The shoe industry makes a sizable footprint on the environment (pun intended). Many resources are used during production, and large amounts of pollution and toxic waste are created.
According to National Geographic, many shoes contain harmful glues and synthetic, petroleum-derived materials, ranging from polyurethane to PVC. These may release toxic chemicals into the atmosphere during production.
Leather tanning also produces pollution and toxic waste. Tanneries can use harmful substances such as formaldehyde and cyanide-based dyes. Leather can be made from the skins of domestic animals, some of which may have not been raised in a sustainable farming environment. Imported leather may also come from exotic (and sometimes threatened) species.
Many shoes are not recycled or disposed of properly. More than 17 billion pairs of shoes are produced worldwide every year, and this figure continues to rise. This creates an enormous amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Because many shoes are not derived from natural materials, they will take years to decompose.
The term “eco-friendly” shoe encompasses a wide range of styles and materials, including:
* Vegan/Vegetarian Shoes: Typically made from recycled, non-toxic materials that are biodegradable. For example, you can find shoes made from canvas, hemp, rubber, or organic cotton. These shoes are ideal for people who in addition to reducing the environmental impact are concerned about animal welfare.
* Latex Rubber Shoes: Natural latex rubber comes from rubber trees in the Amazon that are bled to get the latex and therefore do not need to be chopped down. Rubber is also great material to have in rainy weather.
* Shoes made of Recycled Materials: When you buy shoes made from recycled material, you prevent items from going into a landfill and reduce the demand for natural resources
If you are interested in leather shoes, look for ones that have been vegetable tanned. Vegetable tanning methods use tannins, which are natural substances that can be found in many different trees and vegetables. These shoes can also be easily recycled at the end of their life because of their non-toxic tanning process.
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Image Credit:
http://blog.planetshoes.com/2009/07/eco-friendly-shoe-material-hemp/
How should shoes be disposed of?
Great tip!!! So many ways to minimize the impact shoes have on the earth. The kids love KEEN sneakers and SIMPLE SHOES. Both companies use practices that are earth conscious. I dont think they are 100% there yet, but every little bit helps! Thanks again for the tip!
Awesome Tiffany! I will have to get the kids some of those!!