More Shoes,

~Ar

Cri De Coeur display at Greenabulous-Atlanta, GA

Eco Shoe Source was able to display several stunning samples from eco friendly Cri De Coeur’s upcoming Spring Hearts of Darkness Shoe Collection. This luminescent collection is anything but dark. Cri De Coeur certainly has not missed a detail with this lovely collection of pumps, flats and sexy gladiator inspired shoes, which delighted shoe fans in attendance. This vegan trio featured sparkling sustainable cork heel wedges, sexy satin embellishments, and sultry strappy sandals (pictured: Stella, Lizzy and Emma). I can’t wait to share more with you on this collection in future posts.

Greenabulous Affair was a treat for me also, as I had the opportunity to meet some of the Greater Atlanta areas most greenabulous professionals including the Keynote speaker, Lynnette Young, CEO of Sustainable Atlanta; Zkano Organic Sock creator, Gina Locklear; Beauty Expert Shalawn from Lamik Beauty; Gourmet Skin Care Chef Yolanda Owens of Iwi Fresh; Couturecycle was showing off some of their whimsical eco-message T’s; and never one to miss an event with shoes, Atlanta’s Shoe Shopping Examiner Monique Colbert graced the affair sporting a pair of HOT boots. And to top it off, a lucky winner received a weekend of driving compliments of Smart Car of Buckhead, which auctioned one of their eco friendly vehicles.

Greenabulous Affair effectively accomplished the goal of providing an opportunity for guest and participants to experience the luxurious side of eco and walk away feeling Greenabulous!

More Shoes

~Ar

If you’re on the market for new footwear, why not try environmentally friendly shoes. With sneakers, flats, heels, and other designs available, there’s a style on the market that’s right for you. You don’t need to give up style and comfort in order to become a friend of the Earth.

Many people immediately think of Birkenstocks or moccasins when they hear the term “environmentally friendly shoes.” This should not be the case, because modern eco-friendly shoes don’t sacrifice style for their lower carbon footprint.

Environmentally-friendly shoes are made of organic or recycled materials. Their linings can be made from bamboo or recycled yarn. The outer layer of the shoe may be made from hemp, organic bamboo, or any other sustainable material. Their soles are often recycled from old tires, while their laces can be made from recycled plastic.

There are several companies that manufacture environmentally-friendly shoes. These companies make a conscious effort to decrease their carbon footprint with regards to their operations, including their processing, manufacturing, and shipping activities. Even large companies are working toward decreasing their carbon emissions by restructuring their processing methods in order to conserve energy.

Consumers should be well informed and should read the labels to find out whether the pair of shoes they’re considering buying are environmentally friendly. Often labels will include information regarding the total environmental impact of the footwear. Some manufacturers have a rating system with regard to the carbon footprint a pair has. If the product is said to be organic, then it should have a USDA label. Such a label certifies the product as having been made from natural materials without chemical processing. The health of the ecosystem where the sources of materials were grown will also be considered.

Many people also take fair trade into account when they select shoes. Farmers are among the worst treated professionals in the world. “Fair trade” means good working conditions, fair wages, and reasonable treatment of the environment. Fair trade also gives farmers the freedom to choose whom to trade their goods with. Additionally, GMOs and toxic pesticides are not allowed in the manufacturing of fair trade products.

Most environment ally friendly shoe manufacturers use minimal and biodegradable packaging to keep their carbon footprint low. Additionally, companies often donate part of their profit to organizations committed to the environment.

You can go online and do your research to find out where you can buy green footwear. Some retail stores have entire “green lines” because of the demand for such products. Buying and using environmentally-friendly shoes is one easy way to help care for our planet.

To read more sustainable lifestyle news, visit The Green Bean Blog and Megan Barlow at The Green Bean Blog.com

~Ar