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Loading...Biodegradable Sneakers Could Revolutionize Sustainable Fashion
- Beth Buczynski
- March 6, 2011
- 10:00 am
- 170 comments
Social norms have taught us that wearing shoes is a must if you expect clean carpets and prompt service at gas stations. Although there’s nothing more freeing than going barefoot on a summer’s day, it’s tough to argue with a nice warm pair of shoes during the more inclement seasons.
One problem with shoes is that it’s hard to know what to do with them when they are worn or damaged beyond repair. Some recycling programs exist, but they often require shipping or other inconvenient processes to get them to the right recycling facility.
That’s why one European company decided to integrate a sustainable disposal option right into the shoe itself, putting the responsibility (and joy) of recycling back into the hands (or should I say onto the feet?) of the people who wear them.
Based in Amsterdam, OAT Shoes is a brand-new initiative in shoe design combining attractive style and biodegradable materials to produce sneakers that not only look good, but leave no mark on the environment when you throw them out. Bury them in the garden, woods or compost, water regularly and flowers will bloom from your old kicks!
“The future of fashion lies in a reconciliation between nature and industry,” say the creators on their (soon to be old) website. “OAT Shoes strives to lead the way to that future.”
Many leaders in the sustainable fashion industry are convinced that mainstream adoption of more environmentally-friendly clothing will only occur when people see that they no longer have to choose between “green” and “stylish.” The more often these two qualities can reside in the same product, the more likely it is to be appreciated by a wide audience.
The OAT Shoes creators agree:
“Considering the amount of sexy sneakers out there, odds are style is what makes the difference and we can’t really blame you, because that’s how we choose our shoes,” reads the current website. “Still, we don’t agree with the situation: we want to be able to choose green and style. And since that doesn’t seem to exist, we decided to take the first step with OAT Shoes. May it cater to all of you in search of some conscious style!”
Stay in touch with this (soon to be very popular) company on Facebook and Twitter.
Also Check Out:
New Ways To Recycle Old Shoes
Recycling Batteries, Light Bulbs, And Sneakers
Introducing The World’s First Truly Biodegradable Water Bottle
Read more: Conscious Consumer, Eco-friendly tips, Fashion, Green, Nature, Reduce, Recycle & Reuse, biodegradable, compost, Fashion, OAT Shoes, plantable, recycling, sneakers, sustainable
Beth Buczynski
Beth is a freelance writer and editor living in the Rocky Mountain West. So far, Beth has lived in or near three major U.S. mountain ranges, and is passionate about protecting the important ecosystems they represent. Follow Beth on Twitter as @ecosphericblog or check out her blog.
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.
people are talking
Balance- some obsessing may be good- too much bad.
Good tips
Thanks for sharing! The world is a wonderful place and I hope it will be here to stay...
before I saw the receipt which said $5744, I didnt believe that...my... father in law was like they …
Good info. Thanks for sharing.
170 comments
+ add your ownlove it!
Great idea.
wonderful
that's good.......i think i have seen 3 or 4 differnent biodegradable shoes for sale...
I definitely want to get my hands on a pair of these, they are so creative and GREEN! :D
ship to australia! :P
want.some.now.
This is such a kool idea :)
Absolutely amazing!
okabashi flip flops made in the USA 100 recycled and if you can't recycle them in your neighborhood send them back to the company!!! :) they are very cute
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