The environmental impact of making a shoe

 Every brand new pair of shoes that are brought have gone through a process to be made. This process is harming the environment and wildlife.

Many chemicals, toxins and fossil fuels are produced and leaked into the environment during the shoe life cycle. These chemicals are harming the wildlife and humans that come into contact with them. The manufacturing of shoes produces large amounts of carbon dioxide which contributes to the serious effect of climate change and global warming.

Large amounts of machines are used to manufacture the shoes. To power these machines, a large amount of fossil fuels are needed and these fossil fuels produce greenhouse gasses when burned. Coal is a source of energy that is used to power these factories as it is cheap. Burning this coal produces carbon dioxide which goes into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

On average the production of one shoe produces 30 pounds of carbon dioxide and there are more than 15 billion shoes produced every year. One way to help protect our environment is to shop upcycled. This way no chemicals are being burned to make new items, we just re-use and restore the items we already have. Upcycle My Stuff is a great website to find upcycling tutorials and ideas. You can also find small upcycling businesses or even set one up yourself!