Making Alligator Leather Sustainable

Whenever fashion products made from animals becomes a topic of conversation, it’s quickly obvious just how controversial it is. Some people simply hate using animal skins or furs for fashion, some don’t care at all what happens to animal populations and others want to find a way to keep making the products but do so in an environmentally friendly way. Though it takes time and research, there are ways to make this third option a possibility.

If you’re feeling at all guilty as you shop for products made from genuine alligator skin in Baton Rouge, LA, read on to learn what has happened to alligators over the last 50 years. Once you do, you can feel better supporting the industry with your purchase.

Then: No Regulation, No Thought

Alligator skins have always made beautiful leather, and products made from this leather have been in demand since as far back as the 1800s. In the beginning of harvesting alligators, no one could imagine the population would suffer because of how naturally plentiful the animals were. At this time, there were no regulations on how many alligators could be hunted, and no protections on the lands that alligators inhabited.

What happened? As you can imagine, the numbers of alligators dropped over the years. By the 1950s, overhunting and habitat loss hurt the populations so much that they were listed as an endangered species and it became illegal to hunt them from 1962 to 1972.

Now: A Smart Solution

Alligators naturally regained their numbers in the 10 years they were protected, but this wasn’t a solution that would work for the long term, particularly because alligators held such an important place in coastal cuisine and culture.

In response, the people in places like Louisiana came together to find a solution that would allow for harvesting in a way that sustained the alligator population. Their solution was that alligator farmers would pay the owners of coastal wetlands to harvest eggs on their properties. The farmers were also required to return 12 percent of hatched eggs into the wild once the alligator reached four feet. This relationship has protected alligators and coastal wetlands while still allowing for people across the United States to enjoy alligator meat and leather products. It’s a win-win in sustainability practices.

It might sound odd, but many environmentally minded people are encouraging others to buy more products made from genuine alligator skin in Baton Rouge, LA. Buying these products helps to protect the alligators, not hurt them, so you can feel proud as you break open your pocketbook for alligator-skin accessories. And if you’re looking for some beautiful pieces, make sure to stop by Acadian Leather, which has offered the best exotic leather accessories since 1993.

At Acadian Leather, you can be sure you’ll find something you love from our wide selection of merchandise, including boots, shoes, wallets and belts. Our experienced and friendly staff can help you with anything you need. Call or visit to check out our products today!

Categorised in: Leather Care