07
2009Eco Friendly
New house shoes! They’re made entirely of recycled yarn and that makes me warm inside. Here’s a strange quirk for me, I try to keep my footwear as eco and animal friendly as possible. I’m not vegan, and I’m not big on the animal rights part of vegetarianism (sorry my veggie friends) and the only reason I prefer vegetarian foods is because I don’t like the hormones and the crap that industries put into the food. I don’t mean to say that I enjoy or support animal cruelty, because I don’t, but I’m fine with eating free range meat and I don’t mind diary if it’s organic and the like.
That whole indie, be good to your environment, I like tea and floral print is the hip and in thing right now and because of that, it’s everywhere. But the confusing part is that this should make me happy, even if it’s only here because of a fad, it’s here all the same. But I’m not. It just infuriates me because I think, it was this easy all along. It was this easy to use recycled materials for our clothes and shoes and make up products. But we weren’t doing it.
It just makes me feel a bit heavier.
On a related note, check out these awesome wrap boots, or these ridiculously awesome vegan boots:
Heather
I know what you mean, it’s really annoying that it’s a trendy thing as opposed to something that everyone should have been doing a long time ago and should KEEP on doing. I’m waiting for when it’s not “in” anymore.. and then what? Frustrating.
Those slippers are super cute (and look so comfy) and I love those boots!
Dani
The “green” thing reminds me of all of the food that claims to be 100% natural or whatever because people are looking at buying more natural, multigrain stuff now.
I love the “green” incentive, but feel the same way you do. I think the people that actually care and are making an effort to make a difference more than make up for the posers, though. It is still angering, however.
PS-Those boots are kick ass.
Sarcastica
I hate the whole green thing too, for the same reasons. I dislike fads lol.
Jessica
I couldn’t agree with you more, great post! So many huge companies throw around the word “green” just to get people to buy more stuff! Like you, I am not a vegan but do enjoy wearing animal-friendly shoes since it does lessen the impact on the environment. Lately I have been doing a lot of shopping at Vegan Chic http://www.veganchic.com. They always have tons of cute styles and you can search by material to find shoes made with sustainable materials. Oh, and cute handbags and belts too! They donate to animal charities so that gives me an extra warm fuzzy!
Skye
I’m afraid I just can’t bring myself to buy non-leather boots or shoes. They seem more inclined to falling apart and the vinyl cracks and they never wear in to that level of comfort that leather shoes do.
Your house shoes are lovely though! I want to make a linen pair some day.
Catherine
I agree with you COMPLETELY. These lofts went up near the place of my work and claimed to be “green” and “energy efficient”. However, NONE of the materials used from the building that stood in its place previously were recycled, and, for all of december, they had huge flashing Christmas lights all up the side of the building, WAT?
It’s really infuriating that it’s simply a marketing device used to make people feel better about the things they do, without even thinking about what they’re doing in the first place. But I do love your slippers! ♥
megan marie
oh yes sweetie, i completely agree! it makes me so angry when i go into stores and see “green” or “eco friendly” items when you know it’s just to make money. i just have to remind myself that if it can do some good for the environment and make even one person more environmentally friendly, then it’s a good thing.
i am in love with those boots. they are gorgeous!
Bronwyn
A LATU topic!
It is upsetting when something important to us is merely a trend, a fad to be followed by those who don’t grasp the concept of why it’s something we need to do.
laura
‘greenwashing’ is a huge pet peeve of mine as well, as are products that claim to be ’99% natural’, when that 99% could be water, and the remaining percent some industrial carcinogen. there seems to be no sane middle ground; either ‘everything natural is safe’, or everything now masquerades as natural or eco-conscious. i think it’s just another way for people to feel good about doing nothing.