"In 2006, the US consumed 2,403,137,000 pairs of shoes
The worldwide per capita footwear is almost 2.6 pairs in 2005, although the US per
capita was 6.7 pairs annually
Researchers have estimated footwear consumption to double every 20 years"
The environmental impacts associated with footwear are predominantly in the manufacture of the component of the shoe, where chemical processes during the manufacturer of leather, synthetic materials and textiles pollute the water.
Eco Friendly Shoes
There are alternative choices.
We were given the opportunity to try out Natural World eco friendly shoes. Made in Spain, these sustainable shoes are made from 100% natural materials (e.g. organic cotton and natural rubber), and recycled materials (e.g. recycled rubber from tires).
"we don’t use polluting products, we don’t emit toxic gases, we don’t spill toxic fluid, and we also promote environmental conservation by using biodegradable and recyclable substances."
Made In Green Certification
What I like about Natural World is that all their products come with Made In Green certification. Products with the certification are:
I originally thought that I could key in the product ID and trace the journey of my shoe from the materials to where it was pieced together. Unfortunately, the product ID on our shoes were for internal tracking only - it was a little disappointing because it would have been a major plus to see where our shoes had been.
How Do They Fare?
One thing that surprised us was the bubble gum smell - I wasn't expecting that!
My partner's feet are extremely wide and prone to fungal growth because the hot weather here tends to make his feet sweaty. Here's his verdict on the shoes (in his own words)
"Very comfortable with a lot of room for the toes, and considering we are in Singapore, the fleece does not make my feet sweat. "
Unfortunately for me, the sizing was a little off. I wear EUR39, but with these my toes were up against the uppers, which was rather unfortunate. However, I do look forward to passing them onto my kid considering he's a size EUR37 now!
Disclaimer: This was a sponsored post. All views are my own.
Aggie, I do like the sound of these shoes. Organic cotton too. I wonder if they cost a lot. Anything that limits the toxins that contact us and our world has to be good.
ReplyDeleteKathleen
Hi Kathleen, they're pretty reasonably priced; from $30 - $90.
DeleteI didn't know this brand, but they sound really interesting! I have also worried about what we wear on our feet, but didn't realize that there was much in the way of alternatives. I'll definitely look into these! :) Lisa
ReplyDeleteI have boots and shoes I get re-sole-ed each winter. its relatively expensive (i can understand why someone would go for a cheap new pair instead of repair) but as both boot uppers are in excellent condition, i prefer repair, one pair of shoes is a brand called ecco and the latex sole wears out and an alternative has to be put on which is do-able for mine. however, my partner also has ecco and when he wears thru his soles - they have to be dumped as the sole cannot be fixed even though the upper is perfect - really really irritating.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of this brand before, but I'm going to look them up! I love that they're all natural and eco-friendly. They even look nice too!
ReplyDeleteChecked online and got a coupon code..if you go to their website and if you enter "NW20" at checkout you get 20% off. it's a good deal.I got a pair of the men Safari boot last week . Bought these to replace a similar looking pair of Bass boots that I've worn for the past year. While I don't expect these shoes to last quite that long wearing them daily like I do, I'm pretty happy with them. Fit is good, sizing is accurate .Comfortable, but not much in the way of support but cushioning is good .
ReplyDeleteI like these shoes! I like the idea that they're made of natural things, that they're "green"
ReplyDeleteThey also look super comfortable