Wool Shoes May Hold the Secret to Sustainability
Merino Shoes is on a mission to make shoes that make an impact on the planet.
What is Merino Shoes?
Founded in 2017, San Diego-based Merinos is on a mission to make the most comfortable shoes on Earth made from the finest quality merino wool. They are borderline obsessed with fine-tuning their shoes so that they can be undeniably the best shoes for your feet and the planet.
What environmental issues do Merino Shoes solve?
Merino Shoes addresses several environmental issues, beginning with tackling the problem of sustainable and ethical material sourcing, which is common in the production of clothing and shoes. What is the environmental impact of shoe manufacturing? Shoe-making factories account for 1.4% of all global greenhouse emissions and manufacture over 20 billion pairs of shoes for consumers each year.
In comparison, by utilizing merino wool, a renewable and biodegradable resource, Merino Shoes is actively contributing to a more radical side of the footwear industry by denying these common practices and choosing a sustainable business model instead. Their merino wool sourcing comes from certified cruelty-free Australian farmers, who ensure the ethical treatment of animals and responsible farming practices.
Undeniable use of ethically sourced materials:
Merino Shoes are made from Australian merino wool, which is known for its breathability and durability. This wool is sourced from merino sheep raised by certified cruelty-free farmers in Australia, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare. The shoes are then responsibly assembled in Vietnam. Another important factor about their materials is that merino wool is a renewable resource, and its sustainable sourcing helps reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional footwear materials.
Does Merino Shoes goods serve human or planetary needs?
Shoes are an inherent human need due to the benefits of offering environmental protection for our feet. Even more so, at least in the United States, there really is no option of not wearing shoes due to societal rules and expectations. Due to excessive consumerism, shoes are over-abundant in the United States, a luxury treated as collector's items for many who have the means to purchase them. In fact, people throw over 300 million pairs of shoes away every year, contributing to global shoe waste.
At Carom, we encourage our supporters to view goods as a necessity or luxury. For many, shoes are able to fall into both of those categories. Altering the perception of what we need versus what is excess is the first step towards creating a more sustainable future that minimizes waste and prioritizes goods that are sustainably responsible in comparison to other products that are not made with the planet in mind.
Here is a deeper look into how Merino Shoes coincides with our methodology.
Human Needs:
Merino Shoes are designed to offer wearability with their breathable, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant properties.
The design of Merino Shoes, available in a wide array of colors, makes them suitable for both casual and dressy occasions, reducing the need to purchase more shoes for different occasions.
Planetary Needs:
By using merino wool, a renewable and biodegradable resource, Merino Shoes contributes to reducing the environmental impact of footwear production. This natural material is sustainable and eco-friendly, aligning with the growing demand for environmentally conscious products.
Their durability and design are made for longevity, reducing waste in comparison with other shoes that are made to not last long and with non-biodegradable materials.
These shoes can naturally break down into the environment once they reach the end of their life.
What happens to a Merino Shoes product at the end of its life?
Can it be integrated into a circular economy?
At the end of its life, a Merino Shoes product can be integrated into a circular economy. The biodegradable nature of merino wool allows it to break down naturally without causing harm to the environment. Additionally, Merino Shoes encourages recycling and repurposing of their products, promoting a circular lifecycle. In comparison, your favorite sneakers can take up to 1,000 years to decompose in a landfill.
Is Merino Shoes a sustainable company I can trust?
Merino Shoes has proven that it is committed to more than just making comfortable shoes. They uphold the highest standards in terms of material quality, ethical sourcing, and sustainability.
Here are other reasons why we are vetting Merino Shoes as a sustainable company:
Their commitment to sourcing merino wool from certified cruelty-free Australian farmers ensures the ethical treatment of animals and supports sustainable farming practices.
The assembly of their shoes in Vietnam is carried out responsibly, adhering to fair labor practices and minimizing the environmental impact.
By using renewable and biodegradable materials, Merino Shoes actively contributes to environmental conservation and reduces the footprint of the footwear industry.
Overall, Merino Shoes is dedicated to providing the most comfortable and sustainable footwear. Their commitment to using premium merino wool, ethical sourcing, and responsible production practices sets them apart as a leader in sustainable footwear.
When you choose Merino Shoes, you support sustainable and ethical footwear production. Your purchase helps promote the use of renewable resources, ethical treatment of animals, and responsible labor practices, contributing to a more sustainable and humane industry.
To learn more about Merino Shoes's sustainable sourcing practices, explore Merino Shoes on our sustainable marketplace.
Key Takeaways:
Merino Shoes is dedicated to sustainable and ethical footwear: Their commitment to using premium merino wool ensures the highest standards of comfort and sustainability.
They partner with certified cruelty-free Australian farmers. This ensures ethical treatment of animals and supports sustainable farming practices.
Their practices support both human and planetary health: By prioritizing renewable and biodegradable materials, Merino Shoes contributes to the well-being of people and the planet.
They are committed to high standards in production: Responsible assembly in Vietnam and adherence to fair labor practices highlight their dedication to ethical production.
By choosing Merino Shoes, you are not only enjoying the most comfortable shoes but also supporting a company that is committed to sustainability and ethical practices.
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We are building a living economy that can safeguard the Earth. Your support is crucial in helping us reach this goal. With a well-developed living economy, we can leave behind companies that prioritize profit over our planet. With your contribution, we can continue to create an economy where people and nature thrive together.
Your contribution, no matter how small, has a lasting impact.
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Discover our Sustainable Marketplace
Our online marketplace proudly showcases other vetted sustainable businesses similar to Merino Shoes that contribute to the Circular Economy. Each company featured in our marketplace undergoes a rigorous evaluation process, ensuring products adhere to our four-step methodology. When you choose to support these businesses, you're not just making a purchase; you're investing in a thriving economy that prioritizes environmental preservation.
