Did you know that millions of kangaroos are slaughtered in Australia every year to make soccer shoes? Neither did we til the Fish family of Portland, Oregon enlightened us.
Most times baby joeys are found in the dead mothers’ pouches after they are killed and then meet the end of their life by being stomped on, beaten with sticks or smashed against vehicles because they serve no use. Can you imagine the horror of being safely in the most natural place for a baby to be only to suddenly feel their Mother’s heartbeat stop and be pulled to a brutal death? We can think of nothing worse than this for a baby. This is human cruelty at it’s most deranged.
Your Nike’s May Be Made Out Of Kangaroos
Adidas, which based its US headquarters in Portland, just recently stated that they will cut back on kangaroo leather use by 98% in the next twelve months. Puma recently said it’s exploring even more non-animal material because of environmental problems like chemicals and waste created in leather tanneries.
The question is what about Nike and Umbro (the soccer specialty company which Nike owns)?
The interesting thing is that Nike already makes an alternative to kangaroo leather called ‘Kanga-Lite.’ Since they already know better, it’s time for them to do better, and to eliminate animal skins from their collections once and for all.
Now some may wonder if it using a synthetic material impacts performance? World class player like Rooney from Manchester United use synthetics, so it is clear that performance is not an issue. Add in Ronaldo and US superstar Landon Donovan amongst those who wear amazing Nike cleats where no kangaroos had to die and it is clear that the alternatives are great.
Some of Nike’s best models featuring revolutionary synthetics include models called CTR360, Total90 Laser IV, and Mercurial Vapor VIII, and there are plenty of choices that don’t involve animal slaughter for humans to have fun.
Remember Nike is a business and if their customers ask them to use less cruel and more environmental friendly materials they will listen! Which is why we are joining the Fish family by signing this petition to Nike to stop the slaughter of kangaroos to make their shoes.