Over the last few years I’ve become more aware of what effect I’m having on the environment. The idea of being “green” encompasses a lot of things – turning our televisions and computers off completely rather than leaving them on standby, buying local produce so food miles are reduced, choosing organic because of concern over the use of chemicals, that sort of thing. But what about my shoes? Are they environmentally friendly?
The other day I noticed that Spartoo have a category of shoes that are considered green. I’ve thought in the past that eco-friendly shoes tend to be a bit hippy in design – strange colours and patterns and perhaps a little frumpy in style. But as I browsed this category I was really impressed at the range of shoes available, and found myself wondering what made the selection better for the environment than my leather Dr Martens or canvas Converse.
Brands in the green category include Birkenstock, who’s brand manager Christina Piazza is quoted as saying: “Our products and production processes have always been sensitive to the environment. This sensitivity extends into everything we do — in our manufacturing process we strive to create minimal impact on the environment.” On their website they point out clearly that they are not new to the “green” bandwagon – they have been eco friendly for 230 years.
Other brands included in the category include Dream in Green and Snipe (and others too), who also make known their environmentally friendly values which are very commendable. I’m not saying that other brands, like some of my favourites, aren’t environmentally friendly – no doubt many have similar values and suitable production practices, but I find it interesting when a company stands up and says “this is us, this is what we believe it, come with us”.
Would you choose an “eco-friendly” shoe brand over another simply because of the values expressed by the company? What do you think makes a shoe green?
What do you think? Comment below...