People may choose a vegan lifestyle for a variety of reasons including health, the environment, and animal welfare. Vegans do not eat or buy any products that contain animal products. A vegan lifestyle involves finding alternatives to many of the everyday items that many people take for granted, such as clothing and shoes. Many shoes are made of leather which is not acceptable for vegans, they are also glued. The glue is made from animal bones.
In many ways, the vegan lifestyle is good for the environment and a sustainable way of living. Animal husbandry has a carbon footprint that contributes to global warming so not eating meat or using leather cuts reduces the carbon footprint of individuals. The leather used to make shoes is also often tanned with highly toxic chemicals that cause pollution and health risks for those who work in the tanneries. Then there is the glue that is used to make many shoes, again its manufacture causes pollution and damage to human health. So in a way, vegan shoes are a sustainable and eco-friendly option.
But as with most things, there is also another side to the story. While non-leather shoes may be better for the environment, synthetic alternatives can also be harmful. The process used to make synthetic materials is usually energy intensive and uses non-renewable resources (petroleum). Synthetic shoes are also not biodegradable, so once their useful life is over, they are usually thrown away and contribute to the growing problem of landfills.
So what are the alternatives?
It is possible to find vegan shoes that are eco-sustainable and meet the needs of a vegan in terms of not containing animal products. Completely natural and sustainable materials are the best option since they biodegrade and are also renewable. Recently, materials such as coconut shells, natural latex, hemp, and cork have been used to make shoes that look good, are strong, durable, and allow feet to breathe. These natural alternatives are not only better for the environment, they are also often more comfortable and kinder to your feet.
Hemp can be dyed in a variety of bright colors that look stylish and fashionable. Cork is the bark of a tree native to Portugal and can be harvested without damaging the tree. It is ideal for a quirky, natural-looking shoe. The shoes can be sewn together instead of using glue, which not only looks great, but also makes them strong and sturdy. A pair of shoes made to last is also the best option for the environment, ensuring minimal impact and less waste.