In the world of sustainable fashion, there are so many great brands to explore. The fashion industry is slowly adapting to more eco-conscience strategies, from recycled textiles and natural fibers to Fairtrade certifications and carbon offset credits. At EV Life, we’re always looking for cool sustainability trends and must-have eco-friendly items. That same philosophy extends to your feet.
According to a recent survey, every American owns at least 12 pairs of shoes and buys four more pairs each year. That’s a lot of shoes. Conversely, millions of children worldwide lack even a single pair. Individuals without proper foot protection are at a higher risk of dangerous infections; secondarily, many schools and institutions require footwear to attend. A simple pair of shoes may make the difference between a child accessing education and breaking out of poverty.
Roma is a sustainable footwear brand that aspires to create solutions for this very problem. With a mission to “give poverty the boot,” Roma sells chic, ultra-colorful rain boots while donating to a global nonprofit network. Affordable and comfortable, Roma boots top plenty of must-have shopping lists this season. But trendiness aside, the Roma team is pioneering a business model in which philanthropy, sustainability, and fashion co-exist.
From start to finish, this company seeks avenues to promote sustainability and increase its impact. Roma rain boots are made of natural rubber, a more sustainable fiber than synthetic materials. However, eco-friendly textiles are only a piece of the puzzle; Roma vets its production factories and adheres to an ethical supply chain code of conduct. Manufacturers must follow minimum work age law, health and safety best practices, and non-discrimination policies. Roma factories ensure fair wages and worker protections; suppliers must comply with local environmental regulations.
Sustainable sourcing is vital, but the Roma boots crew doesn’t stop there. When you buy a pair of rain boots, Roma donates a pair to a child in need. Since its founding in 2010, the company has donated hundreds of thousands of new boots to over 30 countries. Rain boots are uniquely practical for developing countries; without paved roads, people in rural areas experience more challenging walking conditions, especially in colder, wetter climates.
Roma creator Samuel Bistrian experienced poverty firsthand. Born in pre-revolutionary Romania, Bistrian was one of twelve children. His family had the opportunity to migrate to the United States as refugees, and he resolved to dedicate his life to helping others in need. After college, Bistrian landed a job at retail fashion giant Neiman Marcus, and it was there that he crossed paths with Blake Mycoskie. Mycoskie founded TOMS Shoes, the canvas footwear company that famously pioneered the one-for-one shoe donation model.
With the necessary experience and inspiration, Bistrian founded Roma Boots in 2010. In the last decade, the business has given away millions of dollars worth of boots while partnering with local, grassroots organizations to ensure their efforts reach those who require it most. More recently, in 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Bistrian (who is part-Ukrainian) sent 100,000 pairs of Roma boots to refugees in Eastern Europe.
If you’re looking for a cute pair of rain boots, why not choose one from Roma’s collections? In this way, your dollars do double duty — you get a great new accessory or your wardrobe while a child living in poverty gets a pair for free. With Roma, you can keep your feet dry and spread your dollars further.
If you want to downsize your closet this year and have a little money to spare, consider donating to the Roma Foundation instead. Roma’s non-profit branch works to raise awareness and funds for struggling global communities. In 2024, the Roma Foundation hopes to raise more than $2 million for the cause. If you don’t have the means to donate, you can help by spreading the word or volunteering for an upcoming “boot drop.”
Are you interested in adding more sustainable items to your wardrobe (while making a positive impact)? At EV Life, you can find even more eco-friendly tips and brand recommendations. Join the Charge! For more ideas and to subscribe to our newsletter, sign up at eveelife.com. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Published January 2, 2024 3:15PM
Eveelife is an eco-oriented lifestyle platform that helps consumers make more purposeful choices about how they live and what they consume. We do it by curating content and products that help them make more conscious, carbon-free choices while amplifying their EV ownership experience.
