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If you’re on the market for new footwear, why not try environmentally friendly shoes. With sneakers, flats, heels, and other designs available, there’s a style on the market that’s right for you. You don’t need to give up style and comfort in order to become a friend of the Earth.

When people hear the term “environmentally friendly shoes,” the first things that enter their minds are Birkenstocks or moccasins. This should not be the case, because modern eco-friendly shoes don’t sacrifice style for their lower carbon footprint.

Environmentally-friendly shoes are made of organic or recycled materials. Their linings can be made from bamboo or recycled yarn. The outer layer of the shoe may be made from hemp, organic bamboo, or any other sustainable material. Laces can be made from recycled plastic, while soles are often recycled from old tires.

There are several companies that manufacture environmentally-friendly shoes. These companies make a conscious effort to decrease their carbon footprint with regards to their operations, including their processing, manufacturing, and shipping activities. Large companies are restructuring as well so that their processing methods will conserve energy, thereby decreasing their carbon emissions.

Consumers should be well informed and should read the labels to find out whether the pair of shoes they’re considering buying are environmentally friendly. Often the footwear’s total environmental impact will be included on the label. Some manufacturers have a rating system with regard to the carbon footprint a pair has. If the product is said to be organic, then it should have a USDA label. This label certifies that the footwear was made from natural materials and was processed wtihout chemicals. The health of the ecosystem where the sources of materials were grown will also be considered.

Fair trade is another matter which people should consider when buying shoes. Farmers are among the worst treated professionals in the world. “Fair trade” means good working conditions, fair wages, and reasonable treatment of the environment. Fair trade also gives farmers the freedom to choose whom to trade their goods with. Further, toxic pesticides and GMOs are prohibited in the production of fair trade products.

Most environment ally friendly shoe manufacturers use minimal and biodegradable packaging to keep their carbon footprint low. Additionally, some companies set aside part of their profits to donate to organizations that help the environment.

You can go online and do your research to find out where you can buy green footwear. Some retail stores have entire “green lines” because of the demand for such products. Purchasing and using environmentally friendly footwear is an easy way to help care for planet Earth.

About the author: Megan Barlow helps others learn to live greener and more environmentally friendly lives. Find out more about green living at her blog on Reducing and Recycling.

This article was originally posted at Environmentally Friendly Footwear.