If you’re on the market for new footwear, why not try environmentally friendly shoes. With sneakers, flats, heels, and other designs available, there’s a style on the market that’s right for you. You don’t need to give up style and comfort in order to become a friend of the Earth.

Many people immediately think of Birkenstocks or moccasins when they hear the term “environmentally friendly shoes.” This should not be the case, because modern eco-friendly shoes don’t sacrifice style for their lower carbon footprint.

Environmentally-friendly shoes are made of organic or recycled materials. Their linings can be made from bamboo or recycled yarn. The outer layer of the shoe may be made from hemp, organic bamboo, or any other sustainable material. Recycled plastic can be used to make laces, while recycled tires can be used to fashion the soles of shoes.

There are several companies that manufacture environmentally-friendly shoes. These companies make a conscious effort to decrease their carbon footprint with regards to their operations, including their processing, manufacturing, and shipping activities. Big companies are among those looking to decrease their carbon emissions and conserve energy by restructuring their processing methods.

Consumers should be well informed and should read the labels to find out whether the pair of shoes they’re considering buying are environmentally friendly. The environmental impact of the footwear is included on some labels. Some manufacturers have a rating system with regard to the carbon footprint a pair has. If the product is said to be organic, then it should have a USDA label. This label certifies that the footwear was made from natural materials and was processed wtihout chemicals. The health of the ecosystem where the sources of materials were grown will also be considered.

Fair trade is another thing that people take into account when they buy shoes. Farmers are among the worst treated professionals in the world. “Fair trade” means good working conditions, fair wages, and reasonable treatment of the environment. Fair trade also gives farmers the freedom to choose whom to trade their goods with. Further, fair trade products cannot have been produced with GMOs or toxic pesticides.

Most environment ally friendly shoe manufacturers use minimal and biodegradable packaging to keep their carbon footprint low. Additionally, some companies set aside part of their profits to donate to organizations that help the environment.

You can go online and do your research to find out where you can buy green footwear. Some retail stores have entire “green lines” because of the demand for such products. Purchasing and using environmentally friendly footwear is an easy way to help care for planet Earth.

About the author: Megan Barlow helps others learn how to live greener and more eco-friendly lives. Learn more about green living at her blog on How to Reuse and Recycle.

This article was originally posted at Footwear That Is Environmentally Friendly.

If you’re on the market for new footwear, why not try environmentally friendly shoes. There’s a style on the market that’s right for you, whether you’re looking for sneakers, flats, heels, etc. You don’t need to give up style and comfort in order to become a friend of the Earth.

The term “environmentally friendly shoes” often brings to mind images of Birkenstocks or moccasins. This should not be the case, because modern eco-friendly shoes don’t sacrifice style for their lower carbon footprint.

Environmentally-friendly shoes are made of organic or recycled materials. Their linings can be made from bamboo or recycled yarn. The outer layer of the shoe may be made from hemp, organic bamboo, or any other sustainable material. Their soles are often recycled from old tires, while their laces can be made from recycled plastic.

There are several companies that manufacture environmentally-friendly shoes. These companies make a conscious effort to decrease their carbon footprint with regards to their operations, including their processing, manufacturing, and shipping activities. Big companies are among those looking to decrease their carbon emissions and conserve energy by restructuring their processing methods.

Consumers should be well informed and should read the labels to find out whether the pair of shoes they’re considering buying are environmentally friendly. Often labels will include information regarding the total environmental impact of the footwear. Some manufacturers have a rating system with regard to the carbon footprint a pair has. If the product is said to be organic, then it should have a USDA label. This certifies that the product was made from materials grown and was processed without any chemicals. The health of the ecosystem where the sources of materials were grown will also be considered.

Many people also consider fair trade when they purchase shoes. Farmers are among the worst treated professionals in the world. “Fair trade” means good working conditions, fair wages, and reasonable treatment of the environment. Fair trade also gives farmers the freedom to choose whom to trade their goods with. Additionally, GMOs and toxic pesticides are not allowed in the manufacturing of fair trade products.

Most environment ally friendly shoe manufacturers use minimal and biodegradable packaging to keep their carbon footprint low. Additionally, some companies set aside part of their profits to donate to organizations that help the environment.

You can go online and do your research to find out where you can buy green footwear. Some retail stores have entire “green lines” because of the demand for such products. Buying and wearing eco-friendly footwear is a simple way to help care for the planet.

About the author: Megan Barlow helps others learn to live cleaner lives. Learn more about sustainable living at her blog on How to Reuse and Recycle.

This article was originally posted at Footwear That Is Eco-Friendly.

You might have been one of the little tots on the playground back in the day, sporting the latest craze in sneakers. Not to mention, maybe you had a sparkle on your wrist as you moved. Or even a flashing of gold or silver across your neck that you might have toyed with in curiosity. When you were a child, receiving a little piece of jewelry with your name on it was precious. As a child, you are still discovering everything about your name. Everything from the spelling to the way it looked on paper was fascinating to you. To see your name embossed in gold or rhinestones was nothing short of a miracle. To wear your name proudly and shining on yourself was an honor. Whether it was a necklace or Name rings, as a child the gift was phenomenal. And always so fashionable.

And yet, some people lose that childlike wonder for his or her name as they grow older. After time and use, the name becomes less mysterious. It’s a travesty, because a name is the most precious possession a person has. The meaning of a name holds so much power over who you become, it would be awful to lose sight of it. Some people may find that Name pendants appeals more to children. And yet, it can hold even more sentimental value for adults. After years of evolving with your name, maybe taking nicknames or learning a different way to write it, a name becomes the most inseparable part of you. A tasteful necklace or ring with your name engraved upon it can only add to your self-being and growth. A piece you’ll treasure forever.

Not that such jewelry is rare in more adult settings. It is a marvelous idea to even add more meaning to an heirloom or ring, which you already hold dear, and have your name carved into it. And the idea of a name on jewelry is also a great present idea. It can be overwhelming in a store when trying to find jewelry gifts. But giving someone jewelry with their name on it makes it a much more loving and personal gift.

Even if you weren’t one of the children on the playground with your name on your jewelry, never fear. It’s never too late to embrace your inner love for your name. Make a statement and show your personal style. Tell the world who you are.