With the change of the season comes the hunt for shoes to brave the cold with. But shoes, like many other clothing articles, are most often manufactured from durable plastics or leather, which can be a less-than-desirable clothing option for earth and animal friendly people.
A new shoes company has emerged to cater to earth and ethics friendly individuals seeking reliable footwear.
Simple Shoes produce a variety of sneakers and sandals made from all-natural and recycled materials including hemp, bamboo,
100% organic cotton, cork and recycled tires.
Started as a small idea in 1991, it wasn’t until 2003 that Simple emerged as a viable shoe manufacturer, releasing their first “Green Toe” line in 2005, which utilized only all-natural materials. In 2007 their next main line “ecoSNEAKS” arrived, making sneakers out of recycled tires and inner tubes and other completely sustainable materials. Their newest line, “Planet Walkers,” came out this year, featuring more support and more comfort for longer days.
But shoes are not the only thing Simple makes.
They also feature bags made in the same sustainable spirit, as well as offering gift cards.
One of Simple’s best feature is their adherence to the Ethical Supply Chain Guidelines, which include mandates against forced labor, child labor, employee health and safety, and fair wages and benefits. Within this is also included and “Environmental” clause that covers, among other things, the promise of Simple and their business partners to “reduce or eliminate toxic and hazardous substances from operations and products.”
Simple’s packaging excludes extra tags and papers, uses 100% post-consumer recycled product for boxing, and sells their flip-flops in biodegradable bags. Their motto, “How we make shoes is just as important as why we make them. We’re committed to making our products 100% sustainable,” expresses the idea behind Simple Shoes.
But perhaps the best part of the shoe is the comfort.
For a person who tips easily in heels, I love Simple’s flat-sole and sturdy build. What’s even better is the ease with which I can purchase vegan-friendly shoes, without having to hunt down every material. The company’s future plans include creating shoes completely without the use of glue, just another way to keep clothing production, well, simple.
AceFisch |
My Bio & Articles
I am an junior English major/ Philosophy minor at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. Currently I am spending the spring of 2009 studying at the University College Cork in Cork, Ireland.
