Did you know that America has more than seven pairs of shoes per person? (If you’re female and anything like me, you might have triple that in your own closet.) Did you realize that 84% of those shoes were made in China?
Sustainablog does the math and wonders about the environmental impact of all this footwear. Leaving a small footprint isn’t simple when your very soles are steeped in sweatshop labor and unsustainable materials.
According to the Green Guide, everything from the leather to the glues holding our Nike cross-trainers and Manolo Blahnik stilettos together are rather toxic. Shoe factory workers get sick from the chemicals. Production waste is dumped into rivers and delicate ecosystems.
If your shoes are made of synthetic materials, the impact is just as bad. Faux leather and vinyl are made of PVC, and making this plastic creates environmental problems.
So do we’ve to walk barefoot if we really want to live lighter on the earth? Not necessarily.
Walk on
Ecolocalizer points out that we can start by taking superior care of the shoes we do buy. Don’t throw ‘em out if they get a little scuffed — repair those Jimmy Choos! I’ve been doing this for ages because once I find shoes I like, I want to wear them as much as possible. Getting a new sole, capping old heels, or repairing a buckle doesn’t take long at a cobbler shop, and the cost is certainly less than new shoes.
Buy green
If those loafers have truly loafed their last, replace them with eco-friendly brands. Lime has a guide to stylish green shoes — Birkenstocks are no longer the only option.
MooShoes, a vegan shoe boutique in New York, sells more than 100 styles. Hear store owner Erica Kubersky’s perspective on “fashion with compassion” in this video interview.
Want something a bit more rugged? Timerland’s Earthkeepers line of shoes are made of organic and renewable materials. The company is working with its suppliers — especially leather tanneries — to be more sustainable. You can even see the environmental footprint those hiking boots will leave, thanks to Timerbland’s nutrition label on the box.
For casual kicks, Easy Shoes sells sneakers, sandals, and more made of materials like hemp, organic cotton, and recycled vehicle tires.
And if you’re a real Carrie Bradshaw type (with a green streak), step over to Great Green Shoes for almost-daily recommendations of vegan and earth-friendly shoes.
For more visit Source:[green.yahoo]
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