Here are five reasons why a leather handbag can be more sustainable than a vegan leather one: 

• Natural and Biodegradable: Genuine leather biodegrades over time, unlike synthetic vegan leathers like PU and PVC, which contribute to microplastic pollution. 
  
• Durability: Leather ages well and lasts for decades with care, reducing the need for replacements. Vegan leather often wears out faster, contributing to waste. 
• Upcycling: Leather is a byproduct of the meat industry, minimizing waste, while many vegan leathers rely on petroleum-based materials. 
• Lower Chemical Impact: Sustainable leather tanning methods, like vegetable tanning, reduce environmental harm compared to petrochemical-heavy vegan leather production. 
• End-of-Life: Leather can be recycled, repurposed, or composted, whereas plastic-based vegan leathers are harder to recycle and often end up in landfills. 

Fair Trade is an integral part of sustainability in fashion because it ensures ethical treatment of the people involved in the production process, promoting social and economic sustainability alongside environmental goals. In the fashion industry, fair trade practices guarantee that artisans and workers are paid fair wages, work under safe conditions, and are treated with dignity. This helps to uplift communities, particularly in developing regions, reducing poverty and inequality. 

By fostering long-term relationships with workers and supporting their livelihoods, Fair Trade also helps preserve traditional craftsmanship and artisanal skills, which are often passed down through generations. These practices ensure that the production of fashion is not exploitative or harmful to vulnerable populations. In this way, Fair Trade supports the creation of fashion that is not only environmentally responsible but also socially just, making it a crucial pillar of sustainability.