An MIT study determined that the process of making a typical pair of sneakers results in 30 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. Considering that 20 billion pairs of shoes are produced globally each year, it’s safe to say shoes are a major culprit in the fight against climate change. Thankfully, some companies like Nike and Timberland are starting to adapt their ways. Nike’s knit shoe, which is a one-piece construction, has allowed the company to cut down on 3.5 millions pounds of waste between 2012 and 2016. As for Timberland, they have teamed up with a recycling company to break plastic bottles down into little flakes that can be rolled into a fabric and used to make boots. Best of all, Timberland’s recycling program takes place in Haiti and allows people to trade plastic bottles for money.
Timberland and Nike are bringing sustainability to the shoe industry
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