We’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how shoes can impact on the body. About how good shoes can align the spine, allow you to breathe and let your body been healthy in the way it was designed.
But what about if the impact shoes can have on the planet? Are there brands of shoes that are ethical and easy on the environment?
El Naturalista are a spanish brand of beautiful (really, really beautiful) shoes that pride themselves on their ethics and their green credentials. Here’s what they have to say:
El Naturalista frog Eco Policy
El Naturalista is an international shoe brand that makes comfortable yet fashionable footwear inspired by nature and people.
Adherence to our environmental policy is a prerequisite for doing business at El Naturalista. All suppliers, factories, agents and sales personnel must be strongly committed to our earth friendly practices.
We are continually working to find even better and more eco-friendly ways to produce our shoes. Our customers are aware of our environmental policies and our increasing sales demonstrate that consumers approve and support- our efforts.
▪ We use natural materials and dyes
▪ We avoid using polluting substances and toxic products
▪ We seek to protect the environment
▪ We maximize the use of biodegradable and recyclable/recycled materials
▪ We pay fair compensation to providers and employees
▪ We promoted traditional forms of production
▪ We support the use of appropriate new technologies
▪ We operate with corporate transparency
Shoes and material
El Naturalista uses the least harmful materials in the production of our shoes. We use natural dyes. We use recycled materials as much as possible: for example, the recycled polyurethane inner liner and the recycled rubber insoles (N 096 Iggdrasil). When dyeing leather, El Naturalista uses the least harmful chrome combination for the environment. Additionally, El Naturalista has developed the “pergamino leather”, which is treated without the use of chrome.
Social responsibility and people
If you care about the environment, you also care about people. El Naturalista believes that human beings are Earth’s most valuable resource, thus, social responsibility is a fundamental pillar of our corporate philosophy. In 2005, we acted on our beliefs by establishing the Atauchi Project, which helps shelter and educate needy children in Peru.
For this work, El Naturalista received the “Premio de Empresa Solidaria 2005″ (Corporate Solidarity Award 2005) from the mayor of Pamplona. Ms.Yolanda Barcina, and the President of Pro-Perú, Ms.Laura Arribas.
