Over the past decades, every 20 years, global consumption of shoes has doubled – that’s a lot of shoes in our closets. Unfortunately, it’s also a lot of shoes in our landfills, which means more waste and less wear. Sustainable footwear is fundamental for the planet in more ways than one and circular fashion plays an important role that just keeps growing, step by step.
The state of our shoes
The footwear industry is booming worldwide, but it is also a market that is undergoing big transformations when it comes to sustainability. Here’s why:
- Every year, approximately 25 billion shoes are produced and 95% of these will end up in a landfill.
- One shoe can contain up to 65 different parts that require about 360 steps in the manufacturing process.
- Consumers are recycling less than 5% of their shoes because of the materials that comprise them.
- Leather continues to be one of the most used materials in shoe manufacturing and 95% of all leather produced contains chromium. Chromium is ranked the 4th worst toxic pollution problem in the world.
- The footwear industry is responsible for 1.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- Only about 15% of footwear enters the circular economy to be sold second-hand.
The eco-friendly footwear market
Sustainable fashion is becoming a top priority for all types of brands, from low-cost to luxury, not only because it has become a top priority for consumers, but for the planet and the future of fashion as well. The footwear market is also stepping up its game. According to a report from Grandview Research, “the global sustainable footwear market size was valued at USD 7.5 billion in 2019, and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.8% from 2020 to 2027”. Circular fashion starts with production and ends with recycling, after a shoe has been used optimally, with the least waste possible.
The next step
In order to walk the planet, we must honor the planet. And sustainable shoes are not only getting around, they’re getting around in great style with innovative, eco-friendly design and materials such as: vegan and bio-based leather (with natural fibers sourced from mushrooms, apples, algae, and cacti!), waterless dye, ethically-sourced wood, biodegradable materials, recycled rubber and plastic, cork, organic cotton, linen and even recycled coffee grounds! Putting sustainable raw materials front and center in footwear means cutting down on complicated and polluting manufacturing processes, increasing safe and fair working conditions, reducing waste, protecting the environment, and enabling shoe recycling. Sustainable luxury fashion brands such as Sézane, Tod’s, Stella McCartney, Nicholas Kirkwood, Inuikii, Malone Souliers, and Keds are good examples to check out.
Sustainable luxury fashion at your feet
Contributing to a footwear industry that is more ethical and sustainable also means extending the lifecycle of a pair of shoes. And this is where circular fashion steps in: selling shoes you no longer wear or buying second-hand shoes that someone else no longer wears (or never wore at all!) is one of the most simple and impactful ways to avoid filling landfills with shoes. Investing in quality over quantity, contributing to zero waste, and boasting a greater environmental conscience – a greener footprint, the same luxurious style.
From one closet to the next, MyPrivateDressing is designed for buyers and sellers, it’s designed for those who love fashion, but also love the planet. It is designed for sustainable luxury fashion lovers. Shop your next pair of sustainable shoes right here or make way for someone else to do so. This is what we call taking steps in the right direction on a daily basis!
