So many brands are looking towards the future and really taking this time to re-evaluate their carbon footprint. We love all the innovative ideas we’ve been seeing in order to reduce waste, specifically in the shoe department! Here are a few brands we think deserve a shout-out for all the hard work they’re putting towards making eco-friendly shoe options:
BLOWFISH MALIBU: This comfy footwear company starts their statement out by calling out the shoe industry for their averaged negative affect on the environment. Around 300 million pairs of shoes (yes, you read that right!) end up in a landfill every year and they are doing all that they can in order to reassess what they do from an environmental standpoint in order to improve for the future. They are committed to low-waste and less plastic packaging, they donate $1 per purchase to Oceana, and they have created completely unique 4Earth shoes that incorporate materials that are made from recycled plastic bottles.
- “Going forward, we will assess what we do from an environmental standpoint and dive into the process of how we manufacture, market and design our product in the hopes that we can make substantial changes and limit our footprint on the planet.” – Blowfish Malibu 2020
IPANEMA: These fun, Brazilian-made sandals bring color and comfort to our ever-growing show collection. We are loving these styles for summer and for the poolside, and the fact that they’re made from 100% recyclable plastic makes our hearts so happy! Every style is flexible and comfortable, keeping your feet happy as well when you wear them. Check out their story here.
- With eyes on the environment and the future, the Ipanema collection is made using at least 30% recycled materials, while 99% of all factory waste is recycled or reused.” – Ipanema 2020
SANUK: The fun Sanuk collection asks their customers to help them clean up the planet one shoe at a time. They have a new SustainaSoleTM that they’ve developed in order to provide a sustainable footwear solution made from high quality recyclables. They also offer sustainable hemp, vegan, natural material made, and responsible leather styles. Keeping the environment in the forefront of their campaigns and sourcing their materials and packaging responsibly is setting a huge example in the shoe community! We have carried this brand for years and love sharing their inspiring stories.
- “To give new life to materials which would otherwise be discarded… Rubbish Reincarnated” – Sanuk 2020
CHACO: This brand created their own version of the recycling chain phrase, which is, “Repair, Reuse, Rechaco.” If you literally wear your shoes down to the point in which you would otherwise get a new pair, just contact their Rechaco Repairs Shop and you’ll be ready to step back into adventure after they return from the Michigan Repair location. The repair payment is completely customizable to your preferences and you only have to pay for what you need. If they deem the damage to be a defect, they will repair/replace and return them to you at no charge!
- “We repair sandals so they stay on your feet & out of landfills… because the most sustainable products aren’t disposable – they’re repairable.” – Chaco 2020
TEVA: Starting in 2020, all of the Teva straps made for their sandals will be created with traceable, verifiable, & recycled plastic! In total this will account for over 9 million plastic bottles kept out of landfills and put to better use strapping sandals to your feet. On top of all that, they are continuing to search for sustainable alternatives for other vital shoe materials, and they are focusing on using less water and waste in their packaging. They say, “This is just the beginning,” and we couldn’t be more excited to see what their other sustainable efforts will be! If you’re interested, you can check out their story on how they make their recycled threads by clicking here.
- “We want those who come after us to have the freedom to explore the outdoors tomorrow, so we’re reducing our footprint today.” – Teva 2020
We are inspired by brands like this in order to continue to make changes for the better. The world needs more brands like these, and they need your support! Click the brand name listed to view our latest styles from Blowfish Malibu, Sanuk Shoes, Chaco Sandals, & Teva Sandals