We’ve written about greening leather tanning practices in the past on the blog. The good news is that this treatment is getting better press across the green world and the best news is that a bunch of our favorite footwear brands are being recognized for making the responsible choice of using greener leather.

There was a recent article on Treehugger.com, referencing an article in Footwear News, about the three ways that tanneries are greening up their processes, and the companies that are supporting these more sustainable and responsible factories.

First off, leather tanneries are some of the worst water polluters in the world. There are so many chemicals used, and there is so much water used, that they not only flush bad chemicals into water sources, but also USE a massive amount of water, which is also wasteful. Simona Tanning, which provides leathers for some of our favorite brands, including Keen, Clarks, Camper, MBT Shoes, Sperry Top-Sider and Timberland is reducing their water usage and their discharge by 40% using reverse osmosis technology.

Second, Treehugger highlighted companies that are incorporating solar power into their energy production. The leather tanning company, PrimeAsia Leather Corp, who supplies New Balance, Clarks, Reebok, The North Face and Merrell cites that it’s highest bill and highest energy consumption comes from heating the water in large boilers for their process and by installing a sizable solar panel installation, they expect their up front solar investment will not only pay for itself in less than 18 months, it will also significantly reduce their carbon footprint!

Finally, and this is what every manufacturing company should do, the ISA Tan Tec leather tannery, who supplies Keen, New Balance, The North Face, Reef, Timberland, Merrell and Chaco is focusing on looking at every step of their process and optimizing and improving their practices. They have invested in a hydraulic cooling system, which uses water at specific temperatures to cool a space. As the water warms from ambient temperature, it is moved from the hydraulic cooling system into the boilers for the tanning process. The pre-warmed water needs less energy to heat, and the hydraulic cooling system has reduced the need for electric powered fans. This smart improvement has reduced energy consumption by 35% and water usage by 50%!

All of us want to shop more responsibly, support businesses that are doing their best to improve the world and still enjoy the great fashion and fun shopping that we love.

PlanetShoes.com has created the Brands That Care store to show us what companies are creating change. These companies take their responsibility to the Earth, their communities and their employees seriously.

Many strive to change the way that their products are made to create less of an impact on the environment. Some, like Chaco, have used wind or solar power to create a carbon-neutral footprint. Others, such as Patagonia find ways to re-use the scrap materials generated in their manufacturing process to lighten their eco-footprint.

Changing the world is not easy, but it is a challenge worth taking on and there are plenty of worthy causes to support. New Balance has partnered with the Susan G. Komen Foundation to join the fight against breast cancer. Lace Up For The Cure offers specially designed New Balance shoes where part of each sale goes to fund the fight against breast cancer. While Mi Mo handbags donates a whopping 5% of all of their profits to charities that fight domestic violence.

Several companies have integrated a commitment to others as a part of their corporate identity. TOMS Shoes donates one pair of shoes for every sold, an unparalleled effort to change the way millions of people face each day. While casual favorite Crocs created SolesUnited to collect used Crocs, recycle them and then donates the shoes all around the world to people who otherwise would go barefoot. Millions of people are sickened and injured every year by not having adequate footwear, and these companies are changing the harsh reality step by step.

Timberland has created the Earthkeeper project committed to building community gardens, rebuilding playgrounds and engaging their employees in community service. They have made steps towards changing the way that their company runs from the manufacturing to the sales of their shoes to reduce their environmental impact. Less packaging, streamlining distribution and selecting sustainable materials will all make this world a better place.

Patagonia, a leader in responsible business practices has also teamed with partners to create a re-soleing program that allows customers to keep their favorite shoes and boots on their feet and out of the landfill.

Ten years ago the 1% For The Planet organization got their start with just a handful of businesses, now 1248 companies donate 1% of their sales to a network of 2,023 environmental organizations worldwide. Planet Shoes, Patagonia and El Naturalista have joined this great cause and have helped to contribute to more than 30 million dollars raised for the planet!

Many of the companies featured in the Brands That Care store have progressive policies that allow their employees to live balanced and active lifestyles. Timberland and The North Face encourage employees to use alternative transportation, carpool and bicycle whenever possible.

I love knowing which companies are doing good things behind the scenes to make my world better. I get to shop in a way that is responsible and supports causes that I believe in. Each step that I can take to make my life, my habits- especially my shopping habits greener and more socially responsible the better I feel. The Brands That Care store is my cheat-sheet for knowing just where to look for great footwear with a conscience.

Crepe soles, or crepe rubber soles are widely used in footwear and in boot manufacture. Because of the durability and relatively low cost, crepe rubber has been used for decades, but what isn’t known is how eco-friendly crepe rubber can actually be.

Depending on the process, natural latex and rubbers have a rough hewn textured look although crepe rubbers can vary somewhat in texture and in color. The material is produced through a process called coagulation which combines melted latex with a natural coagulum – shell scrap, bamboo, jute fibers and even tree lace are often used in combination with the latex and the crepe rubber is the product.

The process is fairly inexpensive and the materials used can be entirely natural, making crepe rubber a smart option for casual shoes. It’s hard for organic and sustainable footwear companies to keep costs low, so crepe rubber can be a terrific option.

The color variance in crepe rubber is dependent on the amount of natural dirt or other contaminants allowed to remain in the material. Basically, higher grades of crepe leather have dirt and other contaminants removed during extra steps during production – which therefore adds cost to the material.

Crepe rubber is a great choice for eco-friendly casual shoes. The texture and color can be taken into consideration and actually add to and work with the style of the shoe. The rubber sole can reduce impact on your feet, ankles and knees and, when used properly, crepe rubber soles add traction to minimize slippage in wet situations.

So which of our eco-friendly brands use crepe rubber in their production? Well, a number of our shoe makers use rubbers melded with eco-friendly materials, but only a few specifically cite crepe rubber in their materials.

Groundhog Shoes – Groundhog shoes use crepe rubber made from the Lactae Meva Rubber tree.

The natural liquid latex is actually tapped from the trees and collected and the trees and process are both sustainable practices.

Groundhog uses crepe rubber soles in many of their shoes to offer support, comfort and sustainable materials.

The North Face Shoes – The North Face uses crepe rubber as a mudguard and heel reinforcement for added eco-friendly heel support and extra protection in wet and muddy conditions.

The North Face is working hard to integrate sustainable materials in creative ways into all their rugged shoes and this innovative use of crepe rubber as a support material and trim is a testament to their smart and sustainable design!

One of the most egregious wastes in the shoe industry has been packaging. Between the paper used to stuff the shoes so they look their best to customers, to the paper used to wrap the shoes before they are enclosed in fancy shoe boxes, the sheer amount of paper and pulp used is a little ridiculous.

I mean, really, unless you store your shoes in the shoe boxes, or use shoe boxes for storage in your house, you’re just throwing all that packaging away!

Hopefully consumers recycle those materials, but all too often they sit for decades in a land fill. So it stands to reason one of the first steps shoe companies that want to go green make, it to reduce their packaging, or turn to recycled materials. Some shoe companies, especially those who focus primarily on simple sandals like flip flops, reduce further, using post consumer plastic bags or even just simple post consumer waste recycled cardboard hangers!

Either way, consumers need to do their part, by not buying into packaging. After all, the box a pair of shoes comes in is not going to make them more comfortable, more durable or more stylish. The box is just about the branding. If consumers reject copious packaging and support the companies who are doing their part by producing quality footwear and eschewing the bells and whistles of waste, we could see a packaging revolution and reduce a lot of trash and stop consuming so many unnecessary resources.

Packaging and shipping is an area Planet Shoes, as a company, is also trying to make a difference. We offer Carbon Free Plus Shipping on all orders so customers can opt to pay a little extra money and Planet Shoes collects the donations and purchases carbon offsets from CarbonFund.org. We also use minimal shipping materials to reduce paper waste.

So who among our eco-friendly brands is doing their part in the packaging revolution? Well, quite a few – and we may have even missed some!

• Groundhog – Groundhog shoes uses all recycled fibers in it’s packaging. Additionally, their tissue paper is 100% recycled and unbleached fibers.
• J-41 – J-41 shoes are shipped in 100% recycled and recyclable materials.
• Mion – Mion Shoes are packaged in recycled materials that are designed to reduce the need for glue and use soy based inks.
• Simple Shoes – Simple Shoes use 100% post consumer paper pulp foot forms and in 100% post consumer recycled boxes.
• Sanuk – Sanuk shoes and sandals are actually shipped with no packaging!
• Terrasoles – Terrasoles shoes Uses recycled materials in their packaging as well as in their shoes.
• The North Face – The North Face uses recycled materials in their packaging.

When I think about Bamboo, I think about beautiful, tall, reedy trees and crazy growth rates. I know Bamboo is useful for many things, but until I started researching sustainable materials and textiles, I had no idea how many uses there really were for this amazing plant.

Bamboo is technically in the grass family, but is considered a woody perennial evergreen. In optimal growing conditions, and given the right bamboo type, this plant can actually grow up to 24 inches in a single day. This kind of growth rate makes bamboo a very sustainable crop, especially if one can be creative with its uses!

Bamboo is widely used in Asian cooking as well as in Chinese medicine for treating infections and healing. In tropical climates, because Bamboo is both durable and lightweight, it is actually used widely in construction and in homes. It is also used in anything from furniture to chopsticks, to ornamental vases and canoes. Just like any wood or reed, artisans have used bamboo for any number of products and items.

Ultimately, a process was developed where bamboo fiber could actually be derived from bamboo pulp. This fiber has been made into all kinds of fabrics that contain several natural benefits that come from the Bamboo plant. Bamboo fabric is soft, UV resistant, anti bacterial, soft, absorbent, and can even aid in temperature regulation.

Now, when you hear all those features in one place, what do you think of? That’s right! These are all the features shoe companies look for in a material!

So who among our eco-friendly shoe companies uses this super cool material in their shoe designs? We’ve got three that we know of – you know many of the others are always coming out with new innovations – but let’s look at how they use Bamboo in their eco-friendly shoes!

• Groundhog – Groundhog shoes actually use a bamboo derivative in their fabric linings and socks called bamboo charcoal which contains many of the features we’ve discussed including bacteria resistance, the ability to absorb moisture, thermal insulation features. This makes Groundhog shoes more comfortable and keeps them from developing any unfortunate odors!
• Simple Shoes – Simple Shoes uses bamboo fibers and fabrics in many of their shoe linings. This is because of the absorbency, anti bacterial qualities and ability to keep annoying foot odors at bay!
• The North Face – The North Face uses bamboo fibers in several of the uppers of their shoes, including the new Mountain Sneaker. The North Face found a way to combine metal-free suede with the bamboo fibers to create a good looking and durable shoe.

Many of our favorite eco-friendly brands incorporate cork into their shoes. Primarily, cork is incorporated in the sole of the shoe, for decorative or for functional purposes. The reason is that cork is light, durable and almost impermeable to liquids. The other cool thing about cork is that it is a natural substance that is also sustainable.

Cork comes from the Cork Oak tree, a special variety of tree that grows and lasts about 200 years. Every nine years, the cork is literally stripped from the trunk of the trees and then the raw materials are turned into all kinds of products. Most Cork Oak trees are in Portugal, with Spain coming in second as a cork producer.

Cork is highly recyclable and its elasticity and density are what make it so popular as wine stoppers and in things like buoys. Likewise, these characteristics of cork make them great for shoes. They can absorb shock, maintain the low weight of the shoe, resist water and moisture from your feet or from your environment and now the look of cork is also highly desirable as a contrasting texture in shoe design.

So which of our favorite shoe companies use cork in their shoes, and how?

• Patagonia – Patagonia often uses cork wrapped footbeds incorporated into Patagonia sandals because cork is comfortable against the skin and wicks away moisture to keep your feet comfortable even on the hottest days.
• Rafters – Rafters sandals use cork in a different way – they blend it with rubbers and other recycled materials to reduce the amount of man made and harder to get materials. For instance, you’ll often find cork and EVA midsoles in Rafters sandals, taking advantage of the natural benefits of cork.
• Rocket Dog – Rocket Dog’s Eco Luv collection incorporates cork in several styles, including their higher wedges to keep shoes light and sustainable!
• Simple Shoes – Simple Shoes uses cork and natural latex to add a soft and squishy, yet moisture resistant and sustainable softness to their great looks!
• Terrasoles – Terrasoles shoes, like many brands, uses cork in many of its midsoles, often blended with eco friendly latex for maximum comfort while taking advantage of all of Cork’s natural properties!
• The North Face – The North Face is a leading maker of eco-friendly active footwear and they also love using a blend of cork and EVA as their midsole to maximize sustainability and comfort!
• Zumfoot – Zumfoot shoes are innovative and interesting and they use cork and rubber to create a flexible and more sustainable outsole.

Rubber, as we all know, is used in a lot of footwear. We find rubber in the soles, the footbeds and even the body of our shoes all the time. But how much do you know about rubber? Do you know, for instance, that although we can harvest this natural resource with relative ease, that we still make a synthetic version based on petroleum?

So let’s bounce around some good rubber information, shall we?

Like all materials, there are options that are more eco friendly than others. Rubber, or latex, naturally comes from trees – and not just rubber trees! According to our friends at Wikipedia, rubber is an elastomer originally derived from a natural latex found in the sap of some plants. Scientists derived the chemical makeup of natural purified rubber and then began producing it synthetically.

In the eco-friendly shoe world, there are several companies who are making the effort to move to natural rubber, which can easily be harvested from a variety of plants in a sustainable way. Many companies are also employing recycled rubbers to offset waste.

So, who is doing what?

Natural Rubber and Eco Latex

Several companies are using natural rubber and eco latex, harvested from a variety of latex producing plants. Just a few of the plants that can be tapped for natural and sustainable rubber include the Para Rubber tree, the rubber fig tree, spurges, lettuces and even dandelions! Obviously, some plants and trees can produce more latex than others. Para Rubber Trees, in fact, are considered the best producers because it responds to tapping by producing more latex!

Companies using Natural Rubber and Eco Latex

• El Naturalista
• Patagonia
• The North Face
• Zumfoot

Recycled Rubber

Another way shoe companies are moving to more eco-friendly and sustainable policies relating to rubber is by using recycled rubber. Recycled rubber comes primarily from recycled car tires, which are broken down into particulate matter so the steel reinforcement can be removed. Once the steel is out, the rubber is made into a powder which can then be made into other materials, like shoe soles. At this point, because of the challenges relating to rubber recycling surrounding the vulcanization process, recycled rubber is not as widely used as it might be. There are, however, several companies here at Planet Shoes touting their use of recycled rubber in their shoes!

• J-41
• Patagonia
• Rafters
• Simple Shoes
• Terrasoles
• The North Face
• Timberland

We love The North Face! Their shoes and bags are made with durability and style in mind, so you can trek into the outback or look stylish but practical hitting the playground with the kids or heading off to school.

One of our favorite stars, Jennifer Garner, has been seen sporting a great The North Face backpack while out and about with her daughters.

The North Face Recon backpack is extremely efficient and streamlined with the ability to carry a lot without taking up a lot of space.

It can hold a laptop up to 17 inches and has a hydration port for long distance hikes and treks. Side pockets will hold water bottles or sippy cups! With a Daisy chain on the front you can easily hook on other gear.

The North Face backpacks are made to stand up to the test of time and this efficient back pack will get you where you need to go. You’ll even be emulating celebrity style while being super practical. What could be better?

When I say North Face Bags, I bet you envision a serious trekking back pack with very little style but a lot of function. I mean, this is one of the premier Outdoor activity brands so their backpacks really are incredibly spacious, well balanced and feature rich. The North Face has seen the success of companies like Timbuk2 though and they want their piece of the urban market. I mean, how much of a design tweak does it really take to transition something built for extreme nature into something built for extreme commuting?

Well, The North Face was evidently up to the challenge offering several really interesting bag options for the person who needs a bag that can transition from urban jungle to forest and mountain top.

First up – The North Face Hamachi. Is it a tote? Is it a backpack? No, it’s both!

Fashioned from a super durable laminate exterior fabric and a printed cotton canvas lining, this bag can be carried as a standard tote or worn as a backpack depending on which is more convenient.

Chock full of pockets and very cute, this bag is perfect for the commuter or the mom on the go. Functional, fashionable yet neutral and convenient – we love it!

Taking a page from Timbuk2, check out The North Face Base Camp Messenger Bag! Durable and styled with a modern edge, this messenger bag is made from the same material used at high altitudes while trekking but now it’s available for hard core urban commuter.

Offered in three different colors here at PlanetShoes.com, this bag is perfect for men and women because of its neutrality and will last forever. This one comes with an adjustable shoulder strap and several secure compartments for everything you need.

Finally, if you’re looking for an everyday, versatile bag on the smaller side – it’s The North Face Ikura for you! This bag can be used and worn as a messenger bag or as a standard shoulder bag or you can shorten your strap and carry it as a tote. The small size belies how much you can carry because of the shape of the bag and the wide bottom.

They’ve incorporated a side access point as well as a side stash pocket for your cell phone or your energy bar. The interior is also full of pockets for potential organization. This is a great bag for people who need a sturdy bag for every day and want a modern but rugged style. You can easily take this one hiking and then out on the subway!

If you’re in the market for a versatile and sturdy bag, The North Face could be your solution for spring, summer and fall. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and an avid hiker who also has a day job, invest in The North Face and get the perfect transitional tote, messenger back or (of course) backpack because you know these bags are made to last.

The North Face is one of our favorite brands here at Planet. Hugely popular, environmentally conscious, durable and stylish, we’re proud to have them in our lineup. Now they’re encouraging activism at the consumer level in a whole new way!

Partnering with Polartec and a social media site called Brickfish, The North Face is soliciting videos or blog entries nominating an eco champion. The top 25 people who have the most votes will win a North Face jacket made of 87% recycled materials and the grand prize gets $25,000 towards the green cause of their choice and a $1,000.00 gift certificate from The North Face. My favorite part about this prize is the consumer directed donation. As an environmental activist in my own small way, you dream of being able to really support a cause – and these companies are actually making that possible.

Are you an Eco-Champion? Check out the Campaign

We love to see large corporations sponsoring a contest that not only supports activism but also encourages financial support of green causes! Leveraging viral social media is a great way to get people involved, especially younger folks who are YouTube addicts.
The North Face is also highlighting its own sustainability, giving away the ’09 Denali Jacket which is one of their most eco-friendly designs. Did you know their shoes follow suit?

The Mountain Sneaker, for one, has married technology and green design into a rugged and eco-friendly shoe for the active outdoors enthusiast. This is the shoe The North Face is really highlighting now because they’ve put thought and work into every part of this shoe.

Using metal free suede, spun bamboo, plant cellulose, cork blended midsole and recycled rubber, every part of this shoe has been made greener, but remains ready for climbing, hiking or running in any outdoor condition.

Another more funky option from The North Face ecological line is the Sidney Chukka. Built to last in winter, this pull on ankle boot combines funky styling with earth friendliness.

The rubber outsole is made with 40% recycled materials and the suede and nubuck upper is metal free. Cotton used in the shoe’s laces and canvas lining is recycled and plant cellulose is used in the sockliner and the heel cushioning.
If you’re looking for a stylish bargain, you can stay earth friendly as well – check out the North Face Ex Boyfriend. A super cute women’s flip flop, the upper is made of cotton canvas and the rubber outsole is again, made with recycled material. The North Face has also done away with “virgin” packing materials and now offers packaging made from post-consumer recycled paper and tissue made from cornstarch.

Everywhere you look, The North Face is working to improve their environmental profile. They’ve removed their hang tags, they’ve improved their packaging and now they are introducing shoes and outerwear that use recycled materials and combine innovation with eco-friendliness. The challenge is keeping the same level of durability while using materials that are more eco-friendly.

Buying The North Face eco friendly footwear or participating in their activism campaign will keep sending the message that outdoor companies like this need to be conscious of their impact on the environment. Not to mention, you’ll get a great pair of durable North Face shoes, that if treated well, will last you a lifetime.