By: Shriya Swaminathan
If yellow peas can create a tasty, meaty burger, then mushrooms can certainly transform into a head-turning pair of fashionable shoes! There’s no denying the increasing awareness among consumers about the impact of their purchases. With the horrific treatment of animals and the drastic environmental consequences coming to light, it is critical that ethical and eco- friendly products are the norm and not a luxury. Keeping this mission in mind, pioneers Nicole Rawling and Stephanie Downs have launched the Material Innovation Initiative– a non-profit organization with the goal of “accelerating the development of next-generation sustainable materials for the fashion, automotive, and home goods industries, with a focus on replacing animal-based materials.”
High quality, eco-friendly cactus leather from Desserto
A whopping 72% of a brand’s total environmental impact comes from sourcing raw materials! The Higg Materials Sustainability Index, a tool for scoring the impacts of materials, shows that animal materials make up 4 of the 5 worst materials for the environment. Silk takes up the #1 spot followed by Alpaca wool, leather, cotton, and regular wool. In fact, man-made materials derived from plastics- though still not desirable, are not as detrimental as most animal materials!
Soft, durable, biodegradable silk from BOLT THREADS
With these issues at the forefront of their work, the MII strives for a future where neither the animals, nor the planet have to suffer for us to enjoy high quality products. As part of their efforts, the team works on supporting up and coming innovators, connecting scientists and entrepreneurs, collaborations with manufacturers and startups, and providing vital resources to assist trailblazers who are revolutionizing the global textile industry.
Warm, cozy vegan wool sourced from Giant Milkweed by FABORG
It’s certainly an exciting time for innovation with more and more companies developing technology to turn plant waste or a single animal cell into quality, durable materials. After all, who says you can’t do good, feel good, and look good all at once?!
Gorgeous apple leather shoes by Veerah
Image Sources: Desserto, Bolt Threads, FABORG, Veerah
Thanks so much for sharing the information about MII’s critical work!
60+ year old women are not going to wear heels like those you show. I hope you will consider some realistic, COMFORTABLE shoes.