There are plenty of cleaning supply alternatives in today's market for just about anything. Some of my favorite brands are Method and Seventh Generation- love their hand/dish soaps and bleach! Clothes, on the other hand, can be a bit more difficult. Sure you can say no to that cowskin biker chic jacket for a faux leather version, but what do you do if your job requires something made of animal?
This is why western boots are so important! They are meant to fit the rider and stand up to farm-working conditions. Just like a welder wouldn't show up to work wearing a plastic toy welding mask, a ranch hand can't do without her boots! I went to 5 different western stores running through endless aisles of tall boots and short boots and pink fluffy boots and size 20 mens boots... not once did I come across a single faux leather pair. The ethical animal lover in me wanted to cry!
I know, it's like eating an entire wedding cake for your birthday thinking carrot sticks on the side will even things out. It doesn't right a wrong. I did what I could- I looked for alternatives for the sake of the job. I can't help thinking why I would refuse to work where you teach people to love animals because of just one animal's life!
a.) ride around it (you'll hit some trees & get scraped by bushes) or
b.) pop over it (this hurts, believe me)
Stick to what is right to the BEST OF YOUR ABILITIES. Hardcore veganazis can hate me for 'giving in' to buying leather boots, but purchasing proper attire for a job that has such a profound impact on other people's forever perspective on animals is worth it in my eyes. I don't buy animal skins for fashion ever! I don't purchase cosmetics that test on animals ever! I don't eat meat and try to avoid hidden dairy/eggs always. An extremely rare exception never means people are bad.