Did you know that the average production of one shoe produces 30 pounds of carbon dioxide?
This might not sound like a lot, but it all adds up, especially since there are 15 billion shoes being made each year. That’s a whole lot of carbon dioxide just from the production of shoes. But don’t worry, there are ways you can source eco-friendly shoes, even if you’re on a tight budget.
Keep reading to find out how you can live more sustainably and source eco-friendly shoes.
Why Choose Eco and Budget-Friendly Clothes and Shoes?
One of the most popular reasons people choose to wear eco-friendly fashion is because it helps save the environment, by reducing waste and energy. Every year, fast and cheap fashion destroys the environment by pumping out harmful chemicals, wasting tonnes of water, and using up a lot of energy.
Eco-friendly clothes and shoes are better for the environment because they last longer, are made from natural materials, and travel fewer air miles.
Another popular reason people opt for eco-friendly clothes and shoes is that they are budget-friendly. The initial cost of eco-friendly fashion may be higher than your average store-bought pair of shoes, but in the long-term, it works out cheaper. Eco-friendly shoes last longer than shoes and you don’t need to worry about having the latest pair with eco-friendly shoes as they’re timeless.
Other people choose to wear eco-friendly clothes and shoes because the natural materials are better for their skin. Skin allergies can be further irritated by fashion that uses harmful chemicals and doesn’t use natural materials in their production.
3 Tips on How to Find Cheap Eco-Friendly Shoes
Finding cheap eco-friendly fashion isn’t always easy. Many big brands don’t support eco-friendliness and the ones that do, aren’t always completely honest with just how environmentally-friendly they are.
- Familiarize Yourself With What Makes Something Eco-Friendly
To ensure you find cheap eco-friendly shoes the first thing you need to do is familiarize yourself with what that means. It could mean buying shoes that are made from natural fibers. For example, you should find shoes that are made from green, renewable fibers, such as hemp, linen, or bamboo.
It also could mean finding shoes that are made locally or without the use of harsh chemicals. Or perhaps you find shoes that are made from recycled materials.
- Use Thrift Stores
Instead of buying a new pair of shoes, you might decide to visit your local thrift store. These are great places to find bargain buys such as shoes and clothes, which are given a new lease of life.
Switching a high-street store for a thrift store ensures you’re doing your bit and reusing shoes and clothes. You might also encourage your friends and family to do the same.
- Shop With Eco Brands
There are hundreds of great eco brands that promote sustainable living and care about the environment. These brands come in all styles, shapes, and sizes, so you’re guaranteed to find the right pair of shoes for any occasion. Have a look at our 5 favorite shoe brands:
- Indosole
Indosole produces ethical sandals and flip flops, so if you need a pair of eco-friendly shoes for your next holiday, this brand can help. Made out of recycled tires and other natural materials, these shoes are great for those looking to care about the environment.
Indosole has shoes for men, women, and children alike. All shoes are waterproof and designed for all-terrain, so you can rest assured that these shoes will be durable.
- Nae
If you’re looking for environmentally-friendly and vegan shoes, then you might want to shop with Nae. This Portuguese footwear brand uses organic cotton, cork, pineapple leaf fibers, and recycled airbags to create incredible shoes.
The brand ensures that no animals or humans are exploited in the production of their shoes. They also donate $5 to PETA (an animal charity) for every pair of boots they sell.
- Reebok
If you need to get some running shoes then look no further than Reebok. The brand has several sneakers that are made from corn and cotton. One such running shoe of theirs is the Forever Floatrid GROW, which is made from eucalyptus, algae, castor beans, and natural rubber.
According to the Reebok website, they’re the first and only brand to create a sustainable shoe that performs on runs. This allows runners to perform at their best while being eco-friendly.
- Native Shoes and Save the Duck
Native Shoes and Save the Duck joined forces and created a winter boot that is sustainable. Lhotse boots are made from Save the Duck’s 100% polyester fabric, which helps to make the boot weather-resistant, waterproof, and breathable.
Named after the fourth-highest mountain, the Lhotse was created to honor mountaineers and explorers alike.
- Good Guys Don’t Wear Leather
Good Guys Don’t Wear Leather is a brand that takes sustainability very seriously. They only use vegan materials to create their shoes and are aiming to become 100% recyclable by 2021. Their most recent shoe collections see vegan leather made out of apple skin and other various innovative materials.
Looking for more tips? This eco friendly shoe brand have you covered with the 5 mistakes you should avoid when buying eco-friendly shoes.
Save the Planet by Investing in Eco-Friendly Shoes
Investing in eco-friendly shoes might be able to help save the planet, but it can also help to save your wallet. So, if you’re looking to change your ways, save some money, and look great in the process then you need to get yourself some eco-friendly shoes.
For more fashion tips and ways you can help save the environment, have a look at our other articles.
Image Credits: Grailify
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