As we celebrate Earth Day, it’s a poignant moment to reflect on the impact of our choices, particularly in the realm of fashion and footwear. At Trash Planet, we recognize the responsibility we hold in contributing towards a more sustainable future, and Earth Day serves as a reminder of the urgency to address environmental issues, including the lack of recycling in fashion and footwear.
The fashion industry has long grappled with its environmental footprint, and the footwear sector is no exception. From the production processes to materials used, the lifecycle of a shoe can leave a significant environmental footprint. One of the most pressing issues is the lack of recycling infrastructure for footwear, leading to millions of shoes ending up in landfills each year, where they can take decades to decompose, if at all.
At Trash, we’re committed to being part of the solution, not the problem. Our journey towards sustainability encompasses every aspect of our business, from design to distribution. We prioritize the use of recyclable materials, such as recyclable vegan-leathers and soles, to reduce our reliance on any virgin resources. Our footwear is 100% recyclable, but only 70% comes from recycled materials and that is our mission to move to 100% recyclable from 100% recycled materials, creating footwear that exists in a circular economy. Through our endeavours actively exploring innovative recycling technologies, we can give our shoes a second life, minimise waste and make 'shoes from shoes'.
However, as we strive to make a positive impact, we also acknowledge the complexity of aligning our business goals with the spirit of Earth Day. We understand the skepticism that surrounds brands offering discounts or promotions during this time, as it may appear opportunistic or insincere. That’s why, instead of just simply offering a discount, we want to use this opportunity to encourage meaningful action. This Earth Day, we invite you to join us in taking steps towards sustainability. Whether it’s by choosing eco-friendly footwear, supporting brands with transparent environmental and human-rights practices, or advocating for better recycling infrastructure: every action counts.
An issue for footwear companies is 'dead stock' that is stock they hold in the less popular sizes, this usually ends up in land-fill as companies dump stock rather than selling it off at less expensive prices. They do this to maintain the retail price of their product, not devalue their brand and due to excess stock; we saw this with Burberry burning stock a few years ago (a practice they have now stopped) https://www.vox.com/the-goods/
As we move into the summer months our stock and sizes are limited - we have a handful of the least popular sizes left in our styles, so therefore these are the products that we’re offering a discount on, as a way of doing things differently to usual brands, making sure we never end up with “dead stock”.
Moreover, beyond discounts, we’re investing in long-term initiatives to drive positive change. From collaborating with environmental organizations to implementing circular economy principles in our supply chain, we’re dedicated to making sustainability a core part of our identity, not just a marketing trend.
As we navigate the complexities of sustainability in the fashion industry, we recognize that there’s still much work to be done. Earth Day serves as a yearly reminder of the importance of collective action in safeguarding our planet for future generations. By making conscious choices and holding ourselves accountable, we can make a difference, one footstep at a time.
So, as you lace up your shoes and step out into the world, remember the impact of your choices. Together, let’s walk towards a more sustainable future—one where fashion and footwear doesn’t cost the earth.
Happy Earth Day from Trash.
