Most of us don't think about this, but there are many components to a pair of shoes that make it un-eco-friendly. Conventional shoes, as well as some vegan shoes, are made from synthetic and petroleum-based materials, many of which are not recyclable and which release chemicals into the air, contributing to atmospheric pollution. Millions of pairs of shoes end up in landfills where chemicals leach into the soil and then contaminate water supply. Read on find out which shoes and manufacturers can be trusted for their environmental friendliness... 

 

According to Healthystuff.org, jewelry, handbags and accessories are “the most likely to contain elevated levels of hazardous chemicals when compared with all other product categories tested”. Together with the Center for Environmental Health- California, they screened plastic bags and wallets using an x-ray fluorescence analyzer, and detected lead in 75% of them. A lot of it: up to 90 times higher than the federal lead paint standard. 

 

Many dry cleaners, even self-proclaimed green ones, continue to use a harmful solvent called perchloroethylene (PERC, for short). A colorless, nonflammable liquid, it can affect our nervous system and cause dizziness, headaches, fatigue and in some cases even unconsciousness.

You wore them out, now is time to throw them out, but not just anywhere: your old running shoes can still be used to make other products. Nike has started Reuse-A-Shoe, a unique recycling program that turns your old kicks into Nike Grind, a material used for playgrounds, sports surfaces or even your next pair of sports shoes. Dispose of your pair responsibly by bringing it to any participating store.

 Check out what will become of your old pair, store locations and more at nikereuseashoe.com.