Why Do We Need Sustainable Flip Flops
Cheap, and often unsustainable, flip flops can be bought for as little as a few pounds and can be picked up in most seaside towns. Worn for one summer season, these flip flops are then often thrown away, broken or simply get lost. However, this cheap, convenient summer footwear is causing a major ocean pollution crisis.
Close to three billion flip flops are made every year, these three billion annual flip flops have gone on to become 25% of plastic pollution in the worlds ocean. While these numbers may cast a shadow on our favourite casual summer footwear, the good news is that some companies are forging a different path.
Creating flip flops from natural and recycled materials and promoting a circular system, companies are emerging that are creating ethical and sustainable styles.
While producing ethical and sustainable flip flops may not seem as glamorous as some of the rest of the sustainable fashion market, these brands fill a vital void. They help to protect our incredible oceans and natural environments and give conscious consumers a great summer flip flop option.
Hemp & Organic Cotton
Youll find that some of the brands below use organic cotton and hemp .
Hemp is one of our favorite sustainable fibers. It doesnt require pesticides and herbicides to grow, it is not water-intensive, and it doesnt strip the soil of the vital nutrients it will need to continue growing things in the future. Its also a very durable, healthy, and breathable material that makes for a great sandal since its naturally anti-microbial!
Similarly, organic cotton is grown and harvested without the use of toxic synthetic pesticides and herbicides. Of course, its one of the more widely available types of organic fabrics, so youll see it in The Filterys guides quite a bit!
About The Author: Alex Assoune
Alex Assoune is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.
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Welcome My Name Is Dani And I Am The Creator Behind Skl I Have A Deep Passion For Helping Folks On Their Sustainable Journey
Looking for sustainable sandals & zero waste flip flips for your future seaside adventures? Recycled sandals are perfect for everyday wear around the city when the temperatures get too high. Do you want to curate a capsule wardrobe with ethical, zero waste flip flops and sandals that will last you for years? Weve got all your fashion needs covered.
p.s. looking for more sustainable shoe articles? Check out this amazing one here!
This post is about sustainable sandals and zero waste flip flops.
Lets be honest not many things manage to rival the versatility of a pair of durable and beautiful sandals. Consider it as the sartorial equivalent to a perfectly-mixed cocktail on a hot summer day an absolute necessity. However, sustainable slides, ethical flat lace-up sandals, and seriously sturdy flip-flops are hard to come by. Luckily for us, 2022 has some great options up its sleeves.
From the best sustainable hiking sandals or beach flip flops for your next outdoors shenanigans to mens sustainable sandals that are both minimalistic and oh-so-comfy, take a look at our top 21 ethical footwear options below.
Nomadic State Of Mind
The rope sandals from Nomadic State of Mind are so comfortable and come in a bunch of fun colors! The company employs artisans all over Nicaragua who manufacture the sandals, compensating them very well. They work to support the Fair Trade Agreement and improve communities in Nicaragua.
To prevent waste, they use their leftover sandal scraps to make rugs, bags, water bottle carriers, and more!
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Brave Soles Upcycled Tire Flip Flops Made With Fair Trade Practices
Brave Soles is a socially responsible shoe company that believes the people who make their shoes are just as important as the people who buy them. Brave Soles partners with local artisans across the North Coast of the Dominican Republic to supply all items – from the shoes we make to the bags they are delivered in. The shoes are ethically made by skilled artisans who are paid fair wages. Brave Soles is currently working towards using 100% upcycled materials and carbon neutrality through carbon offsets. Brave Souls flip flops feature handcrafted tire soles made from upcycled tires sourced in the Dominican Republic and feature local sourced responsible leather too. They carry both men’s and women’s flip flops which can be purchased for $55-$70.
Sustainable Sandals & Flips Flops For Men That Are Perfect For Summer
Summertime brings out all the shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops but there might be nothing better than being able to set your feet free by slipping on some comfortable sandals.
Unless of course those sandals youre slipping into are made sustainably and ethically by companies who care about the environment.
It seems fitting that footwear made for enjoying the beautiful outdoors should be made in a way that benefits the land. But not all sandals are created equal.
Read on to discover 15 brands that have made sustainable sandals that are perfect for summer 2022.
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Recycled Vegan And Eco
Theres never been a better selection of eco-friendly flip flops. From styles made with recycled plastic to hemp, natural rubber, and other sustainable materials, youll be sure to find some that fit your style and sensibilities. Plus, you can ditch the leather because these materials are also 100% vegan.
If we could wear flip flops every day, we probably would. Why? Because flip flops feel like sunshine, warm weather, the beach, and relaxation. But if youre wearing flip flops that are made with materials that arent Earth- or animal-friendly like plastic, certain types of foam, suede, or leather it erodes their feel-good vibe.
Flip flops transcend cultures, as people all over the world wear them. In fact, the earliest record we have of a flip flop-style sandal was the type worn by the ancient Egyptians in 1500 BC. Yet the modern flip flops that we all know and love today were probably inspired by the Japanese zri, which American soldiers brought back to the U.S. after World War II.
So, if youre getting ready for warm weather, going on vacation, or just need some comfy, casual sandals, look no further. Youve come to the right place to find the best brands that are making eco-friendly, recycled, and vegan flip flops.
Nae’s Vegan Flip Flops & Sandals
Piñatex, cork, AppleSkin, and recycled PET are just some of the sustainable materials that this vegan brand uses. Making 100% vegan sneakers and sandals, Nae is passionate about keeping its products cruelty-free. Its even what their name stands for: No Animal Exploitation. Also passionate about the environment, their recyclable packaging includes recycled cardboard boxes and recycled kraft wrapping paper. Manufacturing in Portugal and Spain, Nae is Standard 100 OEKO-TEX® certified, ensuring the absence of toxic chemicals. Nae’s sandals range from $42-$100.
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What To Look For In An Eco
Billions of flip-flops are lost to the waves every year or end up in landfills where they dont break down but can leach toxic chemicals into the earth and water. Some 90 tons of flip-flops have been found on the East African coastline some years. And in one case, flip-flops were responsible for blocking the clean water supply of a Kenyan slum.
Flip-flops and plastic sandals contain a plethora of chemicals that can adversely affect seabirds and other wildlife, not to mention the humans making and wearing them. And natural footwear isnt necessarily much better. Sure, these dont pollute the Earth with microplastics, but standard leather tanning makes this natural material non-biodegradable and highly toxic, involving about 250 chemicals with varying degrees of harm to human and environmental health, not to mention the cows and other animals slaughtered for the industry.
Buying from companies that are making a genuine effort to improve fast fashion is one way to make your dollars work for people and planet. You can also help by using recycling schemes run by some of these companies or by using Terracycles All-in-One recycling box . If you have flip-flops to recycle, see if they are made with PLUSfoam as you can mail these back for recycling.
Indosoles Recycled Flip Flops
Specializing in recycled footwear since 2009, Indosole uses high-quality natural and recycled materials sourced in Indonesia to create their line of eco-friendly flip flops. Indosoles are vegan and cruelty-free. Made with natural rubber, recycled tires for the soles, and their custom-made ENVRO fiber for the straps, their footwear is durable and waterproof. The use of natural dyes means no toxic run-off into the environment and they are a certified B corporation, ensuring high standards of social and environmental responsibility. Indosole features mens, womens, and kids flip flops ranging from $20-$70 and featuring a wide range of colors and styles.
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Ethical And Sustainable Sandals For Summer
Sandals are a summer wardrobe must-have. But finding a pair of sandals that is cute and comfy, and also has a better impact on people, the planet, and animals, is not as easy a sit seems. Lucky for you, we went on the hunt for some of the best sustainable and ethical sandals to see you through the summer.
Allbirds Flip Flops Made With Recycled Materials
Allbirds is all about the best in athleisure, specializing in shoes made from sustainable materials. Using Merino wool, sugarcane, TENCEL, and castor bean oil, as well as repurposed synthetics such as recycled nylon and polyester, Allbirds makes sneakers, sandals, and slippers. Sugarcane has been used to develop SweetFoam® for sandal soles, blended with carbon negative EVA . The straps on their sugar zeffers and sugar sliders are made from 100% recycled polyester, and packaging is composed of 90% recycled cardboard. Circular fashion is encouraged by inviting consumers to return gently used shoes which are then donated to Soles4Souls,or by browsing their resale platform ReRun, where you can shop for shoes that have been gently used or have slight imperfections. Allbirds sliders and sandals can be purchased between $40-$50.
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Yoga Flip Flops Made From Eco Friendly Shoe Materials
These flip flops are made from Aurorae yoga mats, which are patented, eco-friendly, and tested against harmful substances by the SGS testing agency. Basically, theyre toxin-free! Choose alsoa natural rubber yoga mat to pair with your flip flops made from recycled materials
We love them because: they are vegan and free from any harsh chemicals.
These Anti Slipping sandals are made from natural and recycled rubber in a ZERO WASTE process and will last for a long time. The Bumpers flip flops are not only eco-friendly, but are also designed to give your feet a little massage so each step you make can improve circulation, reduce pain in your legs, ankles, and feet!
We love them because: They have a unique footbed structure that is anti-slip and allows free airflow which will keep your foot dry at all times.
Cute Sandals For Women
Stay on trend when closed-toe is optional by exploring our latest women’s fashion sandals. Strappy gladiator sandals never go out of style. Heeled sandals or wedges are bound to make a fashion statement, while sparkly sandals take summer style up a notch so you can look cool on special summer nights.
Find the sandals you love from Madden Girl, Skechers and more. With big savings around every corner, you can stock up on all the open toe shoes you need at Shoe Carnival!
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Richmond Hill Ontario Flip Flops
Are you looking for the coolest Richmond Hill Ontario Flip Flops in the world? Look no further! Find 1000s of designs on our comfortable flip flops available for men, women, & children in all sizes and colors. These custom flip flops can be personalized with any decorated design of your choice. Our slipper thongs are 100% water proof and perfect to wear around the house, at the beach, or at swimming pools. Show the world your style with a unique design on a cool pair of flip flops. These also make for a perfect gift if you already have a favorite pair. Or, even buy matching flip flops for your significant other! Start browsing around now by clicking a topic design that fancies your interest, or type any design idea you can think of at the top search bar. So what are you waiting for? Stick your feet into something fresh & decorated for a change!
Buyer’s Guide To A Truly Vegan Flip Flops
When looking for vegan footwear, we all know to avoid obvious animal products like leather, but unfortunately, finding out whether your shoes use animal glue is a little more complicated.
The only sure way is to ask the seller/company directly or look for a certified vegan label.
Many of these flip flops will be made from synthetic rubber. Still, you should look for natural rubber where possible as it’s a more eco-friendly process , and even better if it is certified fair trade or approved by the Fair Rubber Association.
Hemp, cork, natural rubber, and recycled materials are the most eco-friendly you can find, and they make for great vegan sandals or flip flops.
PVC is problematic due to the environmental cost in its manufacture . If it’s recycled, that cost is at least mitigated but still far from ideal.
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Deux Mains Flip Flops Ethically Made With Upcycled & Local Materials
Deux Mains offers a stylish selection of sandals and flip flops made from upcycled rubber tires and responsibly sourced leather. Handcrafted in Haiti, collections are made in small batches to reduce waste. Their women-owned and run factory operates on 100% solar power, and Deux Mains is particularly passionate about creating an ethical workplace, providing a liveable wage, health insurance, and access to education. I actually had the pleasure of visiting their factory when I was in Haiti and they’re doing amazing work! Their shoes are incredibly high quality too! Their flip flops can be purchased at $55.
The Best Sustainable Mens Sandals And Flip Flops For Summer
Spring and summer are the time to kick off those winter boots and get your feet some sun! While sandals and flip flops can be found dirt cheap at any convenience store near the beach, that cost comes at a price.
Those dime-a-dozen flip flops are likely not being made using eco-friendly materials or being produced in factories and workshops that support fair labor. But there are some great alternatives out there that are applying more sustainable practices. So what are the best sustainable mens sandals and flip flops?
The best sustainable mens sandals and flip flops are made using eco-friendly materials like cork, recycled polyester, vegan leather, recycled rubber and innovative materials made from algae blooms or pineapple leaf fibers. They are also made and sold by companies that have achieved or are pursuing net zero carbon emissions and using recycled packaging or avoiding single use plastics. And finally, the best sustainable mens sandals and slippers are made in certified facilities that guarantee their employees a living wage and good working conditions.
Lets check out some of the best sustainable mens sandals and flip flops and the innovative methods they are using to drive sustainability.
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Where Can You Buy The Best Eco
If you are not sure where you can buy the best eco-friendly flip flops, youve now stumbled across the right place. The best part about the best eco-friendly flip flops is that you can get to wear them no matter what season of the year it is it is a wrong concept that they are only for summer. Even though we may agree to differ, hence I love to wear the best eco-friendly flip flops all year round as I do not agree with the idea that they are only fur summer.
The fact is that you can wear them no matter what season of the year it is subject to the condition that they are the best eco-friendly flip flops. There is no denying that traditional flip flops are not good for you in the winter but flip flops made using the latest technology are for all seasons and any kinds of weather conditions. The above-recommended flip-flops dont have to be limited to when it is hot.
Plastic Free And Eco Friendly Sandals To Shop Now
Laadi Designs Handmade Sandals
Living in Hawaii, sandals are my go-to everyday shoes. I love flip flops, strappy sandals, and more practical walking sandals too! Unfortunately, many sandals are made from plastic and the way they are made can negatively impact the environment or the people who make them. In my ongoing effort to build a more sustainable wardrobe, I always look for sandal brands that use quality materials and processes and treat their workers well.
Some brands make sandals out of recycled plastic bottles or vegan leather made from plastic. Although its good to reduce the amount of virgin plastic that gets used and support ways of removing plastic from the ocean, I personally dont think that clothing is the best use of recycled plastic, because it wears out and gets thrown out and isnt healthy for your skin.
There is also a carbon footprint associated with recycling materials, it requires a lot of energy and water, and that can equate to a larger environmental impact than a product just ending up in a landfill. I think that recycled plastic should be used in products or construction materials that will be used for a very long time.
The good news is, there are some amazing innovative materials such as apple leather, pineapple leather, and cactus leather that are made from plants. Im so excited about all the new plant based leather bags and accessories coming out using these materials!
Here are some of my favorite brands and styles!
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