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Black Public Media's #ShopLikeNana Campaign Invites Us to Fight Back Against Fast Fashion
 

Black Public Media's #ShopLikeNana campaign

According to Earth.org, 92 million tonnes of textile waste end up in landfills every year, and this number is expected to reach 134 million by the end of the decade if nothing is done to change that trend. 

This raises many environmental issues, but that is not all. Landfills present numerous public health concerns, and solid waste facilities tend to be disproportionately located in low-income communities of color.

To combat this sad reality, Harlem-based nonprofit Black Public Media has partnered with Paramount Plus to launch #ShopLikeNana, the third iteration of its BE HEARD social media campaign designed to bring attention to issues facing Black communities.

This campaign aims to raise awareness about the disastrous consequences of the rise of fast fashion in recent years and the heavy burden it places on the planet. It offers interesting suggestions on how to become a mindful shopper and highlights the environmental benefits of giving used apparel a new life. 

#ShopLikeNana encourages us to shop in our grandmother’s closet since it is a great way to acquire new pieces without contributing to textile waste or generating more harmful manufacturing emissions. Not only that, but it also allows us to save money, find good quality timeless treasures, and celebrate time-honored sustainability practices. 

The campaign also invites us to shop our own closets, share pieces with loved ones, and snag bargains at our local thrift stores. Whether we decide to keep our “new” clothing as is or upcycle it into something entirely different, we are actively fighting back against fast fashion and supporting ethical, sustainable fashion. 

By changing the way we shop and shifting our approach to fashion, we are doing our part to combat textile waste and climate change. We are making the climate justice movement more powerful!

How can you participate and #ShopLikeNana? 

If you need new clothes or simply would like to experiment with new pieces, refrain from buying new and opt for second-hand clothing instead. 

First, go through your closet and see if you can find new ways to style your pieces. You may for instance want to add some accessories or mix and match your clothes in new ways to make things more interesting. You can even upcycle them into something different to give them a new life! 

Also, ask your friends or relatives (your grandma included!) if they would like to do a clothing swap. That way, you can give away your rarely-worn pieces if they want them, and you can add variety to your wardrobe with their unwanted clothes. Your loved ones might even share with you the history of their pieces, such as the memories they’ve made while wearing them. Styling these clothes every day will feel very special afterward!  

Another great option is to visit your local thrift store or shop second-hand on platforms like eBay, ThreadUp, or Poshmark. You’ll be able to find both modern and vintage clothes at a fraction of their original price! 

Don’t be afraid to be creative with your “new” pieces and have fun rediscovering old styles. 

Finally, share your new-to-you clothes on social media and show the world how cool shopping sustainably is! Tag your posts #ShopLikeNana to help the campaign reach new people and spread its message.


About the Author

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.


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Where Sustainability Meets the Runway: Highlights from NYFW
 

Sustainable Fashion at NYFW

This season’s New York Fashion Week took a major leap toward a more sustainable future, blending high fashion with eco-consciousness in the most fabulous way possible. The week was filled with runway moments that didn’t just wow us aesthetically but also made us rethink fashion’s impact on the planet.

Pre-loved Fashion Takes Center Stage

This season saw chic, repurposed ensembles take center stage at one of the most glamorous events of the year. eBay stepped up as a fashion force by spotlighting pre-loved pieces on the runway. Styled by TikTok sensation Wisdom Kaye, the collection made it clear that secondhand doesn’t mean second best. Remake, a nonprofit dedicated to sustainable fashion, also celebrated pre-loved clothing with its runway featuring upcycled, vintage, and secondhand garments. Sizzle Arts, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing sustainability and innovation within the arts community, brought together talented designers, each tasked with creating a unique garment using pre-existing fabrics to walk the runway. These shows were a love letter to the idea that fashion doesn't need to be new to be breathtaking, bringing circular fashion to the forefront. 

#SpeakVolumes

Meanwhile, The Or Foundation’s #SpeakVolumes campaign made a bold statement in Times Square, demanding that brands reveal just how much they produce annually. The campaign tackled the issue of overproduction head-on, with massive screens reminding us that the fashion industry’s obsession with "more" is fueling a global crisis of waste. It was impossible to ignore, sending a clear message to the industry: transparency is the new luxury.

Fighting for Fashion Workers

Models took a stand during NYFW, hand-delivering over 100 letters to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, urging her to sign the Fashion Workers Act into law. This bill promises protections for models who have long been left vulnerable to exploitation, and its passage would be a game-changer for creatives in the industry. It’s a powerful reminder that true sustainability must include ethical treatment of the people behind the garments.

Photography by Kenzie King for Melke

NYFW Designers Showcasing Sustainable Fashion

From established to new and upcoming designers, so many of the NYFW designers showcased an impressive commitment to sustainability. Notable highlights include: 

  • Collina Strada: Known for its dedication to using deadstock and recycled materials, Collina Strada once again embraced sustainability with its SS25 collection titled Touch Grass.” Set against the natural backdrop of Marble Cemetery, the show was a playful yet poignant reminder to reconnect with nature. The inclusion of sustainable designer Mara Hoffman and the Green Lady of Brooklyn added further eco-conscious appeal.

  • Sami Miro Vintage: Sami Miro Vintage continued its zero-waste ethos by creating pieces from deadstock fabrics and recycled materials. The collection was a standout for its sustainable approach, demonstrating that eco-friendly design can be both innovative and effortlessly chic.

  • Grace Ling: Pioneering the future of sustainable design, Grace Ling used 3D printing techniques to create garments with minimal waste. By leveraging technology to reduce material usage, her collection highlights how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand, setting a new standard for eco-friendly fashion production.

  • Rentrayage: At Rentrayage, sustainability is all about transformation. The brand showcased its mastery of upcycling, turning vintage fabrics and discarded clothing into fresh, modern pieces. This approach breathes new life into materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.

  • Melke: Melke’s SS25 collection, “The Book Fair,” was a nostalgic, playful nod to the Scholastic book fairs of the ’90s and early 2000s, crafted with biodegradable fabrics and a commitment to ethical production. Upcycled school supplies were reimagined as chandelier eraser necklaces and pencil dresses, bringing sustainability to the forefront through whimsical, clever designs.

  • Eckhaus Latta: Eckhaus Latta stands out for its transparent production processes and use of recycled materials. The brand continues to set an example in sustainable fashion, prioritizing both ethics and aesthetics.

  • Ronald van der Kemp: Pushing the boundaries of upcycled couture, Ronald van der Kemp transformed discarded textiles and vintage materials into luxurious, one-of-a-kind pieces. His work proves that sustainability and high fashion can coexist beautifully, offering a glimpse into the future of eco-conscious couture.

  • Mila Sullivan: Known for her unique take on upcycling, Mila Sullivan’s SS25 collection, “Dirtbag Dream Beach,” used a mix of vintage, thrifted, and discarded fabrics. The collection transported us to a dreamy, neon-infused beach world, showcasing how unconventional materials can be repurposed to create fashion that is both artistic and sustainable.

  • LoveShackFancy: With its Power to the Pretty collection, LoveShackFancy embraced upcycled vintage accessories and remnant fabrics, demonstrating that timeless elegance and sustainability are not mutually exclusive.

  • Caroline Zimbalist: As a leader in biomaterial innovation, Caroline Zimbalist’s SS25 collection featured sculptural pieces made from her patent-pending bioplastic. Inspired by nature, her creations are not only visually stunning but also biodegradable.

  • JRAT: Embracing a zero-waste philosophy, JRAT’s collection highlighted intricate bead and button details, many of which were lovingly collected by the designer’s grandmother and aunt.

  • Abacaxi: Drawing from her Indian heritage, designer Sheena Sood infused traditional techniques like handloom weaving into her “Mystic” collection. The use of Peruvian openwork hand-machine knits showcased a commitment to sustainability through artisanal craftsmanship and a continued exploration of texture and color.

  • Christian Siriano: Bringing recycled fabrics into the luxury sphere, Christian Siriano incorporated Circ Lyocell, a recycled textile with the feel of silk, into his SS25 collection. This marked the first time this innovative material was used at NYFW.

  • Presley Oldham: Making his NYFW debut, Presley Oldham stayed true to his sustainable ethos with a collection of handcrafted pearl and glass bead jewelry. He also honored his grandmother by repurposing intricate beaded flowers into statement tops, blending family heritage with eco-conscious design.


About the Author

Grace Olyphant is a passionate advocate for sustainable fashion, dedicated to helping people embrace eco-conscious living without sacrificing style. With a background in personal styling and red carpet fashion, Grace combines her expertise with a commitment to sustainability, inspiring others to make thoughtful choices in their wardrobe. Follow her journey on Instagram @graceolyphant, and explore her insights on sustainable fashion and lifestyle on her blog at graceolyphant.com.


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How are Lawmakers Around the World Tackling Fast Fashion?
 

Laws & Fast Fashion

Fast fashion is a complex issue, and tackling it requires multi-layered solutions. Dedicated policies and citizens' awareness are necessary to solve problems stemming from systemic injustice. So, to make fashion fair by default, regulators must make decisions that effectively hold companies accountable for their environmental impact and the quality of life they give their employees. 

With increasing awareness amongst the public about the exploitative conditions and environmental issues at the basis of fast fashion and thanks to the work of activists, NGOs, and trade unions, regulators worldwide are taking some steps to change the fashion industry for the better. 

European Union LawMakers & Fast Fashion

The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles 

Textiles have a sizable environmental impact in the EU. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), in 2020, textile consumption put the third highest pressure on water and land use in the Union. This textile-industry-specific strategy aims to put the commitments of the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and the European industrial strategy into practice by improving the environmental performance of this resource-intensive sector. To do so, it addresses issues throughout the textiles' life cycle through specific regulations and directives.   

In terms of design, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) set new design requirements for textiles, intending to make them more durable and easier to maintain and repair. Entered into force on 18 July this year, it also set 'ecodesign requirements' to increase the recycled content and better the availability of information on goods sustainability. It also introduced the Digital Product Passport (DPP), a digitally accessible product ID that will store info related to products sustainability and circularity performance and their legal compliance.

The Waste Framework Directive tackles the end-of-life aspect of textiles. It will require EU member states to ensure a separate collection of textiles by 1 January 2025. It also presented extended producer responsibility (EPR), an environmental policy mechanism that requires producers to take responsibility for the waste management of their products. 

United States Lawmakers & Fast Fashion

The NY Fashion Act 

The New York State Fashion Act is a state bill that would apply to fashion companies doing business in New York with a global revenue of $100 million. If passed, it would mandate fashion sellers to be accountable for their environmental and social standards and bring about a shift in the fashion world by harnessing the economic power of New York in this sector and beyond. 

Introduced in the 2022 New York legislative session by State Senator Alessandra Biaggi and Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles, it would set a legal framework to enforce standardized due diligence requirements across apparel and footwear supply chains. The action mandated by this bill would include "identifying, preventing, mitigating, accounting for, and taking remedial action to address actual and potential adverse impacts to the environment.". In addition, the apparel companies covered by the Fashion Act would have to collaborate with their suppliers to manage their chemical use throughout production.    

This bill focuses on accountability. Through Mandatory Due Diligence, this state bill would demand the achievement of Science Based Targets (SBTs) in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement and map and disclose their supply chain. Under this act, the Attorney General would be able to monitor, investigate and enforce compliance. Non-compliant brands who do not remedy within a three-month notice time-frame may be fined up to 2% of their annual revenue. This money would be invested in environmental projects and to the benefit of directly injured workers and communities. 

The Responsible Textile Recovery Act

On the other side of America, in California, lawmakers are also working on tackling the burden fashion overproduction and overconsumption put on communities and the environment. In the Golden State, Senator Newman, along with Senators Skinner and Wiener, introduced Senate Bill 707 last year. 

Passed by the California Assembly Natural Resources Committee last summer, apparel and textile articles would have to form and join a producer responsibility organization (PRO) under the Responsible Textile Recovery Act. In addition, this bill would establish a statewide extended producer responsibility program for fashion goods if it becomes law. 

This EPR would facilitate rearing and reusing, improve fashion's environmental and social impact, and reduce hazardous waste production. The Responsible Textile Recovery Act would cover manufacturers who are domiciled in California and those who operate there and establish the Textile Stewardship Recovery Fund in the State Treasury. This bill would be a move towards sustainability and circularity in the fashion industry in California, where 1.2 million tons of textiles were disposed of in 2021.


About the Author

Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.


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Labor Day Weekend Sales at Our Favorite Sustainable Brands
 

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Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better fashion industry. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us!

Sustainable Brands Labor Day Sales

In the world of sustainable fashion, the common complaint is that most sustainable brands are not budget-friendly. It's true that the price tags of sustainable fashion items can be surprising, especially when compared to the low-cost alternatives we are used to. Unfortunately, the reason behind this stark contrast lies in the exploitation of garment workers and the pervasive use of petroleum-based fabrics in the fashion industry. Today, the value of the fashion industry seems to be centered around the sheer quantity of cheap clothing pieces that brands can sell, or that consumers can purchase, rather than the quality and ethics behind each garment. Shockingly, it's estimated that the average woman buys over 50 pieces of clothing each year, with the majority of these being fast fashion items. These cheaply made garments often end up being worn fewer than 10 times before being discarded or donated due to their poor quality or fleeting trendiness. It's essential to remember that fashion can coexist responsibly with our planet and its people. We encourage everyone to cherish what they have, consider secondhand options, and support sustainable brands when possible. So, if you were planning to splurge on multiple fast fashion items this weekend, why not reconsider and opt for quality over quantity? Take advantage of these weekend sales to support brands that are striving to make the fashion industry a better, more sustainable place for all.

Women’s & Men’s Clothing / Home Goods

20% off all full-priced styles

Women’s & Men’s Shoes, Accessories

30% off sitewide with code TAKE30

40% off sale with code EXTRA40

Women’s, Men’s & Kid’s Clothing

25% off sitewide

Women’s Clothing & Accessories

25% off sidewide with code LDS25

Women’s Clothing, Swimwear & PJs

30% off sitewide

Women’s & Men’s Clothing

free 3-pack ankle sock with purchase of $150+

Women’s Shoes

50% off sitewide

Women’s, Men’s & Kid’s Shoes

50% off sitewide

Women & Men’s Underwear and Loungewear

30% off sitewide

Home Goods, Clothing

10% off sitewide with code HELLOFALL

plus up to 70% off sale

Phone Cases & Accessories

buy a case, get one free

Kitchenware

15% off select bundles

Home Goods

25% off sitewide plus 2 FREE Eco-Rest Pillows with mattress purchase

Home Fragrance & Beauty

20% off sitewide, 50% off select scents

Home Fragrance

10% off your order with code LDW2024

Kitchenware

up to 40% off sitewide

Beauty

buy 3 items and get 15% off

Homegoods

extra 15% off sidewide with code LABOR

Beauty

20% off sitewide

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25% off almost everything

Baby/Kid Clothing

25% off bestsellers & more with code LABOR25

Beauty

up to 30% off bundles

Women, Men & Kid’s Clothing

take an extra 10% off markdowns with code MARKDOWN10 plus free shipping

Women’s Clothing

30% off select styles


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12 Sustainable Sandals For Every Summer Outing (2024)
 

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Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better fashion industry. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us!

THE BEST Eco-Friendly & SUSTAINABLE SANDALS

Sandals are go-to wardrobe staples in most closets during the warmer months. They are the ideal shoes to wear when it is hot outside or when we go to the beach! 

But as we wear them all the time in the summer, they can quickly wear out and break, especially if we do not initially invest in quality. Worn-out sandals, which are by the way often made with unsustainable materials, then end up in landfill where they will not biodegrade for at least several centuries. 

As a conscious consumer, you might want to reduce the environmental impact of your shoe collection and be on the lookout for durable and sustainably made sandals. Thankfully, thanks to many ethical brands, we can now purchase models that are not only comfortable and made to last but also crafted with the planet in mind. 

In this article, we have rounded up 12 sustainable brands selling beautiful sandals that you will be able to wear for all your summer outings! 

WHAT MAKES SANDALS SUSTAINABLE?

Sustainable sandals are shoes that are built to last and that you can wear for multiple seasons. They are made with eco-friendly materials with longevity and quality in mind. 

They are also crafted ethically by workers who are paid fair, living wages and offered employee benefits, and who work under safe, healthy, and dignified conditions. 

Sustainable sandal brands should also be transparent about their manufacturing processes, produce their shoes in an eco-friendly way, and make them in smaller batches to avoid waste and overproduction. 

WHAT ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

Sustainable brands use a variety of eco-friendly materials to produce their sandals. You can find models made from recycled plastic, organic cotton, cork, jute, or even deadstock and upcycled materials. 

Some companies also use more innovative materials made from the byproducts of the food industry, like piñatex, apple leather, and VEGEA. 

The outsoles are often made with natural rubber, and heeled pairs can feature a heel produced from sustainably-harvested wood. 

Some sustainable brands choose to make their sandals from leather, which is generally not an eco-friendly material. However, if it is vegetable-tanned and sourced responsibly and from Leather Working Group certified tanneries, leather can be a great material for crafting very durable sandals that can last for years. 

Brand Rating Guide:

❤︎ = we like ❤︎❤︎ = we really like ❤︎❤︎❤︎ = we LOVE

Click here to learn how we rate brands on Sustainably Chic

OUR TOP PICKS FOR COMFY, SUSTAINABLE SANDALS

1. Nisolo

❤︎❤︎❤︎

For: Women & Men

Materials: Leather, Wood, Rubber

Price: $55 - 138

Nisolo offers a wide variety of women’s sandals, from heeled sandals and flip-flops to slip-on models and closed-toe sandals. The company has a style for every occasion!

Men can also choose between different models, including slip-ons and huarache sandals that are perfect for dressing up or down.

The brand makes its sandals using water-resistant leather, meaning you can even wear them at the beach!

The leather is sourced as a byproduct of the meat industry, and it comes from Mexican or American tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group. Nisolo also partners with tanneries using vegetable tanning, which is a lot more sustainable.

The company is B Corp and Climate-Neutral certified, and it was ranked as the best-performing brand in terms of transparency in Remake’s 2021 Accountability Report. It even has a shoe reclamation program!


*vegan

2. Biankina

❤︎❤︎

For: Women

Materials: Recycled Microfiber, Natural Rubber, Cork, Jute

Price: $60

Biankina is an eco-conscious footwear brand that operates out of the city of Barcelona. Specializing in vegan shoes, they offer a diverse range of sandals tailored to women.

Each sandal from Biankina boasts a timeless, contemporary, and sophisticated design, ideal for both formal and casual occasions. Available in an array of colors, including metallic hues, these sandals are lightweight and offer exceptional comfort and support for all-day wear.

The uppers in the sandals are crafted from Global Recycled Standard-certified recycled microfiber, while the soles are made from 100% natural rubber and feature memory foam insoles for added comfort. Furthermore, the cork midsoles naturally absorb shock as you walk, and the incorporation of jute fiber reduces heat conductivity, making these sandals ideal for the summer months.

Every pair of Biankina's slides is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans in an ethical workshop in Spain, ensuring that each shoe is made with expertise and care. Additionally, all of the brand's products are vegan, and the production process is free from harmful chemicals and glues. As a bonus, when you purchase the one-strap style from Biankina, the brand pledges to plant two trees on your behalf!

code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 10% off


3. Sézane

❤︎

For: Women

Materials: Leather, Rubber

Price: $205 - 245

Sézane is a French luxury fashion brand committed to sustainability and ethical production. It crafts beautiful leather sandals for women, all of which will complement your summer outfits.

You will particularly love its braided leather sandals: they are handwoven in the brand’s Portuguese atelier and are incredibly easy to dress up and down!

You can even pick one of its metallic leather styles if you want more unique pieces.

Some of Sézane’s leather sandals are made using vegetable tanning, and everything is shipped in recycled or FSC-certified cardboard boxes.

The brand is a certified B Corporation, and it has recycled over 13,000 pieces since the launch of its recycling program. It has also raised over four million euros for its philanthropic program supporting education and equal opportunities for children all over the world.


4. Able

❤︎❤︎❤︎

For: Women

Materials: Leather

Price: $61

Able is one of our favorite sustainable clothing brands here at Sustainably Chic! It sells different pairs of sandals, all of which are very stylish and will make your feet look amazing.

Along with its beautiful heeled models, the brand has several flat sandals that are good wardrobe staples to wear all summer long. It even has a white Birkenstock-style pair of sandals for those of us who prefer this look!

Most shoes feature a versatile design, making it easy for you to style them with any outfit! They are all made from high-quality leather upcycled from discarded cowhides.

Able prioritizes durability and longevity when it produces its pieces, and it aims to empower both the women who make them and those who wear them. It also works with leather partners who use a recycled closed-loop water system and utilize deadstock and scrap materials to minimize waste.


5. Adelante Shoe Co.

❤︎

For: Women

Materials: Leather

Price: $172 - 180

Adelante Shoe Co handcrafts gorgeous leather shoes in its small workshop in Guatemala. It has three styles of women’s sandals, all of which are made to order.

This means that they are produced when you order them, so there is no overproduction or unsold inventory.

The heeled and flat sandals are all available in many colors, including red, blue, and caramel. They are made from full-grain leather that comes from less-processed hides and is incredibly durable. They are also fully resoleable, so you will be able to wear them forever with proper care.

Adelante Shoe Co works with a tannery using non-toxic, vegetable-tanning methods. The tannery also uses solar panels and water-saving processes, and it repurposes its waste and byproducts.

The company offsets its carbon footprint, and it pays its artisans more than twice the local wage!


*vegan

6. Will's Vegan Store

❤︎❤︎

For: Women & Men

Materials: Bio-Based Vegan Leather, Polyurethane, Recycled Plastic, Jute, Cork, Rubber

Price: $59 - 104

Will’s Vegan Store is an ethical vegan shoe company selling different styles of sandals for both men and women. 

Men can choose between slip-on models designed with shock-absorbing cork footbeds and arch support, and a comfortable sports pair featuring a lightweight Vibram outsole. 

The brand has even more options for women, including elegant heeled sandals and stylish slides that can be worn both at the beach and while walking in the city. 

Will’s Vegan Store makes its sandals in Italy or Portugal using only vegan materials, from the uppers down to the glue used in its shoes. 

Most of its sandals are made from Italian bio-based vegan leather produced from cereal crops, and the outsoles and insoles contain recycled materials.  

The company also ships its shoes in a carbon-neutral supply chain using plastic-free packaging. 


7. Poppy Barley

❤︎❤︎❤︎

For: Women

Materials: Leather

Price: $174 - 217

Poppy Barley is a Canadian-certified B Corporation producing eco-friendly shoes and accessories. It has two models of women’s sandals, both of which are made ethically in a women-owned factory in Mexico. Designed with all-day comfort in mind, both sandals feature flexible soles, cushioned footbeds with arch support, square toes, and adjustable ankle straps. The Fisherman sandals, which are available in four colors, are even sold in bright purple!

Poppy Barley makes its sandals using leather that comes from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group, and that is a byproduct of food production. The leather lining is also vegetable-tanned and chemical-free and is produced using less water.

The brand even started a scholarship program to help the children of the artisans Poppy Barley works with gain access to post-secondary education! It also partners with Soles4Souls to give pre-loved shoes a new life.


*vegan

8. Okabashi

❤︎❤︎❤︎

For: Women & Men

Materials: Soy-Based Material, Recycled Materials

Price: $25

If you are on a budget and trying to live more sustainably without breaking the bank, this brand is for you! Okabashi has some of the most affordable, sustainable sandals you can find on the market. The company crafts several pairs of slip-on sandals and flip-flops for men and women, all of which are waterproof & machine washable.

Each pair features slip-resistant soles, supportive heel cups, superior arch support, and a comfortable toe rest. Designed with foot therapy in mind, Okabashi’s shoes even have massaging beads placed on the footbeds to promote better circulation! 

The brand makes its sandals in Georgia (USA) using a combination of soy-based and recycled materials. It also operates in a closed-loop manufacturing system and reuses its scrap materials. 

You can even send back your worn-out Okabashi sandals, and the company will turn them into new products.


*vegan

9. Vivaia

❤︎

For: Women

Materials: Recycled Plastic, Rubber

Price: $69 - 119

Vivaia is a sustainable brand creating women’s shoes out of recycled plastic bottles saved from the ocean.

So far, it has turned almost 3.5 million bottles into new footwear!

It sells stylish yet comfortable sandals that are all very breathable.

They feature durable rubber outsoles and supportive insoles designed to prevent foot odors. With their square-toe design and small heels, the Jade sandals are the ideal summer shoes for looking put together without sacrificing comfort! 

Combining sustainable practices with modern technology, Vivaia produces its shoes using an eco-friendly process that helps reduce production waste by over 30%.

The company ships its shoes in recycled cardboard boxes. It also regularly donates money and shoes to charities like Dress For Success and SOS Children’s Village.


10. Deux Mains

❤︎❤︎

For: Women & Men

Materials: Upcycled Tires, Leather

Price: $60 - 100

Founded after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Deux Mains is on a mission to honor the country’s ancestral wisdom by crafting beautiful shoes and accessories all while creating empowering jobs for the locals. The brand offers comfortable slip-on sandals for both men and women.

There is also a pair of flip-flops for men as well as simple ankle strap sandals for women. 

If you want to add color to your shoe collection, take a look at Deux Mains’ gorgeous hand-painted slide. Its design is inspired by the atmosphere of a busy Haitian marketplace! 

The company’s sandals are all handcrafted in small batches using responsibly-sourced leather and upcycled tires found on the island. 

Deux Mains also produces everything in its solar-powered, women-owned factory, and it makes sure all its pieces are made to last so that you can wear them for years. 


*vegan

11. Nae

❤︎❤︎

For: Women, Men, Unisex

Materials: Piñatex, Cork, Apple Leather, Organic Cotton, Vegan Leather, Recycled PET

Price: $39 - 98

Nae, which stands for No Animal Exploitation, is a vegan footwear brand making cruelty-free shoes in its certified, ethical factories in Portugal. 

It has a huge selection of sandals for both women and men, and it sells some unisex models as well.

You get to choose between many heeled sandals, slip-on models, Birkenstock-style shoes, and some more elegant pairs that you can easily wear at weddings or other special events.

Nae makes its sandals using sustainable materials such as cork, organic cotton, and recycled plastic. It even has some cool pairs made with piñatex (produced from pineapple leaf fibers) and apple leather (obtained from the waste of the apple juice industry)! 

Plus, the brand also sends its products in recycled and recyclable packaging. 


*vegan

12. 1People

❤︎❤︎

For: Women

Materials: Recycled Plastic, VEGEA, Rubber, Cork, Jute, Piñatex, Wood, Recycled Brass

Price: $60

1People is a Danish fashion brand designing timeless pieces using innovative, sustainable materials. 

It creates several models of sandals for women, including a lovely heeled pair that is perfect for wearing at work or during an outdoor brunch. The sandals are all versatile and provide a simple, yet stylish look! 

1People makes its sandals using eco-friendly materials such as GOTS-certified piñatex, recycled plastic, and VEGEA (produced from grape marc from wine-making waste). 

Its heels are crafted from ethically harvested teak wood, and some of its insoles contain rubber, cork, and jute collected from post-industrial waste. Each sandal also features the brand’s signature logo made of recycled brass. 

What’s more, 1People offers carbon-neutral shipping and collects its material waste to produce new yarn and fabric. It even invests part of its profits in projects promoting education and helping eradicate hunger around the world. 


About the Author

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.


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