Ethical and eco fashion have become big news in recent years with plenty of coverage of the environmental and ethical impacts of clothes manufacture and waste. But shoes and their sustainability is something that is not considered so often.

Have you ever considered how sustainable your shoes are? As a fashion item, whilst we expect our shoes to look great and be comfortable and functional, they are often considered throw away products which are discarded after just a few wears purely because they have gone out of fashion. The most sustainable shoes are not only incredibly comfortable but are also well made so that they will last for a long time. Classic and versatile styles are also the most sustainable as they won’t go out of fashion.

No matter how long lasting a pair of shoes is, it will eventually reach the end of its useful life and will need to be disposed of. Synthetic materials pose the biggest problems for disposal as they do not easily biodegrade so will remain in landfill for years to come. But even natural materials will cause carbon dioxide emissions as they decompose which contributes to global warming.

Another key factor in deciding how sustainable you shoes are which materials are used to make them and how they are made. Synthetic materials use non renewable fossil fuels in an energy intensive manufacturing process and can also create significant pollution. Leather has environmental impacts as the rearing of livestock creates carbon dioxide emissions and the process of tanning the leather is damaging to the health of the workers and the environment.

Finally the manufacturing of shoes often creates waste and pollution and the glue used to hold the shoes together is highly toxic for people and the environment.

Some of the most sustainable and ethical shoes are made using natural materials like organic hemp and cork, both of which are biodegradable, sustainable and grown without the use of chemical pesticides. Leather has been tanned with natural chemicals which are not toxic is also a better alternative than conventional leather. Organic wool is also another potential material for sustainable shoes, it better for the environment than conventional wool and possibly other synthetic alternatives. Shoes can also be sewn together with natural fibres for a less toxic alternative to glue.

When buying shoes you should try and buy shoes to last. Think how well they will go with the clothes in your wardrobe and be sure that they are really comfortable before buying.

This article was written by Ceri Heathcote. Ceri is a fashion writer with a particular interest in ethical and eco fashion. She enjoys writing about a variety of topics from vegan shoes and natural footwear to sustainable accessories.

Po-Zu Ecological Shoes is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Ethletic white high cut sneakers, made with oragnic and Fairtrade cotton and with built in arch supports are currently half price here

The Fair Deal Trading Partnership Llp is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Specialist artisans Eloise Grey tailoring and carréducker bespoke shoes are launching a new tweed shoe collaboration at the Goodwood Revival in September.

carréducker Winkers for Eloise Grey are louche classics with a contemporary take on the Long Island beach or English house shoe. Featured in Eloise Grey tweeds sourced from the Isle of Mull, they epitomise the relaxed glamour of the ‘30s – the era of Brideshead Revisted and The Great Gatsby – with elegant lines and a raffish, fringed top edge. Crafted in England they are available in Cream & Fawn Diamond, organic Blue Woad & Cream Herringbone and organic Silver Herringbone.

The shoes complement Farnham-based, Eloise Grey’s pared down, timeless tailoring and aesthetic. She works in fine fabrics that embody sustainable qualities resulting in a product that is to be treasured. Eloise will be showing her Autumn collection of tweeds jackets and coats for ladies and gentlemen. Inspired by literature, paying particular homage to the Bloomsbury set  the collection includes style such as the Woolf coat, after Virginia Woolf. Alongside this she will present her collection of fine linens blouses inspired by Persephone Books and plain wool or linen trousers (the Vita breeches) to complement the tweeds.

Where Eloise is Bloomsbury inspired, carréducker are Bloomsbury based.

Trained by a master shoemaker for John Lobb, the bespoke shoemaking experts celebrate the natural qualities of the materials they work with and are showing a selection of shoes and boots handsewn in their studio in the finest box calf and exotics. They have also incorporated tweed and canvas into a capsule collection of new bespoke styles and offer Winkers in Harris and Dashing Tweeds.

carréducker are on hand throughout Goodwood Revival to discuss retro detailing and to take orders/ measurements for bespoke shoes and belts. Their service includes creating lasts individual to each customer, design and leather consultation, at least one fitting and the completed shoes delivered with bespoke shoe trees.

Eloise Grey and carréducker are showing on stand number 32.

For further information and high res. images:

Eloise Grey: E: contact@eloisegrey.com; T: 07910 963737

carréducker: E: cd@carreducker.com; T:020 7813 0093; M: 07710 077404

EDITOR’S NOTES:

Eloise Grey tailoring is in materials sourced for their particular aesthetic, sustainability and artisan qualities. Behind each fabric is a story and an approach to making which emphasises British craftsmanship. Eloise’s customers are individuals who wish to tell their own story with their clothes, such as Priscilla Carluccio who has commissioned the Eloise Grey ‘Elizabeth’ coat for her Brompton Road boutique, Few & Far. Stockists: www.eloisegrey.com; Eloise Grey, Farnham Maltings, Farnham (by appointment); Few & Far, Brompton Road, London, Haleluja, Brussels. (Menswear), Ardalanish Weavers, Isle of Mull.

carréducker specialise in bespoke shoes, continuing the centuries-old English craft of handsewn shoemaking, by designing and making shoes for an array of international clients. Keen to pass on their skills and the great benefits of handsewn shoes, they teach two-week intensive shoemaking courses in New York and London. They also manufacture the Winkers slip-on in England, in a selection of hand woven British Isles’ tweeds. Winkers stockists: Wolf & Badger, Notting Hill, London; Leffot, West Village, New York; Brogue, Geneva; carreducker Bespoke: carréducker, Bloomsbury, London (by appointment only); Thom Sweeney, Mayfair, London; Stowers Bespoke, Savile Row, London; Marsha Hall, Great Bookham, Surrey.

The Goodwood Revival runs from 17 – 19 September 2010 at Goodwood, Chichester, Sussex. A magical step back in time, this is a unique chance to revel in the glamour and allure of motor racing. The Revival is the world’s most popular historic motor race meeting and the only event of its kind to be staged entirely in the nostalgic time capsule of the 1940s, 50s and 60s that relives the glory days of Goodwood Motor Circuit. It is the biggest and best historic motor racing party of the year.

Eloise Grey is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Ethical Sustainable Shoes from Simple ShoesSuede is from an eco-certified tannery.Soft and fuzzy certified organic cotton fleece lining.Natural rubber, non marking soles. Recycled PET and natural latex elastic laces with user friendly pull toggle. (PET is made of recycled plastic bottles) The foot form inserts are made of post consumer recycled paper. Washable!! Whoohoo Boxes made of post-consumer recycled paper, soy based printing ink, natural latex and starch based glue                                                                         Simple Weetire available in sizes 0-6m, 6-12m and 12-18m Click here to view                                                                           Simple Doodle available in UK Toddler sizes 4-9 Click here to view   Just a little reminder that our Summer Sale is still on! Click here to view

Globalkids is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Po-Zu Ecological Shoes is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

For a short period of time we have reduced all of our current season’s Simple Shoes to make room for all the new designs that are arriving – like these fab Toemorrows

There’s up to 35% off so get a pair whilst stocks last!

The Green Apple is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Po-Zu is pleased to announce the launch of its ethical and ecological footwear retail website www.po-zu.com

The new website now allows customers from all EU countries to buy their Po-Zu shoes direct as well as through the established Po-Zu stockists, including Terra Plana and the Natural Shoe Store in the UK.

Po-Zu is a range of stylish footwear for men and women with an environmental consciousness. They are safe for the people involved in the manufacturing process and their impact on the environment is minimal.  Their coconut fibre foot-mattress is not only biodegradable but also provides a uniquely pleasurable walking experience thanks to its springy fibrous structure.

“The beauty of this web store, is that we are able to offer our entire range for the first time under one virtual roof” explains Po-Zu founder Sven Segal.  “It’s also about being transparent and accessible. The site has been designed to be as user friendly as possible, and you can easily find our retail store partners there too”.

With extreme hot weather in mind, Po-Zu’s spring-summer line uses sustainable, breathable, and lightweight materials which are kind to our body and the planet. Po-Zu has also expanded its selection of Vegan shoes this season by incorporating organic hemp and cork to over 70% of its entire range.

The cork is produced from the bark of the Cork Oak tree Quecus Suber, which grows in Portugal where the shoes are produced. The harvesting does not harm the tree and a new layer of cork re-grows, making it a renewable resource. The hemp is organically grown, unbleached, with low-impact dyes, free from heavy metals.

Apart from shoes there are a few accessories on offer like edible shoe cream and coconut shoebox planters. Also, a sweet, short film follows the shoe production route, from the coconut husk in Sri Lanka, through to England and finally Portugal where the shoes are made.

 Po-Zu was launched in 2006 by shoe designer Sven Segal with the aim of setting new standards in ecological footwear manufacturing. The shoes are made from carefully-selected natural biodegradable materials, free from harmful chemicals, and organically certified where possible. Harmful glues are avoided by stitching the shoes together, which also makes them more breathable, durable, repairable and recyclable.

The brand’s other goal is to provide maximum comfort and pleasure for the people who wear its shoes, while ensuring the shoes are ethically sourced and manufactured.

Po-Zu’s shoebox was nominated for the UK Green Awards 2006, for best packaging. The biodegradable coconut box can be used as trays to grow seeds. As the plant grows, the entire packaging can placed in the ground where it will decompose and turn into earth.

Following its commitment to produce products that are as non-toxic as possible, Po-Zu launched in 2007 a shoe cream that is so safe it can be eaten. Apart from treating leather, the Edible Shoe Cream is also an all-in-one beauty product that can be used as a lip balm, skin moisturizer, hair conditioner, massage oil and cooking oil. You can even spread it on toast for a nutritious snack.

Po-Zu Ecological Shoes is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

fashionable women’s slipper-style flat with printed hemp and lyocell upper and toe overlay of silk with silk binding.

Available in purple too.

Product Features:

Certified organic cotton lining and footbed.

Midsole and arch made of carpet padding for at-home comfort feel.

Partially recycled outsole made from recycled car tyre blended with natural rubber.

Water-based glue is used (not petroleum-based) to hold the shoe together.

Earth-friendly foot inserts are made of post-consumer recycled paper.

Shoebox made of post-consumer recycled paper, soy-based printing ink, natural latex and starch based glue.

Part of Simple’s Green Toe™ collection.

A lightweight 5.00 oz

The Green Apple is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Short-haul-flights, Bluefin tuna, carbon offset companies and
throwaway fashion are today identified as among the least ethical items
of the past 20 years and should be banned according to a survey of
leading politicians and environmental campaigners by Ethical Consumer
Magazine.

In the survey, 20 leading politicians and environmental
campaigners
were asked which items they would ban on ethical grounds.

In response Jenny Jones, Green Party member of the London Assembly
would ban flights to anywhere it’s possible to get to by train, Hilary
Benn MP, secretary of state for the environment would ban the sale of
Bluefin tuna, Climate Camp activists would ban carbon offset companies
and Caroline Higginson from the fashion industry campaign group Labour
Behind the Label would ban throwaway fashion.

Caroline Higginson from Labour Behind the Label said:
“Cheap garments are only made possible by the exploitation of labour
and natural resources, someone somewhere is paying the price for that
product.”

Rob Harrison, editor of Ethical Consumer magazine which this month
celebrates its 20th anniversary said:

In response Ben Stewart from Greenpeace chose Eurostar, Boris Johnson,
Mayor of London chose electric cars, whilst Hilary Benn MP, secretary
of state for the environment, chose Fairtrade.

We
are a compassionate fashion boutique with an ethical-business model
that aims to facilitate an attitude of compassion towards animals,
humans and the environment.

We
believe in the consumer’s voice and, by providing compassionate
fashion alternatives, we hope to educate consumers that their
conscious choice of an ethical product does make a difference in how
people, animals and the environment are treated in the commercial
world.

We
offer a range of ethical fashion accessories for both men and women.
Every product is free from animal ingredients (suitable for vegans).

Come
and visit our stall at the London Vegan Festival on the 6^th
of September and discover our new exciting A/W range of BBoheme
shoes.

Don’t
forget to quote “Ethical Pulse” to get a 10% discount on your
order at the fair!

Have
a look of our website www.bboheme.com
and make sure to contact us if there is any shoes you’d love us to
bring for you at the Festival.

Bobo
has also a shop! Visit our retail showroom at Hydrex House, Garden
Road, Richmond, TW9 4NR.

We’re
open Mon – Fri 9am to 5pm and Sat 10am to 4pm.

Bourgeois
Boheme-Fashion with Compassion

+44
(0)208 8788 388

info@bboheme.com

Don’t
hesitate to contact us if you have any question!

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