Spring into a New Pair of Eco-Shoes

With bright skies and warmer weather, it's hard to resist the onslaught of eco-footwear geared towards the spring and summer season. Using recycled plastics, natural dyes, and synthetic leather, the sandals and heels below are not only stylishly sustainable, but also take part in ethical manufacturing and donate to eco-friendly charities. Hetty Rose When you're looking for a one-of-a-kind shoe, you should consider the fashionable creations of Hetty Rose (shown above). With ties that enclose the foot and hand stitching that elevates the overall presentation of the shoe, the Maya possesses a wooden heel surrounded by vintage kimono textile fabric. If you're interested, all Hetty Rose shoes are made to fit the size and material of your choice. Simply choose from a selection of vintage Japanese fabrics for your next spring or summer shoe bursting with color. Strap Sandals and Heels by Sui Generis Saturated in class and elegance, the sandals and heels of the Sui Generis line from Beyond Skin is perfect for a night out on the town or attending an event where you truly wish to impress. To tempt your exclusive tastes, Beyond Skin is committed to trading "in a manner that is non-exploitative to humans, animals and wherever possible the wider environment." The Sui Generis line also goes beyond the typical sustainable practices often associated with shoe-making by embracing recycled packaging and donating a percentage of profits to a range of ethical charities. Puma Sandals – Neuaura Hailing from Brazil, Neuaura produces a dazzling eco-footwear line, including this eye-catching silver thong sandal entirely fashioned from synthetic leather. Look out for other selections from Neuaura, a company that recycles all material factory waste, prefers water-based adhesives, frowns upon toxic solvents and chooses less harmful materials. The company also supports as many local products when possible. Alexa Boot by Cri de Coeur Sometimes you just need a stylish, open-toed boot to make a statement. The Cri De Coeur line is "entirely free of animal products, and as environmentally friendly as technology will allow." Quite popular with eco-fashionistas, Cri de Coeur is devoted to educating consumers about the real impact that fashion choices make on the lives of humans, animals, and the planet. In an effort to offset the carbon emissions that they cannot avoid, Cri De Coeur has also partnered with thecarbonfund.org and will also plant a tree for every pair of shoes sold. The Alexa boot (shown here) is a cut-out zipper open toe selection (Desert Sand Canvas with Midnight black accents). Check out the Spring 2009 collection here. Terra Plana A fashionable pair of heels can truly enhance your overall look and what better footwear to choose than heels with sustainability? Terra Plana offers a line of shoes that also takes into consideration the health of your feet by providing recycled memory foam in the insoles. This comfortable fit is paired with vegetable-tanned leathers to create a product you don’t have to feel guilty about. If you're looking for a unique answer to the question, "where did you get those shoes from?" Consider the Melito pumps – made from recycled Pakistani quilts.

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