Sports and Veganism

[anonymousemo]

I am an ethical vegan because I care about the wellbeing of animals and do not wish to contribute to their suffering by using animal products.
I also play volleyball, and I love the sport. However, volleyballs are made of leather, as are many other types of balls. I know that there are synthetic volleyballs, but they are not the same as leather ones, and everywhere I play volleyball, be it on my school team, league, or club, only leather balls are used because they are superior to synthetic.
So here's my question, can I still be a compassionate vegan if I use non-vegan sporting equipment? I know how horrible it is to obtain leather and that touching dead animal skin should be disgusting, but I don't feel that way with volleyballs because I am so used to the fact that volleyballs are made of leather, and there are no equal substitutes. Does this make me unethical and desensitized to the death of the animals cause by leather industries?
In addition to this topic, how do you feel about using other non-vegan things that are unavoidable like your car tires?
Also, if anyone know where I can buy a good synthetic leather volleyball, I would gladly replace my leather one for my personal use. However, I cannot control which ball I will use in competitions.

[piratemoon]

I think that if you are not purchasing it, then there is little you can do, so I wouldn't feel guilty about it.

Although I know what you mean - sometimes I feel bad about sitting on someone's leather sofa! But if you find a suitable vegan replacement that is quality, then the best you can do is to big it up to people.

Don't guilt yourself over the rest of the world, and the things that you can't control, ok? Conentrate on what you CAN do. You're doing more than most as it is!!

[LittlePenguin]

Don't guilt yourself over the rest of the world, and the things that you can't control, ok? Conentrate on what you CAN do. You're doing more than most as it is!!

I would agree with that statement! :)

[Mr. Sun]

Synthetic balls are only superior in cases where manufacturers have not put the effort in to see if there are better materials. Synthetics have been out-performing leather for years. Here's a synthetic volleyball and Wilson is a quality company as far as I know:

http://shop.volleyball.com/Home/DetailView/tabid/53/Item/H3500XDEF/Default.aspx

Fifa has been using synthetic soccer balls for years (since 1986) because they are way better than leather:


The FIFA World Cup Mexico, saw the introduction of the first polyurethane coated ball which was rain-resistant. The first synthetic match ball, with good qualities on hard and wet surfaces.

http://www.soccerballworld.com/HistoryWCBalls.htm

[kingsnorkie]

There's a simlar question to this in Being Vegan The author writes that you should remember how much you're doing now and try to find a suitable replacement if possible. If it isn't, then its important to make sure you have creative outputs and that you're a happy person :)
I think I agree with the majority, it would be nice if there were synthetic balls being used widely, but since they're not, I wouldn't give up a sport I loved b/c of it. The time will come when demand for animal products goes down and synthetics are used for all sports. Until then, I think we just do the best we can.
Obviously, it would be nice if a replacement could be found. But in the end, I think you should do what you feel comfortable doing.