Not intending to argue that cows are environmentally friendly, only that plastic is evil, and NOT the lesser of two evils. As for re-using, I don't care how environmentally friendly a new product might be, re-using is always better no matter how environmentally, or animal friendly a new product may be. 3 of my 4 bikes have saddles on them that are more than 17 years old. Not because I'm holier than though, but because I'm too cheap to buy a new saddle