Sacre Bleu!
Date: March 12, 2008 | Category: Fashion, Shoes
In the past, ecofashionistas have had an internal battle over environmentally friendly vs. chic shoes. Fortunately, the days of boxy, unfashionable foot coverings are behind us, and shoe designers that combine panache with an eco-friendly purpose keep popping up on our radar. One of our new favorites is Cri de Coeur, whose collection of PVC and animal-free shoes includes supersexy slingbacks and funky ankle boots, made from materials such as canvas and rubber composite. Cri de Coeur’s shoes are mostly crafted by hand in Europe, by workers who are given fair pay, benefits, and a clean and safe work environment. The only thing boxy about this company are the shoeboxes and shipping cartons made from 100% recycled cardboard. Furthering the earthly commitment, Cri de Coeur’s founder Gina Ferraraccio has pledged to plant a tree for every pair sold, and is partnering with carbonfund.org to offset any unavoidable carbon emissions, and is currently looking to include organic fabrics in future collections. The Nellie is an ecofabulous favorite, but there are a few other attention grabbers that you will want to get your feet in for the Spring.
Men Finally Get to Walk the Talk
Date: February 25, 2008 | Category: Fashion, Men, Shoes
An animal-free and eco-friendly line of men's footwear that's also hot... who woulda thought? Bourgeois Boheme (UK online retailer) has just launched Esperituel, handsome footwear handcrafted in Portugal and made from microfibre - a high-quality, PVC-free leather alternative, grounded with water-based glues. The "leather" is derived from polyurethane (PU), and while we tend to shy away from plastics, when taking into consideration traditional tanning, factory farming and processing of leather, we think PU is a step up. To don a stylish set of Esperituels, check out Bourgeois Boheme (they've got the ladies covered too).Get Your Crocs Off
Date: February 4, 2008 | Category: Fashion, Shoes
Even if you aren't the Celebrity Apprentice, you will love this program! Everyone seems to have hopped on the Crocs bandwagon (no matter how hard they resisted), but now you can feel good about where they will be kicking it in the afterlife. SolesUnited recycled footwear donation program not only gives your Crocs a future, it provides some less fortunate feet with a little comfort. When the treads no longer support you, donate them to this revolutionary program and give your footwear a brand new life. Donated shoes are sorted, cleaned, ground and manufactured into new SolesUnited recycled footwear and then given to people in need of them (so far, they've given one million shoes away!). Check with your local Crocs retailer to see if they participate in this take-back program (click here to find one); or, click here to see where you can ship them - and participate in the humanitarian recycling action.Viva Veja
Date: January 13, 2008 | Category: Fashion, Shoes
Channel your inner sporty spice withVeja'sfair trade Volley trainers. Made in Brazil using organic cotton, natural latex (collected from wild rubber trees found only in the Amazon), and eco-leather, tanned with organic compounds, these unisex sneaks come in a variety of colors, sure to keep your shoe fetish satiated. Veja’s will have you treading lighter on the planet while looking your eco-sporty best.Beyond Skin
Date: January 7, 2008 | Category: Fashion, Shoes
What woman doesn't get a little excited about gorgeous kicks? And when they're eco knockouts, suitable for a ladies' night out, we get extra psyched. Beyond Skin has a handle on the tried-and-true classics, but we're not sacrificing the lives of animals in the name of fashion here, and we're averting the dirty business of leather manufacture as well. Beyond Skin handmakes their vegan shoes in the UK with respect for the environment. Many of their offerings are one of a kind or very limited editions because they incorporate vintage fabrics and of course, there is no PVC to be found blemishing these heels, and organics are often used (though not always). They're the kind of shoes that never go out of style, lasting season after season (now that is real sustainability).Give Unsustainable Shoes the Boot
Date: December 7, 2007 | Category: Fashion, Shoes
Fellas, frustrated in your search for a tough, waterproof boot that isn't laden with toxic materials? The kick ass group at Timberland have delivered the solution: a durable outdoor-tested boot with a small environmental footprint. These "Earthkeepers" boots feature a lining made of recycled materials, an outsole made of 30% recycled rubber, and uppers constructed with organic canvas. The leather hang-tag up-cycles as a wristband. If you agree with us that these make a nice gift for the man of the house, you might experience some sticker shock at the price: $160. Here's the cool thing: Timberland.com is running a 40% sale on almost all items (including these boots). That knocks'em down to below $100 before tax and shipping. Be sure to use coupon code DECFF7 at check out; the sale ends December 9th so get clicking; you can order in bare feet.
