The summer sun is a good excuse to get outside and be active. Whether you are on tennis courts, on the basketball pavement, or hitting the road jogging chances are you'll probably be getting a new pair of running shoes. Before you go to the store, remember to take a look at Zumer and see who ranks at the top of your list.
Human rights in the supply-chain:
The apparel and footwear industry has been under the microscope over the past few years, after several instances of poor working conditions and with the use of child labour in overseas factories were exposed. In response to these scandals and public backlash, many footwear producers have taken great strides to clean up their act and put in better processes to manage and audit their supply-chain. Puma for instance has set the goal of auditing the operations of 100% of their direct suppliers (achieved 90% audits in 2006). Likewise they have participated in an innovative project to build capacity within their suppliers to report and implement sustainability initiatives.
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Overall, in 2005, the US generated some 8 million tons of waste from footwear and clothing -- approximately 54 pounds per person. (Source) Apparently Jerry Seinfeld owns over 500 pairs of mint condition white sneakers. |
Green shoes?
No longer is green a niche product for Nike, but part of their mainstream signature lines with the introduction of "green" versions of their Steve Nash and Michael Jordan products. Earlier this year, Nike launched the Steve Nash "Trash Talk" shoe that was made entirely from recycled scrap from shoe shop floors.
Nike also launched the 23rd anniversary Air Jordan shoe (XX3) as a shoe that is designed and assembled like a jigsaw, thus requiring a minimal amount of adhesives and glues that are considered environmentally unfriendly.
Made in USA?
New Balance has a reputation of being "made in the U.S.A" and supporting American jobs. While they do maintain significant operations in the U.S. with ten factories remaining, in recent years, New Balance has expanded their operations overseas to Asia and more of their product is actually made in China. However, they do maintain a product line of over 25 models, of which at least 70% of the content is made in the U.S.A.
How important is it to you that companies manufacture their shoes in developed countries as opposed to developing countries? Join this week's discussion forum and let others know what you think.