute waterways. One of the most widely used chemicals in the tanning process is chromium, which can cause cancer in workers exposed to it.

Leather production hurts animals, human health and the environment. Leave the animals alone for all of our sakes. #NotOurs2Wear #DitchLeather #WearVegan pic.twitter.com/6VGUm3fpfi

— PETA India (@PetaIndia) October 12, 2019

The leather industry also causes animal suffering on a massive scale. Cattle used for leather in India are often crammed into vehicles in such large numbers that their bones break. Those who survive the gruelling journey to the slaughterhouse endure agonizing deaths: their throats are cut in full view of other animals, and many are dismembered while they’re still conscious.