...that they bought before going vegan. Would you give them a hard time?
I agree with spongecakes - why are they vegan? If religion or health and thus just following a vegan diet, then so be it. If they're against the death of creatures and every time they go in their living room, they see the skins of several dead creatures, followed by sitting on said skins...and this is somehow okay to them? I wouldn't understand...but... If they were a to-each-his-own kind of person...I would be making a squishy face about it and wouldn't at all understand, but oh well... If however, they were one who preached to others about killing animals/eating meat/eating whatever AND went home to sit on that couch...it would be more than a squishy face - that would not sit well with me as it strikes me hypocritical (which I don't like anyway, but like even less in this case as it can be used as ammo for the anti-vegs which impacts us all). As for not being able to buy a new sofa, if you do want to sell the one you have and get a replacement, all of the sofas I've ever had have been free. There are always free couches on craigslist (as well as cheap ones for sale) and friends/neighbors/people moving that want to get rid of one. Alternately, you can get one for about $20 at a garage sale. And to clarify replies to one of your prior posts - when one refers to checking if products are tested on animals, they are referring to toiletries, cleaners, and similar items (all of which are often tested on animals). These were not references to furniture/cds/a plastic cup you have sitting on your desk.
Honestly? Just do whatever makes you happy, whatever you personally are comfortable with. I wasn't comfortable keeping my leather shoes and chair, so I gave them away. But that's just because I decided I was personally uncomfortable with it. I don't give anyone a hard time for anything, I don't like being judgmental. I have financial issues as well, and if I had something that still works perfectly fine and getting a new one would be too expensive, I'd just use it. Anyways, I think it doesn't make any sense to let it go to waste if you bought it before anyways. It's already been supported, so there really there isn't much a point in giving it away. Not like you can take it back. Instead of asking us, ask yourself if YOU are comfortable with keeping it. If you are, then use it till it's worn out and then buy a non-leather one. If you aren't, give it to charity. Really, just do what you want, hun. :) You'll go insane if you do things you aren't comfortable with. Way to many people feel they have to go really hardcore with veganism and it wears them down till they hate the lifestyle. They wouldn't have hated it if they had just stuck to what they were comfortable doing. It doesn't have to be that bad, it is what you make it after all...
Did a vegan police form without me knowing? I think people should mind their own business - I can't stand a pushy, holier-than-thou veg*n. People can be vegan for different reasons, such as, health concerns, religion, culture, or just a personal desire to not eat animal products. Being a vegan doesn't automatically mean you're concerned about the welfare of animals. It could be just a personal choice to avoid animal products in terms of food, but still prefer a leather sofa to decorate your house. It’s not like people pledged to believe in the same ideas and principles. It's ones personal diet choice. Some are vegans and are strongly against killing animals -- clearly those types would never have a sofa or anything made from a dead animal.
I don;t think about vegans who have leather sofas since I don't know any vegans who own leather sofas. However, if I get to meet one, I wouldn't care one way or the other... furniture choice (or clothing or food etc) seems such superficial criteria by which to judge someone..
Throwing it away would mean nothing because it's not creating more demand for leather if you keep it. However, if they are vegan and continue to *buy* leather...
