The environmental impact of the footwear industry

Did you know that the footwear industry is responsible for 1.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions? This figure might seem insignificant, but...

How do you feel when we compare it to air travel, which accounts for 2.5% of total emissions?

The difference is so small that we're in shock.

Why is the footwear industry one of the most polluting?

The production of footwear involves several highly polluting processes. For example, the extraction of leather requires large quantities of water and chemicals.

Moreover, the waste generated when an old shoe is discarded worsens the problem, as many of these products are non-biodegradable and end up in large landfills or even in the oceans.

How do greenhouse gases affect the planet?

They trap heat in the atmosphere and increase global warming, leading to the melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity.

Additionally, they can also affect human health by causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

What can I do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

There are several actions you can take to reduce your carbon footprint related to footwear:

1. Buy less and choose quality over quantity: Opt for durable, high-quality shoes that don't need to be replaced frequently.
2. Choose sustainable and vegan brands: Research and support companies that implement sustainable practices in their production and do not use animal-derived materials.
3. Recycle and reuse: Donate or recycle your old shoes instead of throwing them away. Many organizations accept used footwear and redistribute or recycle them.

Does vegan footwear emit fewer emissions than animal leather footwear?

Yes, vegan footwear that is made from alternative materials to animal leather has a lower environmental impact. Animal leather production is resource intensive and produces large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions and any footwear that does not use animal hide will always be more sustainable because it does not involve animal suffering. 

3 Tips to follow when buying footwear to reduce environmental impact

1. Research the materials: Look for shoes made from vegan, recycled, or sustainable materials, such as shoes made from corn waste.
2. Buy local: Supporting local manufacturers helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
3. Choose brands with ethical practices: Check that the brand has clear policies on waste reduction, the use of renewable energy, and fair working conditions.

What does Beflamboyant do to contribute to the reduction of that percentage of emissions?

• We use recycled materials generated from corn waste.
• We focus on creating durable and resistant footwear, which helps reduce consumption and the emissions associated with frequent production of new products.
• We manufacture in fair working environments and strive to avoid resource waste both in production and in the packaging of our products.
• We have a program to care for the Galician forests.