- Sep 16, 2020

Eco-Friendly Boots & Shoes Look Stylish and Save the World at the Same Time!

Who doesn’t like shoes? Boots? Sandals? Heels? As you are reading this do a quick tally of the number of shoes in your closet right now. How many? 3, 10, 22, etc. How do you keep track of the pairs? How much closet space have you confiscated from your partner? And why is it that every time you go shopping you always see a pair that you love? Like I said, who doesn’t love shoes?

"I have too many shoes." --said no one, ever

Boots. Boots are my favorite type of shoe. I had a horse growing up and took riding lessons at Stanford stables. I wore riding boots quite a bit. I felt invincible and didn’t care if they got mucky. However, it still hurt when my horse stepped on me!

Anyway, I digress. Now I wear boots to work, play, or church. I have just enough to get me through the week.

I have a difficult time letting go of boots. So, I buy sustainable, long lasting boots (and shoes.) I would like to live a 0-waste life using eco-friendly materials. However, it is hard to know what eco-friendly really means and how do I know if it is environmentally biodegradable.

Right now, bamboo shoes, boots, toothbrushes, plates, or cups are all popular and proven sustainable in place of plastic. “Bamboo as a plant is naturally pest resistant, 100% biodegradable, antifungal, antibacterial, and regrows to its adult size in 3 to 5 years.” Well, how much more earth friendly can we get!

These shoes are made from a brand called Carjuma, based in Brazil. The shoe is called Ibi, $98, and is made from bamboo, recycled plastic, and sugarcane. Both bamboo and sugarcane separate carbon and hold it making these shoes “carbon neutral.”

Ibi by Carjuma, Brazil

According to Eluxe Magazine there are several shoe and boot brands that are, “…Taking a Walk on the Eco side” These include Timberland, Sorel, Dr. Scholl’s, and Sanuk. They use a variety of recycled substances: plastic bottles, yarn (made from plastic bottles) faux fur, cotton, hemp, plant-based materials, responsibly sourced down feathers, or recycled items. These companies have taken the motto “…do no harm… to earth” very seriously. These companies offer us another way as an individual to contribute to the fight against global warming. SK Simple Solutions can help you do that in your home by repurposing personal spaces, and spreading the joy of a simplified life, lived simply.

Another brand is VEJA, Meghan Markle who wore a pair of Veja Esplar Sneakers during a trip to Australia! Veja uses organic cotton and resin from corn waste! Just Saying! Just another way to look stylish and save the world at the time!

SK Out! Have a great week! Be Happy!