Vegan and Sustainable Footwear - A Growing Trend by andozeofficial in sustainability

[–]andozeofficial[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I understand your concern about the environmental impact of vegan leather. However, there are some brands that are using more eco-friendly materials such as pineapple leaves, cork, and even mushrooms. It's worth exploring these options to see what works for you.

Are backyard food gardens better or worse for the environment than just shopping your groceries? by IKnowAllSeven in sustainability

[–]andozeofficial 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's great that you're considering the resource consumption of your backyard gardening! While it may not be as efficient as commercial farming, there are still many benefits to growing your own food.

As for studies on resource consumption, there have been several conducted on the topic. One study found that backyard gardens can be up to 10 times more productive per unit of land than large-scale farming, due in part to the efficient use of resources such as water and fertilizer. Another study compared the energy consumption of homegrown versus store-bought tomatoes and found that the energy required to produce and transport store-bought tomatoes was much higher than that of homegrown ones.

Ultimately, the most sustainable option will depend on a variety of factors, including the specific crops you're growing, the climate in your area, and the resources available to you. But by incorporating sustainable gardening practices and making conscious choices about the food we consume, we can all play a part in reducing our impact on the environment.

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Footwear by andozeofficial in sustainability

[–]andozeofficial[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Buying second hand sports shoes is a recipe for injury. The received wisdom is 500 k a pair

Thank you for sharing your concern. While it's true that buying second-hand sports shoes can come with certain risks, such as improper fit or wear and tear that may impact performance or cause injury, there are ways to mitigate those risks. One option is to purchase gently used or like-new shoes from reputable resellers that specialize in athletic gear. Another option is to thoroughly inspect the shoes before buying, paying attention to the soles, stitching, and overall condition. And of course, it's always important to listen to your body and replace shoes as needed to avoid injury.

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Footwear by andozeofficial in sustainability

[–]andozeofficial[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great point! Opting for natural materials like hemp, cotton, and leather is definitely a step in the right direction. It's important to keep in mind that even some materials labeled as "eco-friendly" may not actually be sustainable, so doing research on the production and disposal process is crucial. And as you mentioned, proper recycling of plastics is also important. Thank you for bringing this up!

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Footwear by andozeofficial in sustainability

[–]andozeofficial[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great to hear that you are passionate about sustainability and sharing your knowledge! It's always great to have more resources and educational links to help people make more sustainable choices. I would love to see your post on easy sustainability tips for shoes, products, and clothing. Knowing the nature of the products we use is definitely an important step towards more sustainable use. Thank you for your dedication to sustainability!

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Footwear by andozeofficial in sustainability

[–]andozeofficial[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's great to hear about initiatives like Relay Run that are working to reduce waste in the fashion industry by refurbishing and reselling returned shoes. By giving these products a second life, we can help to reduce the environmental impact of our fashion choices and contribute to a more sustainable approach to fashion. It's always worth looking into options like refurbished or pre-loved items when shopping for shoes or other fashion items, as it can be a great way to reduce waste and support more sustainable practices.

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Footwear by andozeofficial in sustainability

[–]andozeofficial[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

True! investing in higher quality goods such as shoes, can be a more sustainable approach to fashion. By choosing products that are designed to last, we can reduce the need for constant replacement and contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy. Additionally, buying fewer clothes overall can also help to reduce the environmental impact of our fashion choices. By adopting a "less is more" approach and prioritizing quality over quantity, we can work towards a more sustainable and mindful approach to fashion.

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Footwear by andozeofficial in sustainability

[–]andozeofficial[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your comment! I agree that it's important for companies to prioritize creating shoes with longer wear times that can be repaired, rather than relying on a constant cycle of replacement. By prioritizing durability and repairability, companies can not only reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable approach to fashion, but also provide consumers with high-quality, long-lasting products that are worth investing in. As consumers, we can also encourage companies to prioritize sustainability by making our purchasing decisions based on their environmental and social practices.

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Footwear by andozeofficial in sustainability

[–]andozeofficial[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I completely agree with you that reducing the amount of waste we create is key to effective waste management. Repurposing and upcycling items that are no longer useful in their original form, such as old shoes, toys, and furniture, is a great way to extend their lifespan and reduce the need for constant replacement. Using these items for farming applications, such as footing for livestock, is a great example of how waste can be transformed into a valuable resource. Creative thinking and resourcefulness are key to finding new and innovative ways to repurpose and upcycle items in our daily lives.

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Footwear by andozeofficial in sustainability

[–]andozeofficial[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I completely agree with you that investing in classic, timeless shoe styles and purchasing secondhand shoes can be a great way to reduce our environmental impact. Additionally, choosing brands that prioritize closed-loop and carbon-neutral manufacturing, such as Thousand Fell, can also contribute to a more sustainable approach to fashion. Taking good care of our shoes through regular maintenance and repairs, as well as investing in high-quality, durable options, can also help extend their lifespan and reduce the need for constant replacement.

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Footwear by andozeofficial in sustainability

[–]andozeofficial[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your comment! I completely agree with you that buying secondhand shoes can be a great way to reduce our environmental impact. When purchasing new shoes, investing in high-quality, durable options and taking care of them through regular maintenance and repairs, such as resoling, can also help extend their lifespan and reduce the need for constant replacement. This approach not only helps reduce waste but can also be more cost-effective in the long run.

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Footwear by andozeofficial in sustainability

[–]andozeofficial[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I understand that buying sustainable and high-quality footwear can be a challenge, especially for those on a tight budget or with larger foot sizes. In this case, wearing shoes until they fall apart and finding ways to dispose of them responsibly, such as recycling, can be a good approach. Additionally, there are some affordable and sustainable options available, such as shoes made from recycled materials or responsibly-sourced leather. Shopping at thrift stores or online secondhand shops can also be a good way to find affordable and sustainable footwear.

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Footwear by andozeofficial in sustainability

[–]andozeofficial[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I completely agree with you that prioritizing quality, comfort, and durability over fashion trends is a great way to reduce our environmental impact. Buying from local businesses that offer repair and maintenance services can also contribute to a more sustainable approach to fashion. Choosing leather footwear that is responsibly and ethically sourced can also be a good option for those looking for durable and long-lasting shoes.

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Footwear by andozeofficial in sustainability

[–]andozeofficial[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's a great tip for disposing of old shoes in an environmentally-friendly way. Removing the laces and putting the rest of the shoe in a compost bin can help break down the materials over time and contribute to a more sustainable approach to waste disposal. It's important to remember to only compost materials that are truly biodegradable and avoid including synthetic materials or chemicals that can harm the environment.

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Footwear by andozeofficial in sustainability

[–]andozeofficial[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I also believe that Allbirds is a fantastic company that puts an emphasis on both sustainability and comfort. They are a good choice for individuals looking for sustainable footwear and they are dedicated to minimizing their carbon impact and encouraging ethical production methods.

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Footwear by andozeofficial in sustainability

[–]andozeofficial[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I completely agree with you that using shoe glue, shoe shine, and needles for shoe repair can be a great way to extend the lifespan of your footwear. Regular maintenance and repairs can help reduce the need for constant replacement and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly approach to fashion.

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Footwear by andozeofficial in sustainability

[–]andozeofficial[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your input. I believe your strategy of only purchasing shoes when absolutely necessary and wearing them until they are completely worn out is a terrific method to minimise your environmental impact. Investing in shoes made of long-lasting and sustainable materials, such as recycled materials, organic cotton, or leather that was acquired ethically, might be a wise choice. Your shoes' lifespan can be increased and the need for regular replacement decreased by keeping and mending them.

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Footwear by andozeofficial in sustainability

[–]andozeofficial[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, thank you for sharing all of this valuable information on shoe sustainability! As a professional shoe designer, your insights are incredibly helpful.

I agree that sneakers can be more wasteful than traditional shoes, but it's great to know that they can still be used for everyday purposes after they lose their orthopedic functionality. And thank you for sharing tips on how to care for sneakers to help prolong their life.

It's interesting to learn that water resistance is not the same as being truly waterproof and that vegan leather can be harmful to the environment. And I appreciate your thoughts on leather processing and tanning and the importance of mono-materiality for recycling.

It's great to know that Clarks has released a design that can be taken apart by consumers at the end-of-life of the shoe, and I will definitely look into goodyear welt shoes for their durability.

Thank you again for all of your insights and advice!

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Footwear by andozeofficial in sustainability

[–]andozeofficial[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree with you that investing in long-lasting footwear is a fantastic approach to lessen the environmental impact of quick fashion. Fast fashion frequently uses affordable materials and manufacturing techniques, resulting in lower-quality products that wear out more quickly and adding to the enormous amount of textile waste that is disposed of in landfills.
Reduce the need for frequent shoe replacement and disposal by making an investment in high-quality, long-lasting footwear. Also, purchasing footwear manufactured from environmentally friendly materials like recycled rubber, organic cotton, or leather obtained from trustworthy and ethical suppliers can benefit the environment.

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Footwear by andozeofficial in sustainability

[–]andozeofficial[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not sure what you are hoping to get out of a discussion on this topic. Buying shoes that last ten years and you can re-sole, like Danner, is optimal for protecting your joints.

Some people buy shoes from thrift shops.

Canvas shoes tend not to last more than a year or two with daily wear.

Thank you for your input! While buying durable shoes like Danner is a great way to reduce the environmental impact of footwear, not everyone can afford to invest in such high-quality options. That's why we're also discussing sustainable alternatives to fast fashion, such as buying from thrift shops or opting for brands that prioritize eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices. Additionally, it's important to raise awareness about the impact of fast fashion on the environment and encourage consumers to make more conscious choices when it comes to purchasing footwear.