Please join me in asking Tim Cook and Apple Computer to commit to stop selling animal leather products and accessories by 2022. There are many great alternatives on the market now that are friendlier to animals and the environment, like pineapple leather  and mushroom​ leather. There is also vegan PU leather, made from polyurethane; and Apple already uses silicone.

Simply stated, there is no need whatsoever for Apple to continue using animal skin in their product supply chain. But a quick search of Apple.com reveals that they sell dozens of animal leather cases, covers, watch bands, straps, wallets, and other accessories in various colors. Apple doesn't reveal the number of these products that they sell each year, but it is certainly in the many millions. 

Apple is one of the most influential and successful companies on the planet, worth over 2 trillion dollars, with a brand that is ranked #1 in the world. Stopping the sale of leather would send a very powerful message, that the time has come to wean society from the use and exploitation of animals.

This is not an unrealistic request. Apple often takes a stand on issues of ethical and moral significance,  like protecting the environment​, inclusion and diversity, and protecting personal privacy. They also have a set of standards to which they supposedly hold their suppliers accountable (notwithstanding​ some​ recent and not-so-recent news reports regarding labor concerns of Apple suppliers in some countries).

I am not active on Twitter, and I have very rarely Tweeted. But on March 20, 2019, I Tweeted the following to @tim_cook "Apple, please take the ethical lead and stop producing leather products, including iPhone and iPad cases, and watch bands."

I wasn't expecting a response at the time, and I didn't receive one. But it has been eating at me, and so I have decided to try again, this time with your help. Please help me reach my goal of getting Apple to stop selling all leather products by 2022.

When I looked at Tim Cook's Twitter bio for this petition, I noticed that it has the following quote: “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'” - MLK

That gave me hope. I have no doubt that Tim is a decent human being, trying to do good. Maybe it's a little crazy of me to think that I can get Apple to make this change. But perhaps Tim just needs a little help to get him to Think Different.