While I "applaud" Ecodomo's efforts to create a leather product that is slightly more sustainable, I am still sick that this is even posted. The leather industry is not only harmful to the environment because of the toxins used to tan the hides but also to humans--those same toxins are carcinogenic. Most leather products are processed in India, where there are few regulatory measures to protect leather workers. Clearly, the leather industry also exploits animals (I will suppress my vegan rage). The amount of resources (water, food, fuel to transport) used to raise leather-producing animals is mind-boggling. Creating a demand for Ecodomo creates a demand for leather in general. I'm sure Lexus is looking into Ecodomo to trim the new Lexus hybrid vehicles....

It is my understanding that the ecco domo tiles are made from scraps of leather, destined for landfills. My friend used their tile in her bedroom floor, and it is REALLY nice underfoot. The sales person told her this factory makes leather seats for companies like BMW and have plenty of scraps. Blaiming them for exploiting animals is like blaiming companies that buy used glass to make recycled products for all the drunkeness caused by the alcohol in the beer bottles that were discarded. Lighten up Skippy.
My friend is very eco conscious and said the glue, the stain and the cleaning methods are all eco-friendly. Maybe go after the leather tile companies that are 100% leather? ( i am looking forward to using this tile in my powder room, so MOOOOVE over Skip) Ciao...J.U.

johnusa: Of course, glass doesn't come from killing animals, so your comparison is actually totally useless. Good try though.

Thanks, Mal. Animal lover or not, I'm glad you see the flaw in the argument.

@skippyB & Mal -- while i agree that a degeneration of animals for purposes of things like car-seats or handbags is appauling, the reality is that it exists, whether or not companies like ecodomo are around to collect the scraps. i think we should lay off on companies like this, because they're not the ones actually going out and manufacturing the leather, they're just salvaging the pieces that are sitting on the cutting room floor... i think its pretty nice that they're around to ensure as little waste as possible is left at the end of the day.
and the suggestion that an increased market demand for these tiles would translate to an increase in the killing of animals doesn't make any sense because they're not creating leather scraps for ecodomo, the scraps are just a result of manufacturing other things (like the belts, shoes, handbags, car seats) and companies like ecodomo recycle the rest. they don't have a relation to the tanneries or hide companies processing the leather itself, just the companies who have a little extra to spare...
just a note to make sure you target your anger at the right people... in this situation i dont think a green company is to blame!