Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Yup, you read right – they’re Birkenstocks. Like many companies with a longstanding green reputation, the shoe brand has recently upped the style quotient in their line, adding designs that are not only functional, but also fashionable.
Just like the footbeds in Birkenstock’s leather shoes, the Isis Sandal features a footbed made of cork, latex, and jute – some of the planet’s truly sustainable raw materials. And no part of the cork harvest is wasted. The ground cork that’s become a Birkenstock trademark is actually made from first-quality by-products from the wine industry. Click here to read more
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Daily Greenz #143
Based on a simple mission to create 100% sustainable shoes, Simple Shoes offers an irresistible line of fun, earthy footwear that will make your feet itch to try them on. In particular, we’re eyeing the Toepaz, whose comfortable, slip-on design will go with virtually everything and, best of all, is completely vegan/veggie-friendly and devoid of any animal byproducts. If we break it down, its organic cotton canvas cover is lined with bamboo and attached to the recycled outsole (made of car tires) with water-based glues. Did we mention that it has a natural latex pedbed and 100% post-consumer paper pulp foot forms? Our feet are sighing with relief already. Spruce up your wardrobe for $75 at www.simpleshoes.com.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Daily Greenz #140
Mama needs a new pair of shoes! And what better time than now, in the aftermath of all that spring cleaning? Terra Plana makes it that much more irresistible with their funky collection of eco-friendly shoes, like the quilted Juniper pump pictured here. Not only is it ergonomic (i.e., very comfortable), it’s also made from recycled quilts from Pakistan and Bangladesh, with the forepart consisting entirely of recycled rubber. Ever eco-responsible, Terra Plana makes all their shoes lightweight and sources material locally whenever possible, so as to minimize energy consumption. This beautiful pump is available in four different quilt patterns and colors for $200 at www.terraplana.com.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Daily Greenz #116
Gone are the days of hideous, shapeless footwear made for those with an eco-conscience. These days, shoe designers like Cri de Coeur prove that you don’t need to trade in fashion to ease your consumer guilt over unrecyclable shoes. Their collection, which includes stylish slingbacks and ankle boots, are made from eco-friendly materials like canvas and rubber composite, and are completely PVC- and animal-free. They’re also hand-crafted by fair-trade workers in Europe and shipped in boxes made of 100% recycled cardboard. Cri de Coeur’s commitment to the environment doesn’t end there: they’ve partnered with thecarbonfund.org to off-set any carbon emissions they can’t avoid and have plans to incorporate organic fabrics in their future collections. Turn your shoe collection into an eco-friendly one for $120 and up at www.ravinstyle.com.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Daily Greenz #49
Terra Plana has been making a huge splash in London with their eco-friendly, stylish, and extremely comfortable line of men’s and women’s shoes. Made from recycled materials, their flexible soles make even their high heels a pleasure to wear. Their new line of fall/winter shoes also includes a new project called Sole of Africa. The program’s purpose is to support AIDS orphans in South Africa by teaching unemployed local women to hand-paint the shoes, guaranteeing that each pair is completely unique. Approximately $4.50 of the proceeds of every sale will be donated to charity. In recognition of such efforts, Terra Plana snared the Observer Ethical Award for 2007. Grab yourself a pair for $90 and up at terraplana.com.
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