As the green movement in clothing catches on, more and more people are interested in doing what they can to be more sustainable in their clothing-related habits and activities. Many people realize that they can buy T-shirts or jeans made of organic cotton, but they do not realize that even shoes can be eco-friendly. There are companies that produce shoes that are eco-friendly and support a more sustainable future.
Eco-friendly Materials Used in Shoes
One of the most common materials used in environmentally friendly footwear is recycled tires. Car tires can be reused as a number of things from pavement to shoes. As one might guess, the materials in car tires make ideal outsoles for shoes. They are tough, provide good traction and are road-ready. Additionally, it is possible to use recycled car tires in the pedbed as well. The processes used for pedbeds turn the car tires into something softer, yet still supportive.
Other materials used in eco-friendly shoes include organic cotton for the lining, as well as suede produced in accordance with the highest of environmental standards. There are other recycled materials that can be used for the uppers as well. The important thing is to make sure that as much of the shoes as possible is produced in a way that is eco-friendly and that supports environmentally friendly practices.
Finally, many people forget that packaging can be a real problem. Packaging takes up a lot of resources. In order to reduce the impact of packaging, choose shoes that come in boxes made from post-consumer products. This way you will further minimize the impact of your buying choices on the environment.
It is possible to be stylish and eco-friendly. As clothing choices, including shoes, become more available, it is possible to replace the harmful clothing in your wardrobe with clothes that are greener and better for the environment.
