‘Don’t Be a Prick!’: Alicia Silverstone Bares All in a New PETA Ad
Wearing nothing but vegan leather boots in a field of cactus, actor Alicia Silverstone greets Christmas shoppers in a new PETA ad:
In the ad, which also appears on a billboard in Times Square, New York, Silverstone and PETA remind everyone that they can choose innovative vegan leathers made from prickly pear cactus, apple, or mushroom instead of supporting industries that kill animals for their skin.
I never, ever, get naked in TV, in film, nothin’. … But I’ve done it for PETA ’cause that’s how much it matters to me. … [T]he amount of resources, water, food, oil for transport, the amount of energy that goes into making leather is extraordinary. It’s just not sustainable. The Earth can’t handle it.
– Alicia Silverstone
The Leather Industry Is Killing the Planet
Compared with the production of plant-based leathers, that of cow leather has nearly 10 times the negative environmental impact and contributes more to climate change, water pollution, water depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Up to 80% of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has been caused by the destruction of land in order to raise animals, and 130 different chemicals, including cyanide, are used to turn their skin into leather.
Millions of Animals Are Slaughtered for Leather Shoes and Jackets
Many of the millions of cows killed for leather endure castration, branding, and tail-docking – all without painkillers – and at abattoirs, animals are sometimes skinned while they’re still conscious.
PETA Asia investigations in Cambodia and Thailand revealed that workers repeatedly bashed cows on the head with sledgehammers.
Join Alicia: Don’t Wear Leather
A supporter since her Clueless days, Alicia is part of a long list of celebrities – including Penélope Cruz, Taraji P Henson, Eva Mendes, Gemma Collins, and Olivia Munn – who have helped PETA entities worldwide promote humane wardrobe choices.
It’s easier than ever to choose clothes and accessories from among the many fashionable animal-free shoes, jackets, belts, bags, wallets, and other items that are readily available. Check out our guide to vegan leather and shop with compassion:
Speak Up for Cows
Speak out against the killing of millions of cows and other animals in horrific ways each year for fashion. Urge these retailers to stop using animal-derived materials:
