Make Life "Simple" with Eco-Conscious Footwear

It's not uncommon for some people to turn their noses up at the mention of goods comprised of recycled materials. For many, there's just something about 'used' stuff that clouds their sensibilities. However, the creativity and perseverance of eco-friendly minds, like Simple, who make "shoes for a happy planet," has helped shape a growing market and interest for sustainable clothing and footwear. With stylish footwear for men, women, and children – it's quite easy to forget that Simple's comfy sandals, trendy sneakers, and adorable infant shoes are made from recycled carpet padding, car tires, unbleached hemp, bamboo, as well as used soda and water bottles. Feast your eyes on the following selections and you'll see what I mean. Infant's Weebit $24 Colors: Nile Green or Candy Pink (shown)

• Wool felt
• Organic cotton
• Recycled plastic bottles

Kid's GT Janie - Big Kid's $45 Colors: Nile Green (shown) or Candy Pink

• Vegan friendly
• Organic cotton uppers
• Jute – midsoles
• Recycled car tires – outsoles
• Coconut buttons

Women's Teetoe – Silk $65 Other Style: Organic Cotton

• Cork
• Water-based glue
• Recycled car tires - outsoles
• Silk

Women's Satire - Hemp $55 Colors: Black, Cub, or Natural

• Recycled soda bottles for shoe laces
• Recycled car tires - outsoles
• Organic cotton lining and uppers
• Hemp

Men's CARload-Hemp $65 Other Styles: Certified Suede

• Hemp uppers
• Vegan friendly
• Certified organic cotton knit linings
• Recycled car tires for outsoles

About Simple Simple has been around since 1991 and the company has since been successful in learning how to mold natural and recycled materials into strikingly useful, eco-friendly creations. In 2006, Simple embraced post-consumer recycled boxes and biodegradable bags for shipping off their products to happy customers. By introducing recycled materials and securing access to certified pesticide-free organic cotton in 2007, the company further expanded their planet-first approach. Sustainable sneakers soon followed, which ultimately led to the first-ever Footwear Plus Green Award in 2007. Photo Credit: Simple