Reclaiming Small Ranch Cowhides for a more sustainable Oregon.
Every year, nearly 2 million square feet of cowhides needlessly end up in Oregon landfills.
Portland Leather Goods teamed up with the world’s leading eco-friendly tanneries to reclaim the state’s cowhides, benefiting restorative ranching and the environment.
The Start of The Ranch Project
The Ranch Project was launched by Portland Leather Goods to save Oregon hides and help the Earth a little in the process.
The Department of Agriculture has been trying to solve the problem of the two million square feet of cowhide waste for years, with no success. It seemed no one had the time, energy, money, or will to take on the problem.
Until now.
Supporting Local Ranches
97 percent of Oregon ranches are family owned and operated. The ranchers have a long history of responsible land stewardship—preserving open space not suitable for food production while providing habitat for 70 percent of the state’s wildlife.
“We wanted to make it as easy as possible. Not just for the folks we’re working with now, but for anyone who wants to join in our efforts.”
—Scott Allen, Special Projects Director, PLG
The Ranch Project and the Environment
Why It Matters.
Greenwashing, fast fashion, and the harmful effects of synthetic materials: why real leather, a natural byproduct of the meat industry, is better for the environment than synthetic leathers.
