Eco-Friendly Footwear
If you’re on the market for new footwear, why not try environmentally friendly shoes. With sneakers, flats, heels, and other designs available, there’s a style on the market that’s right for you. You don’t need to give up style and comfort in order to become a friend of the Earth.
Moccasins and Birkenstocks are often the first things to spring to mind when people hear the term “environmentally friendly shoes.” This should not be the case, because modern eco-friendly shoes don’t sacrifice style for their lower carbon footprint.
Environmentally-friendly shoes are made of organic or recycled materials. Their linings can be made from bamboo or recycled yarn. The outer layer of the shoe may be made from hemp, organic bamboo, or any other sustainable material. Recycled tires can be made into soles, just as recycled plastic products can be made into laces.
There are several companies that manufacture environmentally-friendly shoes. These companies make a conscious effort to decrease their carbon footprint with regards to their operations, including their processing, manufacturing, and shipping activities. Large companies are restructuring as well so that their processing methods will conserve energy, thereby decreasing their carbon emissions.
Consumers should be well informed and should read the labels to find out whether the pair of shoes they’re considering buying are environmentally friendly. The environmental impact of the footwear is included on some labels. Some manufacturers have a rating system with regard to the carbon footprint a pair has. If the product is said to be organic, then it should have a USDA label. Such a label certifies the product as having been made from natural materials without chemical processing. The health of the ecosystem where the sources of materials were grown will also be considered.
Many people also consider fair trade when they purchase shoes. Farmers are among the worst treated professionals in the world. “Fair trade” means good working conditions, fair wages, and reasonable treatment of the environment. Fair trade also gives farmers the freedom to choose whom to trade their goods with. Additionally, fair trade products cannot have been produced with toxic pesticides or GMOs.
Most environment ally friendly shoe manufacturers use minimal and biodegradable packaging to keep their carbon footprint low. Some companies also donate a portion of their profits to organizations that help the environment.
You can go online and do your research to find out where you can buy green footwear. Some retail stores have entire “green lines” because of the demand for such products. Buying and wearing eco-friendly footwear is a simple way to help care for the planet.
About the author: Megan Barlow helps others learn how to live greener and more eco-friendly lives. Find out more about green living at her blog on Sustainable Life.
This article was originally posted at Footwear That Is Eco-Friendly.