Source: Eco Theory Authentic SF | Shop Womens Surf Shoes At Vans
I’ve been buying better and more eco-friendly sneakers since I took a trip to the Footwear Innovation Summit in 2018. I was born into a new understanding of sneaker culture, and to be honest, it has created conflict in me since. My primary income is selling sneakers. Learning more about how the shoes are created and the power utilized to create the shoes, which contributes to carbon emissions, I’m conflicted because I know selling 6000 sneakers a year is only a small aspect of the greater marketplace where many of the shoes go unsold and sit in warehouses.
It’s one of the reasons I’ve been so vocal about smaller footwear companies like COMUNITYmade that make the sneakers here in the U.S. reducing the need to add to carbon emissions from shipping the shoes. I realize, however, that COMUNITYmade’s process isn’t what the majority of people in the world are used to supporting. The fact that companies have built million and billion dollar businesses employing hundreds of thousands of people, it’s extremely naive to think for-profit businesses are interested in changing their method of make. It’s even more naive to think that consumers even care… or is it?
Lately brands have been making an effort to “make better”. You can add Vans to the list of companies changing how their entire lineup of skate shoes are being made. By the visual check on the webpage listing for their new Eco Theory line-up, consumers aren’t as indifferent as it seems. The broken sizes through each sneaker listing is impressive and should inspire hope. Check out the pictures of the styles available, read the description and use the source link to take a better look.
Description:
A new journey toward thoughtfully sourced materials and ethical practices that minimize harm to the ecosystem.
Being earth-conscious means more than just utilizing responsibly sourced materials. It means taking a holistic approach to health and sustainability. These key values are the guiding principles in crafting this collection, with the goal being to make a more thoughtful product from the ground up. From 100% organically grown cotton canvas uppers to a responsibly sourced natural rubber outsole that still maintains the grip and durability that Vans has been known for since 1966.
ORGANICALLY GROWN COTTON CANVAS: Our organic cotton canvas is made from non-GMO natural seeds, without the use of synthetic pesticides. JUTE LACES: This natural fiber is grown with minimal water and is considered a fast growing renewable crop. HEMP LACES: This natural fiber is durable, anti-microbial, and manages moisture. It requires less water and acreage to grow, is a pesticide-resistant crop, and extracts metals from the soil. NEW NATURAL RUBBER COMPOUND: This all-new Vans Rubber Compound is made from responsibly sourced natural rubber sourced from tree farms that follow ethical and sustainable practices to minimize harm to the ecosystem, all while maintaining the grip and durability that Vans has been known for since ‘66. Water-based inks and glues