SustainLane - Walk Lightly, Shoe Shop Accordingly

April 2008
Edition 48

Greetings!

Shoes: some of us buy them for comfort, others for style, and others for utility. Some of us can't own enough shoes, and some of us buy one pair and don't replace them until they're in shreds. We own running shoes, work shoes, army boots, high heels, flip flops, little black pumps, blue suede shoes, boots made for walkin'... the list goes on.

Whatever your relationship to shoes, buying them shouldn't mean compromising your relationship to the earth. To that end, many of today's designers are creating footwear that lets you tread lightly in more colors than you'll find in apples at the local farmer's market.

See how Netty L. stays stylish while avoiding toxic chemical dyes, what shoe brand is number one in Abendigo R.'s book, and why Adam W.'s doormat has more in common with his shoes than you would think.

Check out an all natural way to shine your footwear in our Green Video of the Week, and read up on all the latest sustainable shoe news in our In the News section.

Share Green Knowledge - Win A Solar Backpack

Tomorrow, April 10th, is the last day to write reviews for inclusion in our Solar Backpack Giveaway, so click the link below and write a few last minute entries!

We made a list of the 100 most searched items on SustainLane.com. People on the internet want to know more about the "green cred" of these products, and we thought you should have the chance to share your knowledge.

If educating the masses isn't incentive enough, every review you write before the April 10th deadline counts as one entry in a raffle for some great prizes. One Grand Prize winner will receive a free Voltaic Solar Backpack, and ten runners-up will each get a SustainLane tote-bag and t-shirt. Just follow the link below to see a complete listing of the contest rules and all 100 products. Good luck, and happy reviewing!

SustainLane Solar Backpack Giveaway

Featured Review: Bariloche Shoes

Even the most ascetic of us can appreciate a really nice pair of shoes, and when sleek style is wedded to sustainability there's no reason not to. Read on to see why Netty L. loves how these delicious Spanish pumps aren't dyed with toxic chemicals.

Click for Bariloche Shoes

Sexy Spanish Pumps with Eco-Friendly Dye

"When I tried on these shoes by Pikolinos, I was in love. They made my wide feet look narrow, and they accommodated my bunions. Then I took a look at the tag. Pikolinos uses all earth friendly dyes to create their shoes. They have...." click here to read more

Do you own a pair of Pikolinos shoes? How about a different brand of sustainable shoes? Write a review at SustainLane.com and share!

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Recycle Your Old Shoes

No matter how much you love that pair of Keds you've had for 10 years, eventually you have to let go. Thankfully, that no longer means adding to the landfill.

If your shoes are still usable, consider donating them to ecocycle.org, a non-profit that will make sure your shoes get to someone who can really use them, no matter of how worn they are.

If your sneakers are passed the point of no return, mail them in to Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe Program. Since 1993, this program has recycled millions of old athletic shoes by turning them into sports surfaces, such as basketball courts and gym floors, in underprivileged communities.

Featured Business: Ecco Shoes

You would expect any brand named "Ecco" to be pretty eco-friendly. According to Abendigo R., this Danish company really lives up to its name.

Click for Ecco Shoes

Two Pairs and Counting

"I've got two pairs of Eccos, a brown leather pair for dressiness, and a red tennis shoe pair for sportiness. And I aim to get more. These are some of the best, most comfortable shoes I've ever had, and what's sustainable..." click here to read more

Ever tried on a pair of Eccos? Write a review at SustainLane.com and tell everyone what you think!

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Eco Shoes in the News

Should we buy organically tanned leather shoes, even though they require more water and energy than chemical-based tans? Or should we abandon leather altogether, even though non-leather shoes wear out quicker, requiring more frequent replacements? Keep reading to make sure you have all the facts before you make any decisions.

Fall head over feet for earth friendly shoes.

Shoes made in China: sure they're cheap, but are there downsides?

How toxic are your big brand shoes?

Nikes New Air Jordan: when green meets performance.

Thoughts about these headlines? Email us at community@sustainlane.com and let us know!

Staff Pick: Flip Flop Doormat

We already know what you're thinking: "It's an attractive doormat, but I can't wear it on my feet." Correct you are. Keep reading and let our Marketing Manager Adam W. explain how much this mat has in common your shoes (besides the layers of caked on mud).

Click here for Uncommon Goods Doormat

I Won't Be Flip-Flopping on My Support For This Doormat

"I absolutely love this doormat! It's made from reclaimed materials manufactured during the flip-flop making process. Basically, when a factory makes flip-flops, they take huge sheets of that flip flop material and cut as many flip flop shapes out of it as they can. Then the...." click here to read more

Do you own an Uncommon Goods Doormat? How about a different reclaimed material accessory? Write a review at SustainLane.com and mouth off!

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Green Video of the Week

Whether you are going on a blind date or a job interview, your shoes can make a huge first impression. Unfortunately, standard shoe polish is made from toxic petro-chemicals. Thank goodness there are alternatives...

Like this week's green video? Have any ideas for next week? (the topic is "Green Travel") Please e-mail us at community@sustainlane.com and let us know!

Upcoming Events

Green Festival Seattle
The largest green event in the country hits Seattle for the first time!
April 12 - 13
Seattle, WA
greenfestivals.org

Earth Day Food and Wine Festival
The Earth Day Food & Wine Festival is an intimate celebration featuring earth friendly cuisine, sustainably produced wines, live entertainment and educational exhibits highlighting innovative products.
April 19
Santa Margarita, CA
vineyardteam.org

EcoCity 2008 World Summit
Convening an international community of inspired change-makers; courageous individuals who are addressing problems of the world's environment with thoughtful long-range solutions that are truly sustainable, ecologically healthy and socially just.
April 22 - 26
San Francisco, CA
ecocityworldsummit.org

SCA EarthVision Summit
A chance for students to join forces with other young conservation leaders from around the nation, craft new solutions to key environmental issues, and launch action-oriented conservation strategies to support our planet.
April 24 - 27
Washington, DC
thesca.org

All Things Organic
An event focused exclusively on organic products--all products on display must be certified organic, made with certified organic ingredients or be approved for use in organic products.
April 27 - 29
Chicago, IL
organicexpo.com