Green Daily

Tons of clothing companies offer a specialty line that caters to the growing mob of scuppie consumers, but in the case of Simple Shoes in Santa Barbara, the specialty collection is now running the show. After Simple launched its Green Toe lineup in late 2005, they decided to just keep the green wheels turning and permanently change the way they make their entire collection. As a result, every pair of Simples on the market has a smaller eco-footprint.



Simple's new methodology basically consists of making longer-lasting products with more environmentally-friendly materials. Recycled or earth-friendly materials are substituted whenever and wherever possible. Elastic on a new pair of simples is made out of a combination of latex and recycled PET plastic. Most of the soles are made from old car tires on their way to the landfill. Even the packaging that you get your recycled shoes in is most cases recycled.

As you may have noticed while perusing through their site, Simple is really into hemp. I usually role my eyes whenever I hear anyone going off on the benefits of hemp, but the thing is: hemp is a great resource because its durable, easy to grow, etc. The nice thing about Simple is that they understand that 'eco-hippie' might not be the look you're going for.