Taking Steps Towards Change by Exploring Sustainable Footwear

I love pushing myself and stepping out of my comfort zone by embracing new experiences. That’s why I’m excited to explore the world of sustainable footwear through this blog. I’m passionate about this topic, and I’ve discussed it with friends for hours but have hesitated to share it online—until now. 

Before diving into my first official post, I think it’s crucial to lay some groundwork and tell you all a bit more about the world of sustainable clothing.

To kick things off, I want to share what sustainable fashion means to me. Sustainable clothing encompasses various aspects, including environmental impact reduction, worker protection, and animal welfare. When I talk about sustainable footwear brands, it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Some brands may excel across all sustainability fronts, while others may fall short in certain areas. No matter the case, I’ll try to delve into each brand’s practices in my posts.

Now, I don’t plan on discussing the specific aspects that relate to sustainable footwear a lot in my blog post; however, I believe it’s important to understand why sustainable footwear is important on a larger scale and what is the best way to represent that. 

For starters, the fashion industry accounts for 10% of annual global carbon emissions, according to statistics from a March 2023 report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The report also found that people are buying ​​an estimated 60% more clothing than they were in the 2000s.

Sustainable clothing in general, not just footwear, is more important than ever. Fast fashion brands that are failing in all sectors of sustainability are becoming more and more appealing to the public due to their clothes being drastically cheaper than other sustainable brands. A major reason their pricing is cheaper is due to the materials they use to make their clothes, such as polyester, a synthetic and cheap fiber made from petroleum, a nonrenewable fossil fuel, according to a report from the Changing Markets Foundation.

My passion for footwear is only matched by my passion for sustainable fashion. I’ll be honest – there are non-sustainable pieces in my closet too, but what’s important is recognizing that nobody’s perfect. It’s about educating ourselves and evolving based on the knowledge we gain. That is not only what I aspire to do for the readers of my blog but also for myself as I delve into the world of sustainable footwear with you all. I’ll be posting twice a week, and I look forward to having you join me!