Who doesn’t love sneakers? There’s a pair for everyone and for every occasion, and they deliver an unrivaled level of style plus comfort. At eveelife, we love the sneakers offered by 4ocean x Cariuma. They’re versatile and effortlessly chic, but above all, they’re eco-friendly. While some might think that fashion is superficial, we know that making eco-conscious clothing and Environmentally Friendly Shoe / Footwear choices can help make the world a better place.
Choosing footwear with the environment in mind is a smart move. Consider that more than 300 million pairs of shoes are tossed into the garbage each year by Americans, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior. That’s a lot of shoes left in landfills, and things are only looking to get worse. The complex mix of materials used to make just one shoe, like leather, rubber, plastic, canvas, synthetics, foam, denim, and other textiles, makes recycling a challenge. Fast fashion has generated a lot of low-quality shoes that consumers use up quickly and simply toss in the garbage. What’s worse, some sneaker manufacturers are using a chemical compound known as poly for shock absorbency. This addition takes the average rate of shoe decomposition from 30 to 40 years to an unbelievable 1,000 years!
There’s no slowdown ahead in footwear production. One recent report showed that more than 20 billion sneakers were manufactured in 2018 alone.[1] With today’s more relaxed work attire and an overall focus on athleisure, the sneaker industry is only continuing to grow. The time for eco-conscious folks to focus on footwear has never been better.
Thankfully, there are socially conscious companies out there that are fighting the good fight for the planet. 4ocean is one of those. They are a self-described ocean cleanup company dedicated to ending the ocean plastic crisis. By buying their products, you are funding global cleanup operations that have successfully removed nearly 26 million pounds of trash from the world’s coastlines, rivers, and oceans. The innovative business now employs 185 crew members in 12 locations as they work to protect our oceans and waterways.
Similar to 4ocean, Cariuma is another company committed to nurturing the planet. They focus on sustainable manufacturing practices and on quality products that last. For every purchase of one of their consciously made pair of Environmentally Friendly shoes, they will plant two trees. They’ve even created their own reforestation program in Brazil.
So, when we saw that 4ocean had partnered with the folks at Cariuma to design and sell a sleek, modern shoe made from sustainably- and ethically-sourced materials, we had to spread the good news. They make a perfect pair (of shoes, that is).
Their collab resulted in a limited-edition OCA Low Top Sneaker, available for both men and women in three classic color options: charcoal grey, 4ocean blue, and off-white. The vegan memory foam insoles with sustainably-sourced cork and organic mamona oil provide a bouncy cushion to help keep you on your feet all day.
The natural and recycled rubber outsole ensures their long-lasting durability while lending that casual look. Of course, the fabric upper is also made of recycled material. Every piece of this shoe is eco-friendly, from the laces and threads to the lining and labels that are all made with organic cotton and, you guessed it, recycled materials.
In line with 4ocean’s mission and business model, every pair sold pulls two pounds of trash from the ocean. These are limited-edition kicks, so make sure to grab yours before they’re all gone.
Companies like Cariuma and 4ocean are just two great resources for eco-conscious shoppers like you. If you’re in the market for more than just sneakers, turn to eveelife.com for more of the latest information and news on great products that you can feel good about buying. We scour the internet for environmentally friendly items that we know you’ll love. Plus, we explore the latest tech and trends in the world of sustainability. Take a minute to “Join the Charge!” and learn about more green products, from jewelry to clothes to home accessories, and, yes, even EVs. Click here to visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter and make sure to join us on Facebook or Instagram.
Published November 3, 2022 3:02PM
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.
