The fact is that the real answer is never easy and ‘sustainable’ simply means very different things to different individuals – especially when it comes to sustainable shoe brands. For instance, for some people, being vegetarian is enough – after all, vegans save animals from certain cruelty, which is definitely ethical.
But what about the ethical and environmental effects of the way that the products they purchase are made? How can we tell if these products are good choices, or are just one step closer to ‘wearing a hat in public’? And how do they compare to other environmentally-friendly fashion brands that make the same claims?
To answer these questions, it is important for consumers to understand what a ‘good’ethical’ product is: a product that is both ecological and socially-conscience. It should not only be a good choice, but it should also work within the environment as efficiently and effectively as possible.
What does it mean to ‘wear an eco-friendly product’? Well, that usually comes down to whether the footwear you wear has been produced by a company that is both green and sustainable. For example: a sustainable shoe manufacturer might make their products from sustainable cotton, while another company could make their products from environmentally-friendly soy.
As consumers, we want to buy sustainable shoes, and the best way to know this is to look for a brand that has been approved as ‘green’ or ‘sustainable’. The Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization that campaigns for better environmental practices, has a list of such companies available.
An ethical consumer should also look out for certain features on the shoe. For instance, it is not only the ethical source that matters, but also how well the shoes are made. If a company cannot offer you any form of guarantee, then they should probably be avoided.
Some of the more important ethical criteria are to look for shoes that have good quality materials. They should be made from natural or recycled materials, instead of man-made substances. This would be an indication that the company is thinking about the environment and the people who will wear them. instead of simply selling a pair of shoes.
They should also be made with a long lifespan. They should also be made from leather, rather than a synthetic material. When looking for an eco-friendly shoe, it is always best to go for the most eco-friendly material: natural rubber. In addition, they should also be available at affordable prices.
Also, in order to get the most eco-friendly footwear, you should look for companies that are not using any synthetic or non-biodegradable materials in the production of their products. In fact, a good brand would choose only the most sustainable materials available. Such materials would include organic cotton, sustainable leather, recycled plastics, hemp and soy. Even the ‘greenest’ materials used are not always the best.
The ecological footprint is also something that should be considered. A good ethical brand would not only choose plants and animals that are sustainable, but also plants and animals that are not only sustainable, but also free of any harmful chemicals or toxins. This includes bamboo, recycled plastic and silk.
Finally, when buying an ethical brand, it is important to know the history of the company. This includes its sustainability record of ethical production, including its use of sustainable resources, and what kind of products it makes.
Ethical brands should strive to use only sustainable resources wherever possible. They should also consider the ethical issues surrounding specific materials, such as recycled plastic. While they may be environmentally-friendly, many are still not eco-friendly enough to reuse plastics for the manufacture of their shoes, because it takes too much time and effort to clean. This is why many ethical manufacturers do not use these kinds of items.
It is important to note, however, that not all eco-ethical brands make ethical products. Some companies choose only ethical alternatives, such as hemp and recycled plastics. Therefore, it is still best to look at all available products available before making a purchase.
