Leather is often marketed as a natural, durable, and sustainable material. But what if the story behind your leather jacket or handbag is much more complicated?

In this episode of The Lexy Show, Lexy sits down with Matthew Hayek, Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Studies at New York University, whose research examines the environmental impacts of food systems, animal agriculture, and the materials we use every day.

Matthew explains how his work studying cattle emissions led him to investigate leather’s role in the fashion industry and why leather has largely escaped the same climate conversations surrounding beef. He breaks down what the “leather is just a byproduct” argument gets wrong, how researchers calculate the environmental footprint of animal-based materials, and why leather’s impact can vary dramatically depending on where and how it is produced.

The conversation also explores what consumers can realistically do without feeling overwhelmed, including why repairing what you already own, buying fewer items, and asking brands for more transparency may matter more than chasing perfection. Matthew shares why transparency alone is not enough and why the fashion industry needs bigger changes in how materials are sourced and produced.

If you’ve ever wondered about the true environmental impact of leather, sustainable materials, or how your closet connects to climate change, this episode will change the way you think about what you wear.

Subscribe to The Lexy Show and follow along for more conversations about fashion, sustainability, and the choices behind the clothes we buy.

Social Media:

Matthew Hayek

• Instagram: @enviromatt
• LinkedIn: Matthew Hayek (NYU)

The Lexy Show

• Instagram/TikTok/YouTube: @LexySilverstein

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe to The Lexy Show, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who's ready to make more mindful choices for themselves and the planet. For more information visit https://lexysilverstein.com/