Companies are now innovating with plant-based shoe soles, reducing the toxic footprint left by traditional footwear.
Daliah Singer reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Companies are moving away from petroleum-based materials in shoe soles, focusing on plant-based alternatives to lessen environmental impact.
- Despite efforts in sustainability, the challenge remains in recycling and dismantling shoes due to their complex construction.
- Plant-based materials offer a solution by degrading more naturally, yet require new recycling infrastructures to be fully effective.
Key quote:
Shoes are designed “to last 1,000 years, and we use [them] for 100 days."
— Yuly Fuentes-Medel, Program Director of Climate and Textiles at MIT.
Why this matters:
As sneakers wear down, tiny plastic particles can be released into the environment, making their way into waterways and oceans. These microplastics are ingested by marine life, entering the food chain and causing harm to aquatic ecosystems and potentially impacting human health. In response to these environmental challenges, some companies in the footwear industry are exploring more sustainable practices, including the use of recycled materials, biodegradable components, and innovative manufacturing processes that reduce waste and carbon emissions.
