Dear reader, have you ever thought about the ecological footprint left by your shoes ?
Every step we take has an impact on the planet, and it's not just the footprint left by our soles. In fact, the footwear industry has a significant responsibility regarding its environmental footprint.
This article will guide you through the environmental impact of shoes and the ways we can reduce that footprint. So, lace up your most comfortable shoes and get ready to take a step towards a greener future!
Chapter 1: The environmental impact of our shoes
Each year, more than 20 billion pairs of shoes are produced worldwide. These astonishing figures mask a high environmental cost: the extraction of raw materials, energy consumption, water pollution, waste production and CO2 emissions[1].
It should be noted that the majority of shoes are made of leather , rubber and plastic , materials that require a large amount of energy and resources to produce.
For example, leather production is a major source of water pollution, while plastic production contributes to waste pollution.
In figures:
- Every year, 24 billion pairs are produced worldwide.
- A pair of leather shoes can generate up to 30kg of CO2 during its manufacture and the use of 4000 litres of water.
- A pair of plastic or rubber shoes can take hundreds or even thousands of years to decompose.
- Approximately 300 million pairs of shoes are thrown away each year in the USA.
Chapter 2: The Life Cycle of a Shoe
To understand the environmental impact of our shoes , we must look at their entire life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to the end of the product's life. Every step of the process has an impact on the environment, whether it's the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, use, or the end of the product's life.
1. Design : It all starts with a concept. Shoe designers draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including current fashion, history, art, and even science. Designing a shoe involves freehand drawings, digital sketches, and sometimes 3D models. Materials are selected based on several factors, including appearance, comfort, durability, and, increasingly, environmental impact.
2. Manufacturing : Once the design is finalized, production can begin. This involves several steps, including cutting the materials, assembling them, sewing, molding, gluing, and finishing. This process can be done entirely by hand, entirely by machine, or a combination of both. It is important to note that each step of this process uses energy, produces waste, and may involve harmful chemicals.
3. Distribution : After production, the shoes are packaged and transported to retailers. This can involve travel by plane, boat, train, or truck, each mode of transport having a different environmental impact. Furthermore, the packaging itself can generate waste, although more and more brands are moving towards more eco-friendly options.
4. Use : Once in the consumer's hands, the environmental impact of a shoe depends on how it is used. For example, shoe care (such as washing and polishing) can consume water and energy and release chemicals into the environment. Furthermore, the lifespan of a shoe depends largely on how it is used and cared for.
5. Disposal : At the end of its life, a shoe can be thrown away, recycled, or reused. Unfortunately, the majority of shoes end up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose. Recycling shoes is a challenge due to the variety of materials used and the difficulty in separating them. However, some companies and organizations are working to improve recycling options.
Did you know that a pair of sports shoes emits approximately 14 kilograms of CO2, the equivalent of a light bulb left on for a week? [2]
Chapter 3: Solutions for a more sustainable footwear industry
Fortunately, many shoe brands are becoming aware of their environmental impact and are looking for ways to become more sustainable. These initiatives include using recycled materials, optimizing production processes to reduce energy and waste, and introducing return and recycling programs.
Some innovative companies are going even further by creating shoes from completely unexpected materials, such as mushrooms , bamboo , or even ground coffee ! In addition, more and more brands are now offering "vegan" shoes , made without any animal products.
We're going to prepare a special article for you about these shoes made from very original materials!
Did you know that Adidas has launched a fully recyclable sports shoe, the "Futurecraft Loop"? This innovative model is designed to be returned to the company once worn out, in order to be broken down and transformed into a new pair of shoes[3].
Chapter 4: How can you contribute to a greener future?
So, how can you help reduce the environmental impact of your shoes ? There are several ways to take a step towards a greener future . First, try to buy less but better. Opt for good-quality shoes that will last longer, and try to repair them rather than throw them away whenever possible.
You can protect your pair with waterproofing sprays. which will increase their lifespan against the elements, there are all kinds, including Collonil 's Bamboo lotion which is composed of 90% natural materials.
Furthermore, consider the origin of the shoes you buy. Look for brands committed to sustainable practices, such as using recycled materials or optimizing their production processes, or for retailers as committed as we are!
Every step we take counts. By choosing more sustainable shoes and changing our consumption habits, we can help reduce the environmental impact of our footwear. So, the next time you're tempted by a new pair, think about the footprint they'll leave on our planet. Together, we can take a step towards a greener future!
Sources:
[1] Niinimäki, K., & Hassi, L. (2011). "Emerging design strategies in sustainable production and consumption of textiles and clothing." Journal of Cleaner Production, 19(16), 1876-1883.
[2] Allwood, JM, Laursen, SE, Malvido de Rodriguez, C., & Bocken, NMP (2006). “Well dressed?: The present and future sustainability of clothing and textiles in the United Kingdom.” University of Cambridge, Institute for Manufacturing.
[3] Adidas (2019). "adidas unveils fully recyclable Futurecraft.LOOP". Adidas News Archive.
