Research methodology FAQ | Original article | Full report
Alright so here’s the absolute baseline if you want to do better (also seen in the article), if you wanna be a little bitch about this go somewhere else:
- Buy less shit: Manufacturing happens in advance but this way you’re not adding to the numbers for their next run.
- Use what you have: idc if you have to buy new shoes, but this is literally the most sustainable thing you can do
- Repair and mend: This kinda depends tbh, if you have a nice set of goodyear welted shoes/boots then this is easy. Sneakers were meant to be broken and thrown out.
- Don’t be an idiot: If you bought a pair of shoes in resellable condition, resell them. If you’re buying new shoes, shop conscientiously (that means second-hand, or repairable kit from sustainable & ethical brands).
Nike being high on the list is surprising
From the FAQ
Can people shop at brands with the highest scores and feel confident they’re not supporting exploitative practices?
Exploitation in the fashion and footwear industries is so prolific that, in our experience, there are only a select few, small, niche brands, who have built their business model on ethical sourcing from the start, that could potentially guarantee they’re not supporting exploitative practices.
Read: Nike still uses sweatshops.
I ended up finding a nearly brand new pair of sketchers at a Savers, those last me maybe a year or two before the back gave out and wore away. Leading to a new pair of shoes that have last me way longer.
Anything we don’t want that can still be used goes straight to a thrift store for someone else to use. Be it clothes, stuffed animals, or cookware! I hope someone is enjoying my old Springtrap plush, he just sat on my shelf. I could probably do the same with my bucket of Legos lmao
