Tesla Launches All-Vegan Car After PETA U.S. Appeal
When PETA U.S., a Tesla Motors shareholder, spoke at Tesla’s 2015 annual meeting to urge the company to offer only vegan leather for its car interiors, CEO Elon Musk said that he would “absolutely” consider it. PETA U.S. has been working with Tesla since then, and this year, the electric-car leader launched the Model X—its highly anticipated SUV—which is available with a fully vegan interior, including seats, steering wheel, and gear shift.
In its discussions with the company, PETA U.S. pointed out that Tesla could reduce its carbon footprint by using only vegan leather, because leather production produces massive amounts of the carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. It also squanders valuable natural resources, including up to 15,000 gallons of water per ton of hides. Turning animal skins into leather requires 130 different chemicals, including cyanide, and people who work in and live near tanneries suffer from various ailments that result from exposure to these toxic chemicals. And, of course, cows endure branding, tail-docking, dehorning, and castration—all without painkillers—before ultimately being killed by having their throats slit, often while still conscious.
Tesla has showrooms in China, Hong Kong, and Japan.
What You Can Do
Fight cruelty to animals by pledging never to wear or buy leather. Learn more about the cruel leather industry and make a conscious choice to practice compassion and spare animals’ lives.
