In the last decade, there has been much buzz about the concept of sustainable shoes. Consumers in the modern era invest paramount importance in brands that feature ecological sustainability.
The statistics of the footwear industry are shocking. This sector is responsible for generating around 700 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. This amounts to 1.4% of global emissions of greenhouse gases. Almost all brands of footwear are guilty of this in some way.
Another issue is about extracting and depleting non-renewable materials. Traditional shoes are not biodegradable and contain toxic elements. They may contain all kinds of chemicals and plastics that can damage the environment.
Goals of Sustainable Shoes
Sustainable shoes help to address all the above concerns. Some of their objectives are to:
- Use digital design to save carbon footprint and production lead time.
- Reduction of using non-degradable plastics
- Reduction of carbon dioxide in products
- Avoiding harmful and toxic chemicals
- Use of recyclable raw materials
- Minimization of toxic waste
- Use of materials which will not deplete resources
- Less use of water
- Building long-lasting products ( shoes)
- Banning animal testing
- Causing less water pollution
- Supporting the conservation of habitat.
This does not mean that all footwear brands adopt the above goals, but the efforts for the same have already begun.
Six Benefits
The following are reasons why sustainable footwear is becoming popular:
- High demand from consumers
In recent times, sustainable fashion has climbed to the top of the mind of most consumers. As per research by McKinsey, 65% of consumers wish to buy more durable items, and 57% are willing to repair items to prolong their use. There is much interest among consumers in buying second-hand items.
- Protects animals and the environment
Sustainable footwear uses sustainable materials for construction which do not harm the planet. Material can be reused, reducing pressure on landfills.
They are non-toxic, with natural materials, avoiding chemicals.
Such footwear also helps protect animals by using humane methods to produce footwear. They stop inflicting pain on living creatures. Vegan shoes avoid cruelty to animals in the following ways by avoiding the use of exploitation of animals, animal-derived products, testing of animals and deriving of materials that damage natural habitats.
- Reduces consumption of water
Much water is used by the major global brands of footwear. Water is a precious resource in the modern world. Sustainable footwear makes use of materials which do not depend heavily on water-intensive processes of production or crops.
- Reduces plastic waste
As per research, people throw away almost 300 million pairs of shoes, most of which contain crude oil-derived plastics which do not biodegrade with ease. This causes devastation to the environment.
- Affordability
Sustainable footwear is much more affordable than other kinds as they are made of natural, recycled materials. Sustainable shoe brands are cheaper than the rest.
- Boosts team morale and personal satisfaction
The workforce of today likes to work for companies that follow ethical and environment-friendly practices. This holds true for major shoe brands. Also, by using sustainable footwear, there is much scope for personal satisfaction. It is a great feeling to know that you have contributed your bit to the planet, its animals and future generations.
In sum, these are the six benefits of sustainable footwear. These are the reasons for its rising popularity among modern consumers who wish to contribute to the protection of the planet and its future.