By Blythe Copeland
Great Neck, NY, USA | Tue Jun 16 10:12:00 GMT 2009
A good pair of casual sneakers is a must for any wardrobe, whether you are a fashionista or a throw-anything-on kind of gal. But keeping your feet well-shod doesn't have to mean increasing your carbon footprint: Think shoes made of organic cotton, hemp, or recycled plastic, with soles made of recycled rubber (or, at least, smaller amounts of regular rubber and even shoelace holes made of recycled aluminum. The five brands below will keep you fashion-forward and comfortable, with a minimal impact on the environment.
Why We Like It: There's a reason Chucks are a classic, and World of Good's Low-Top Sneaker has it all: a slim silhouette, rubber sole, and no-fuss style in colors including black, pale blue, and olive green.
Eco-Factor: The 100 percent vegan shoe's upper is made of 100-percent certified organic cotton, the rubber for the sole is pulled from sustainably-grown trees, and dyes are free of chemical carcinogens PCP and AZO. Plus, workers in Sri Lanka and Pakistan are ensured a Fair Trade wage.
Buy Them Instead Of: Traditional low-top Converse
Where: World of Good
How Much: $54
Image courtesy of Autonomie Project
Why We Like It: In basic black, red suede, or a sweet flowered print, Terra Plana's Lucy sneakers work with any outfit and, as part of the Vivo Barefoot line, are designed to be easier on your foot than traditional sneaks.
Eco-Factor: Terra Plana grades all its shoes on a 25-point eco-matrix. Higher scores mean more efficient processes, fewer new materials and toxins used, and more recycled content; the Lucy scores a 23.
Buy Them Instead Of: Equally-funky Pumas
Where to Buy: Terra Plana
How Much: $125
Image courtesy of Terra Plana
Why We Like It: An updated take on classic low-tops, the Coronado canvas sneakers from Portland, Oregon-based Keen are casual and comfortable—plus, the four go-with-anything colors (brindle, off-white, peacoat, and bossa nova) give them a permanent spot on your shoe rack.
EcoFactor: The upper part of the shoe is made of durable natural canvas, while the cork, hemp, and latex footbed molds to your foot. Even the shoelace eyelets are made from recycled aluminum.
Buy Them Instead Of: Standard Vans
Where to Buy: Keen
How Much: $60
Image courtesy of Keen Footwear
Why We Like It: Simple Shoes is leading the eco-shoe revolution, and Women's Retire slip-on sneaker is no exception: The shoes are made with recycled and environmentally-conscious materials from top to bottom, and the unexpected patterns and fun shapes keep things light.
Eco-Factor: Where do we start? The shoes have no animal byproducts; are made with hemp and organic cotton on the top with an organic cotton liner; and the sole is recycled car tire.
Buy Them Instead Of: Slip-On Keds
Where to Buy: Simple Shoes
How Much: $50
Image courtesy of Simple Shoes
Why We Like It: The New Balance 70 is the first sneaker in New Balance's new eco collection, combining the company's durable, comfortable footwear and chic design with environmentally-friendly construction and materials. When they hit stores on July 1, you can be first in line.
Eco-Factor: Three-quarters of the upper part of the shoe is made of what New Balance calls "environmentally-preferred materials," including recycled polyester and synthetics that use lower solvent levels; rice husks fill out the sole so less rubber is required; and the pieces are cut to fit together like a puzzle so less fabric goes to waste.
Buy Them Instead Of: Casual Nikes
Where: New Balance
How Much: $80
Image courtesy of New Balance
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