When it comes to fashion, sustainability has become a buzzword in recent years. Sustainable fashion refers to clothing, shoes, accessories that are made with the least environmental impact and are socially responsible. One aspect of sustainable fashion that consumers can focus on is sustainable footwear. Sustainable footwear is made with eco-friendly materials, produced under ethical labor conditions and designed to be durable so they last longer, minimizing waste. In this article, we will provide the complete guide for conscious consumers on how to choose sustainable footwear.
Understand what makes footwear sustainable
Sustainable footwear is made with environmentally friendly materials such as recycled materials, organic cotton, hemp, and vegetable-tanned leather. They are also designed with durability in mind, so they can last for years without needing to be replaced, reducing waste. Additionally, sustainable footwear is produced under ethical labor conditions. That way, this ensures that workers are treated fairly and paid a living wage.
Look for certifications
To ensure that the shoes you are purchasing are sustainable, look for certifications from recognized organizations such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Leather Working Group (LWG), and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). These certifications indicate that the materials used in the shoes are eco-friendly and that they were produced under ethical labor conditions.
Choose eco-friendly materials
When selecting sustainable shoes, opt for shoes made with eco-friendly materials. Some of the most eco-friendly materials that we also use include:
Recycled materials: Shoes made from recycled materials such as plastic bottles, old tires and recycled rubber are environmentally friendly and reduce waste.
Organic cotton: Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, making it a sustainable alternative to tradicional cotton.
Piñatex: is a leather alternative made from pineapple leaf fibres. This material is not only natural and sustainable, but it also supports local farming communities.
Cactus Leather: cactus leather is a vegan alternative to leather. It is made from cactus leaves, a raw material that grows in abundance with almost no water needed.
Grape Leather: this innovative material made from grape skins, stalks and seeds discarded during wine production is a unique vegan leather alternative. It is amazing for super comfortable, lightweight and breathable sneakers.
Apple Leather: this vegan leather option comes from apple peels. This is a way to reduce food waste and at the same time use a biodegradable material, that in the end looks like real leather.
Cork: is a material that is naturally renewable, taken from the bark of the cork oak. The tree will renew its bark after the harvest and keep growing! This material has the ability to adapt to the shape of your foot, giving the support and comfort you need.
Hemp: is a durable and sustainable material that requires fewer pesticides and herbicides to grow than cotton.
Vegetable-tanned leather: Vegetable-tanned leather is an eco friendly alternative to traditional leather, which uses toxic chemicals in the tanning process.
Check the manufacturing process
It is essencial to check the manufacturing process when selecting sustainable shoes. Look for shoes that are made under ethical labor conditions, meaning that workers are paid a fair salary and work in safe and heathy conditions. We are commited to preserve the human rights, equality, decent work, our industry, and the environment.
Durability
Sustainable shoes are designed to be durable and long-lasting, reducing the need to replace them frequently. Look for shoes made with sturdy materials and well-constructed to ensure they can withstand daily wear and tear. If you buy durable shoes the waste of materials will be less than if you buy a low quality shoes.
Reasearch the brand before
Researching the brand before buying their shoes is essential to ensure they are aligned with your values. Look for brands that prioritize sustainability and are transparent about their manufacturing process. Check their website for information on their environmental and social responsibility policies to be sure of what you are buying. In our website you have all the information about our conduct and way to produce our collections.
Opt for timeless footwear
When choosing sustainable shoes, opt for timeless styles that can be worn for years without going out of fashion. This approach reduces the need to frequently purchase new shoes and helps minimize waste.
In conclusion, making more sustainable choices when it comes to footwear is an important step towards a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. By considering factors such as material choice, production processes and the longevity of the product. Our company is already one step ahead in the production of sustainable footwear. That way we can reduce the negative impact that fashion choices have on the planet. By taking small steps towards sustainability, we can collectively make a big impact in creating a more sustainable future for generations to come.
If you want to now more about the fashion sustainable industry at:
Sustainable Fasshion Business – The Guide to Build One.
The Links Between the Sustainable Development Goals and Fashion.