evidence: Despite what you may have read in a few viral Twitter threads, animal leather is not more sustainable than vegan leather. [...] For some consumers, the phrase "vegan leather" tends to conjure up images of cheap, plastic-based materials — unnatural fabrics that threaten to stick around in landfills for an eternity. Thanks to media stories and viral twitter threads that incorrectly use "faux leather" and "plastic-based leather" interchangeably, the narrative of vegan leather wreaking havoc on the environment has taken hold in the minds of many conscious consumers. [...] Some sustainable leather alternatives can be pricey, but they tend to last longer than plastic, which can mean more bang for your buck long-term. Of course, vegan alternatives to leather don’t always emulate the feel of leather at all, but instead mimic the function. Vegans are known to sport a hemp belt or canvas shoes – all cheaper and more accessible alternatives.