Why is the carbon impact of footwear never brought up?

Footwear is an essential item that we use daily, and its impact on the environment cannot be ignored. From the production of raw materials to the disposal of shoes, the footwear industry has a significant carbon footprint. The carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activities, and it contributes to climate change.

The production of footwear requires the extraction of raw materials such as leather, rubber, and synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and PVC. These materials are often produced using fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases during extraction and transportation. In addition, the manufacturing process of footwear involves significant energy consumption and emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases.

Our Footwear and its carbon footprint

Leather is one of the primary materials used in footwear, and it has a significant carbon footprint. The leather production process involves several stages, including the raising of livestock, slaughtering, tanning, and finishing. The raising of livestock requires a significant amount of land, water, and feed, which contributes to deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. The tanning and finishing process involves the use of chemicals that release greenhouse gases during production and disposal.

Synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon, have a significant carbon footprint as well. These materials are made from fossil fuels, which emit greenhouse gases during production. The manufacturing process of synthetic materials is energy-intensive and requires a significant amount of water and chemicals, contributing to environmental pollution and carbon emissions.

Once footwear is produced, it must be transported to retailers or consumers. Transportation also contributes to the carbon footprint of footwear. The shipping of raw materials and finished products requires the use of fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases during transportation.

Finally, the disposal of footwear contributes to the carbon footprint. When shoes are thrown away, they end up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose. During decomposition, shoes release methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

The History of Footwear

Footwear has been an essential item for humans since ancient times. The history of footwear can be traced back to the earliest civilizations, where shoes were made from natural materials such as animal hides, plant fibres, and leather. The design and purpose of footwear have evolved, reflecting changes in culture, technology, and fashion.

Ancient Footwear

The earliest evidence of footwear dates back to the Paleolithic era, approximately 40,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence suggests that early humans made shoes from animal hides to protect their feet from harsh environments. In ancient Egypt, sandals made from papyrus and reeds were worn by the wealthy and powerful. In Greece, shoes were made from leather and decorated with intricate designs, while in Rome, sandals were popular for both men and women.

Medieval Footwear

During the Middle Ages, footwear became a symbol of social status, and shoes were designed to reflect one's wealth and occupation. Nobles and royalty wore pointed shoes made from expensive materials like silk and velvet, while peasants wore simple shoes made from leather or wool. As trade increased, footwear production became more specialized, with shoemakers specializing in specific types of shoes, such as boots or sandals.

Renaissance and Baroque Footwear

In the Renaissance era, shoes became more ornate and decorative, reflecting the opulence of the time. Shoes were decorated with pearls, precious stones, and embroidery, and heels became fashionable for both men and women. During the Baroque period, shoes became even more extravagant, with high heels and intricate designs.

Industrial Revolution Footwear

The Industrial Revolution marked a significant change in footwear production, with the invention of new machines and mass production techniques. The introduction of the sewing machine allowed for faster and more efficient production of shoes, and factories began to emerge. Leather shoes became more affordable and accessible, and new materials like rubber were introduced.

In the late 1800s, several iconic footwear brands were established. In 1883, German brothers Adi and Rudolf Dassler founded the company that would later become Adidas. They started by making handmade athletic shoes in their mother's laundry room. In 1892, William Riley founded New Balance, originally selling arch supports and orthopaedic shoes. The company later shifted its focus to athletic shoes, and New Balance became a popular brand for runners.

20th Century Footwear

The 20th century saw significant changes in footwear design and production. In 1917, Marquis Mills Converse founded the Converse Rubber Shoe Company and introduced the iconic Chuck Taylor All-Star sneaker, which became popular with athletes and eventually became a fashion staple.

In the 1950s, the introduction of new materials like nylon and plastic led to the development of new shoe styles. Sneakers became more popular, and companies like PUMA Group and Reebok emerged as competitors in the athletic shoe market. In 1964, Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman founded 耐克 , originally known as Blue Ribbon Sports. Nike became a leading brand in athletic footwear, with iconic shoes like the Air Jordan, which was created in collaboration with basketball superstar Michael Jordan.

In the 1970s, platform shoes and boots became a popular fashion trend, with brands like Dr Martens and 添柏岚 producing iconic styles. In the 1980s, athletic shoes became a fashion statement, with bold colours and designs becoming popular. Companies like 阿迪达斯 and Reebok produced shoes with unique designs and marketed them as fashion items as well as athletic shoes.

21st Century Footwear

In the 21st century, footwear continues to evolve, with new materials and technologies being introduced. Sustainable and eco-friendly footwear has become more popular, with companies like Allbirds and Rothy's producing shoes made from recycled materials.

Why in the Fashion industry the impact of footwear ignored?

The fashion industry is a highly dynamic and constantly evolving sector that is driven by consumer demand and the latest trends. It is a multi-billion dollar industry that encompasses a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and footwear. While all of these products play a crucial role in the fashion industry, footwear is often overlooked and its impact is often ignored. In this article, we will discuss why this is the case and why the impact of footwear on the fashion industry should be given more attention.

One of the primary reasons why the impact of footwear is often ignored in the fashion industry is that it is seen as a functional product rather than a fashion item. Shoes are primarily designed to protect our feet, provide comfort, and support our body weight. However, as fashion has evolved, footwear has also become an important accessory that can complement an outfit, enhance an individual's style, and make a fashion statement. Despite this, many fashion designers and industry experts still view shoes as functional products rather than fashion items.

Another reason why the impact of footwear is often ignored in the fashion industry is that shoes are often overshadowed by other products such as clothing and accessories. Fashion shows and runway events often focus on clothing, with footwear being relegated to a supporting role. This can be seen in the way shoes are often styled in runway shows – they are often hidden by long dresses, oversized coats, or wide-leg pants. This makes it difficult for footwear to stand out and has a significant impact on the overall look of an outfit.

The footwear industry is also highly competitive, with a wide range of brands and manufacturers vying for market share. This can make it difficult for individual brands to stand out and have a significant impact on the fashion industry as a whole. In addition, the footwear industry is often driven by practical considerations such as durability, comfort, and functionality, rather than aesthetic considerations. This can make it difficult for designers to create footwear that is both functional and fashionable.

Another reason why the impact of footwear is often ignored in the fashion industry is that it is seen as a less important product category compared to other items such as clothing and accessories. This is partly because shoes are often worn for longer periods than other fashion items, which means that consumers tend to spend less money on footwear compared to clothing or accessories. This can lead to a perception that footwear is a less important product category that does not warrant the same level of attention and investment as other fashion items.

Despite these challenges, there are several reasons why the impact of footwear on the fashion industry should be given more attention. Firstly, footwear can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of an outfit. The right pair of shoes can elevate an outfit, add a pop of colour, or create a cohesive look. Secondly, footwear can be a key driver of sales for fashion brands. Many consumers are willing to spend significant amounts of money on high-quality footwear, which can help drive revenue and profits for fashion brands.

Finally, footwear is an important product category in its own right. It is a multi-billion dollar industry that employs millions of people around the world. Footwear also has significant cultural and historical significance, with many iconic shoe styles such as the stiletto heel, the cowboy boot, and the Converse sneaker becoming enduring symbols of fashion and style.

How can footwear become sustainable and climate-friendly?

In this article, Let us explore some ways in which footwear can become more sustainable and climate-friendly.

1. Use sustainable materials: The footwear industry can adopt sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and recycled rubber. These materials have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional materials such as leather and synthetic fabrics. Additionally, materials such as bamboo, hemp, and cork are renewable and can be grown without the use of harmful chemicals.
2. Reduce waste: The footwear industry can reduce waste by using production methods that minimize material waste and by recycling and repurposing materials at the end of their lifecycle. Manufacturers can also create closed-loop systems where waste is used as a resource to create new products.
3. Increase durability: One of the most sustainable actions that footwear manufacturers can take is to create durable products that last longer. This means using high-quality materials, designing products that can withstand wear and tear, and creating repair and maintenance programs to extend the lifespan of footwear.
4. Adopt sustainable production methods: The footwear industry can adopt sustainable production methods such as using renewable energy sources, reducing water usage, and minimizing the use of harmful chemicals. The industry can also implement sustainable sourcing practices to ensure that raw materials are produced ethically and sustainably.
5. Consider the entire lifecycle of footwear: Footwear manufacturers can consider the entire lifecycle of their products and develop strategies to reduce the environmental impact at each stage. This includes everything from the sourcing of raw materials to the disposal of the shoes at the end of their useful life. By understanding the environmental impact of each stage of the lifecycle, footwear manufacturers can develop strategies to reduce their impact and create more sustainable products.
6. Support Fair Labor Practices: Another aspect of sustainable footwear is the use of fair labour practices. This includes ensuring that workers are paid fair wages, have safe working conditions, and are not exploited. By supporting fair labour practices, footwear manufacturers can create products that are not only eco-friendly but also socially responsible.
7. Support Circular Business Models: Circular business models can help reduce the environmental impact of footwear production. This includes creating products that can be easily disassembled and recycled, using materials that can be easily reused or repurposed, and offering repair services to extend the lifespan of products. By supporting circular business models, footwear manufacturers can reduce their environmental impact and create products that are more sustainable and climate-friendly.