Progress!

During our journey in investigating the process of sustainable shoemaking, we reached out to several representatives of different footwear companies. Luckily, we were able to connect with someone who was kind enough to agree to meet with us.

On November 10, 2020, we were fortunate enough to speak with a contact at a major shoe firm who specializes in identifying and fixing sustainability, health, safety, and environmental risks.

During our conversation, we asked her a few questions regarding the ethical circular economy and sustainability. There is a plausible chance of using the ethical circular economy, in which resources are maximized so that even waste may become a resource, as a solution to world’s current problems. When asked if she believed the ethical circular economy would be used as a possible solution in the future that people will implement into their business and daily life, she said:

“Ideally, every sustainable person hopes so. However, it is nearly impossible to be fully sustainable in the clothing industry because it is expensive and not all materials can be 100% efficiently used.”

The most pressing issue regarding sustainability today is climate change. However, people should not discount their own impact on climate change and their ability to contribute to pollution, such as air emissions.

Our contact gave us valuable insight into the incredible work already being done by established companies who are working together to improve their products and processes. She informed us of current industry collaborations through organizations such as ZDHC and AFIRM. Nike, along with many other companies such as H&M and Adidas, is a contributing member of these groups. It is comforting to know that people in positions of power at companies have deemed climate change an unavoidable issue and are taking measures to remedy the situation that we all currently face.

To learn more about the sustainable practices regarding materials, our contact directed us to several valuable companies including the Greenpeace Detox campaigns and Higg MSI (Material Sustainability Index).

We are grateful for the advice our contact has given us. Her input has been an invaluable part of our project. Through our conversation, we have learned the immense importance of the work of those advocating for and actively working towards a more sustainable world.

Although nothing in the world is perfect, there are plenty of opportunities for all of us to take steps towards sustainability and making the world a better place. RAY hopes that we may contribute to this journey, one sustainable shoe at a time.

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References

AFIRM Group – Reduce the use of harmful substances. (n.d.). AFIRM Group. https://www.afirm-group.com/

Greenpeace International. (2021). Detox My Fashion. https://www.greenpeace.org/international/act/detox/

Roadmap To Zero - Contributors. (2021). ZDHC. https://www.roadmaptozero.com/contributors

Sustainable Apparel Coalition. (n.d.). Higg MSI. https://msicontributor.higg.org/page/learn-more-read-this-first

What is the circular economy? (2017b). Ellen MacArthur Foundation. https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy/what-is-the-circular-economy?gclid=CjwKCAjw4rf6BRAvEiwAn2Q76pRxpMC0sPi3vsNI05vItyOfSnV4YFwScxv-x8eAIVPoORrJsxyrrRoCvFgQAvD_BwE