We just bought a cow hide for our living room on a designers recomendation. It is affordable, stylish and practical though when she referred to is as 'Ole Bessie' I did have some guilt that I can't shake.

I do like your hide lala.

I also love the idea of the lambskin for the nursery but will likely go fake. Your point about baby fur coats kinda made me wanna gag.

too much?

Very good question.  

In this day and age where sustainable living is becoming a strong focus in daily life, we question everything we use.  From how toxin our cosmetics are (cosmeticsdatabase.com) to fur or fake.

For example, many people are choosing FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) products over cheaper goods.  Maybe the next trend might be sustainable hide farming or encouraging people to pick alternative options that aren't plastic fantastic toxic nightmares.

Thanks Rajawa.  All our joking aside, you actually gave us some constructive info.  

Sheepskin is a byproduct and should be useable..infact it is a waste not to. Lamb is a delicious meat that is a nice alternative to the traditional beef, pork or chicken, but like all edibile products should be utilized totally. It is only "evil" if waste enters the factor.

For those who have considered a lambskin for baby, a lambskin is a wonderful item. Most people are not actually allergic to the hide, just the tanning process. Lambskin have been tanned with that factor in mind. I have seen a screaming and unhappy baby placed on a lambskin become immediately calmed. With the crimp in the wool, they can bury their little fingers and noses in the fibers and breath without the danger of being smothered which can not be said of all fibers. If a baby has always slept on a lambskin, you simply have to pack the lambskin up and take with you when you are travelling. It will sit nicely in their stroller for comfort and when you put baby down in a strange crib or playpen to sleep, it feels like they are in their own crib and their sleep is not disturbed.

For those who spend anytime in bed due to health or are confined to a chair, a shearling is a great comfort for the same reasons. It controls temperature, allows air to circulate and provides a cushioning effect.

With decorating in mind, a sheepskin rug is lovely to look at, soothing to walk in (your pets will love you) and reasonably easy to care for.

I know I sound like a salesman, but actually am dairy farm raised and endorse natural foods and fibers and have done the research. I invite everyone to do the same.

I totally agree with Farm Girl's point about waste in theory, but as a vegetarian who completely disagrees with the entire meat industry as a whole, I think skins are gross and frankly, a little barbaric. (I swear I'm a non-preachy vegetarian.)

I feel the old adage, "different strokes for different folks" applies to the use of any 'animal skins' as when one views it in a broader aspect;   it can  also be considered as a form of recycling..........which isn't such a bad idea.  

-Brenda-

If you don't eat meat, it would be very difficult for you to use animal skins.  If you eat meat, I think it's respectful to the animal to use every part of that animal including the hide.  It's a natural and historic practice.