Comments on: Fair Trade Footwear: Walk a Mile in Ethical Shoes http://tryingtofollow.com/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/ Thoughts on the Journey Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:02:25 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: matt http://tryingtofollow.com/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/comment-page-/#comment-55091 matt Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:45:52 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/#comment-55091 Ha, and here's the URL: <a href="http://buyshoessavelives.com/" target="_blank">http://buyshoessavelives.com/</a> Ha, and here's the URL: http://buyshoessavelives.com/

]]> By: Josh http://tryingtofollow.com/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/comment-page-1/#comment-55044 Josh Tue, 08 Jun 2010 01:55:17 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/#comment-55044 Sorry to tell you, but TOMS Shoes are nowhere near fair trade. They are made in China, as some people below have stated. I guess advertising "Made in China" would be very good publicity. Sorry to tell you, but TOMS Shoes are nowhere near fair trade. They are made in China, as some people below have stated. I guess advertising "Made in China" would be very good publicity.

]]> By: Jenn http://tryingtofollow.com/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/comment-page-1/#comment-54676 Jenn Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:02:59 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/#comment-54676 Has anyone found any information regarding the materials used for TOMS? I'm doing a project for school. A preliminary search has shown no information, other than that shoes are made in China, Argentina, and Ethiopia and the same quote someone posted previously. Has anyone found any information regarding the materials used for TOMS? I'm doing a project for school. A preliminary search has shown no information, other than that shoes are made in China, Argentina, and Ethiopia and the same quote someone posted previously.

]]> By: Iman http://tryingtofollow.com/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/comment-page-1/#comment-54251 Iman Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:26:54 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/#comment-54251 forgive me, I meant to say that the answer was NOT satisfying for me. forgive me, I meant to say that the answer was NOT satisfying for me.

]]> By: Iman http://tryingtofollow.com/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/comment-page-1/#comment-54250 Iman Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:25:20 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/#comment-54250 Ted, that's really interesting. A few months ago, a friend told me she heard that TOMS were not "fair trade" so I decided to look into it. I went onto the TOMS Shoes website during their business hours and clicked on their live HELP Chat option. I asked them questions about how they ensure their shoes were not made in sweatshops and were fairly traded, and the response I got was pretty disappointing. The representative I was talking to told me that there are no International fair trade regulations for SHOES, only clothes. The person said that TOMS was looking into enforcing and regulating fair trade practices, but nothing they said indicated that regulation was something they were already doing- instead, it was something they were hoping to do in the future. Unfortunately, this answer was satisfying for me. I think if you're going to claim that your shoes are made fairly and the workers involved in every step are paid livable wages and are treated fairly, then you better be sure that's the truth. Until I can get more solid and consistent answers (it seems that TED and the associate I chatted with have two different ideas of how/where TOMS makes shoes), I'm not going to shamelessly promote them like I used to. It's unfortunate, but people should do more research. Ted, that's really interesting. A few months ago, a friend told me she heard that TOMS were not "fair trade" so I decided to look into it. I went onto the TOMS Shoes website during their business hours and clicked on their live HELP Chat option. I asked them questions about how they ensure their shoes were not made in sweatshops and were fairly traded, and the response I got was pretty disappointing. The representative I was talking to told me that there are no International fair trade regulations for SHOES, only clothes. The person said that TOMS was looking into enforcing and regulating fair trade practices, but nothing they said indicated that regulation was something they were already doing- instead, it was something they were hoping to do in the future. Unfortunately, this answer was satisfying for me. I think if you're going to claim that your shoes are made fairly and the workers involved in every step are paid livable wages and are treated fairly, then you better be sure that's the truth. Until I can get more solid and consistent answers (it seems that TED and the associate I chatted with have two different ideas of how/where TOMS makes shoes), I'm not going to shamelessly promote them like I used to. It's unfortunate, but people should do more research.

]]> By: Anna http://tryingtofollow.com/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/comment-page-1/#comment-54168 Anna Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:12:26 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/#comment-54168 Toms shoes are in fact made in China...or the pair I have are. I'm not sure what I think about that. It actually does say it on the shoe but in teeny tiny letters on the inside. If I look into my shoe it's on left side of the shoe on the inside. If yours are old though there is a chance its been worn off since it's screened on. Toms shoes are in fact made in China…or the pair I have are. I'm not sure what I think about that. It actually does say it on the shoe but in teeny tiny letters on the inside. If I look into my shoe it's on left side of the shoe on the inside. If yours are old though there is a chance its been worn off since it's screened on.

]]> By: Ven http://tryingtofollow.com/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/comment-page-1/#comment-51918 Ven Sun, 31 May 2009 07:12:25 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/#comment-51918 thank you for mentioning biodegradable! is that even POSSIBLE in the shoe world? i really hope so... of course, if you aren't worried about the shape inside the shoe/sole, second-hand/thrift stores would be the most conscientious way to go... and what about the detriments to the human body of wearing shoes all the time (something for which we're obviously not designed) ...check this article out, it's full of stuff i've thought of before but haven't heard many others say: <a href="http://nymag.com/health/features/46213/" target="_blank">http://nymag.com/health/features/46213/</a> because of it, i'm looking into terra plana, <a href="http://www.terraplana.com" target="_blank">www.terraplana.com</a> ...lemme know any thing anyone digs up on this? thanks for the article! thank you for mentioning biodegradable! is that even POSSIBLE in the shoe world? i really hope so… of course, if you aren't worried about the shape inside the shoe/sole, second-hand/thrift stores would be the most conscientious way to go…

and what about the detriments to the human body of wearing shoes all the time (something for which we're obviously not designed) …check this article out, it's full of stuff i've thought of before but haven't heard many others say: http://nymag.com/health/features/46213/

because of it, i'm looking into terra plana, http://www.terraplana.com …lemme know any thing anyone digs up on this?

thanks for the article!

]]> By: accd http://tryingtofollow.com/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/comment-page-1/#comment-50045 accd Wed, 18 Mar 2009 01:43:49 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/#comment-50045 I;m currently researching the company as well, and have not found any firm information on where they get their materials from, what the working conditions are, or what happens to these shoes after they have been worn to pieces. Their sole is made from EVA, which I doubt is biodegradable. Do they have a trade back or recycling program? I;m currently researching the company as well, and have not found any firm information on where they get their materials from, what the working conditions are, or what happens to these shoes after they have been worn to pieces. Their sole is made from EVA, which I doubt is biodegradable. Do they have a trade back or recycling program?

]]> By: People Send Me Stuff - Hat Tips and Reviews | Trying to follow http://tryingtofollow.com/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/comment-page-1/#comment-45803 People Send Me Stuff - Hat Tips and Reviews | Trying to follow Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:37:08 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/#comment-45803 [...] while back I wrote an article about Fair Trade Footwear, and I mentioned TOMS Shoes. It’s basically a cloth slip-on, and when you buy a pair, a child [...] [...] while back I wrote an article about Fair Trade Footwear, and I mentioned TOMS Shoes. It’s basically a cloth slip-on, and when you buy a pair, a child [...]

]]> By: Katharine http://tryingtofollow.com/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/comment-page-1/#comment-37392 Katharine Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:47:29 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/#comment-37392 Thanks for maintaining this site! I stumbled on it this way: Time mag piece by Bill Gates re: "creative capitalism" (and thinking why do corporations have to give away from their profits? how about they pay fair wages and clean-up-as-the-go, which would do a lot for any economy?)> blurb on Tom's Shoes and the one-for-one > cool, but NOTHING at the Tom's site about how the products are made. You posed that question over a year ago, Ariah. Did you get an answer? Now, Ted suggests "free trade and fair labor conditions" in China. I, too, want verification. Meanwhile, I'm e-mailing the reporter who did a piece on Tom's for Time back in 2007. Why didn't she ask about the manufacturing process? Hope we get some answers. I need new shoes, and these look right. Thanks for maintaining this site! I stumbled on it this way: Time mag piece by Bill Gates re: “creative capitalism” (and thinking why do corporations have to give away from their profits? how about they pay fair wages and clean-up-as-the-go, which would do a lot for any economy?)> blurb on Tom’s Shoes and the one-for-one > cool, but NOTHING at the Tom’s site about how the products are made. You posed that question over a year ago, Ariah. Did you get an answer? Now, Ted suggests “free trade and fair labor conditions” in China. I, too, want verification. Meanwhile, I’m e-mailing the reporter who did a piece on Tom’s for Time back in 2007. Why didn’t she ask about the manufacturing process? Hope we get some answers. I need new shoes, and these look right.

]]> By: Ariah http://tryingtofollow.com/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/comment-page-1/#comment-36653 Ariah Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:50:08 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/#comment-36653 Ted, Do you work for TOMS? I'm wondering if I can get some specific details on the "free trade and fair labor conditions" your talking about. Ted,
Do you work for TOMS?
I’m wondering if I can get some specific details on the “free trade and fair labor conditions” your talking about.

]]> By: ted http://tryingtofollow.com/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/comment-page-1/#comment-36652 ted Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:18:06 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/#comment-36652 TOMS are currently made in China, but it is under both free trade and fair labor conditions that are strictly enforced. The production facilities they were using in Argentina simply couldn't handle the demand the way that China can. TOMS are currently made in China, but it is under both free trade and fair labor conditions that are strictly enforced. The production facilities they were using in Argentina simply couldn’t handle the demand the way that China can.

]]> By: Ariah http://tryingtofollow.com/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/comment-page-1/#comment-36508 Ariah Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:14:17 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/#comment-36508 Jacob, Thanks for the info. Do you have a pair that says it on the shoe? Or is there a source you can send me the link to for that information? Jacob,
Thanks for the info. Do you have a pair that says it on the shoe? Or is there a source you can send me the link to for that information?

]]> By: jacob http://tryingtofollow.com/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/comment-page-1/#comment-36504 jacob Fri, 13 Jun 2008 07:15:47 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/#comment-36504 clarification: TOMS shoes are currently MADE IN CHINA. i'll bet they don't run around parading that information like they do the "one for one" gimmick. clarification: TOMS shoes are currently MADE IN CHINA. i’ll bet they don’t run around parading that information like they do the “one for one” gimmick.

]]> By: Buying “Ethical” Shoes. at Trying to follow http://tryingtofollow.com/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/comment-page-1/#comment-30765 Buying “Ethical” Shoes. at Trying to follow Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:06:33 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/#comment-30765 [...] UPDATE: I’ve answered my own question in this post Fair Trade Footwear [...] [...] UPDATE: I’ve answered my own question in this post Fair Trade Footwear [...]

]]> By: Sorry about the delay in getting back to you http://tryingtofollow.com/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/comment-page-1/#comment-29664 Sorry about the delay in getting back to you Thu, 09 Aug 2007 23:29:25 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/#comment-29664 I stumbled onto their website (www.yellowport.ca) while looking for eco-friendly footwear. I stumbled onto their website (www.yellowport.ca) while looking for eco-friendly footwear.

]]> By: Ariah http://tryingtofollow.com/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/comment-page-1/#comment-29349 Ariah Tue, 03 Jul 2007 19:03:52 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/#comment-29349 Terrel, I'll definitely look into it. Never heard of Yellow Port before. How did you find them? Terrel,
I’ll definitely look into it. Never heard of Yellow Port before. How did you find them?

]]> By: Terrel http://tryingtofollow.com/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/comment-page-1/#comment-29327 Terrel Sat, 30 Jun 2007 20:46:06 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/#comment-29327 I'm surprised no one here has mentioned Yellow Port www.yellowport.ca These guys have some really funky trainers and boots, made from a variety of recycled and environmentally sound materials. Their founder, Celio Caetano also adamantly opposes child labour and is very transparent about the company's manufacturing conditions. Maybe someone who speaks portugese more fluently than myself could translate some of the Brazilian media coverage on Yellow Port or even interview Celio Caetano for Digg - just a thought. I’m surprised no one here has mentioned Yellow Port http://www.yellowport.ca

These guys have some really funky trainers and boots, made from a variety of recycled and environmentally sound materials.

Their founder, Celio Caetano also adamantly opposes child labour and is very transparent about the company’s manufacturing conditions.

Maybe someone who speaks portugese more fluently than myself could translate some of the Brazilian media coverage on Yellow Port or even interview Celio Caetano for Digg – just a thought.

]]> By: Viktor http://tryingtofollow.com/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/comment-page-1/#comment-24549 Viktor Tue, 01 May 2007 00:00:30 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/#comment-24549 The hippest ones are the Veja !!! I found them in American Rag, San francisco... The hippest ones are the Veja !!! I found them in American Rag, San francisco…

]]> By: CRM Summer Project: Socially Responsible Investing « Trying to follow CRM Summer Project: Socially Responsible Investing http://tryingtofollow.com/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/comment-page-1/#comment-24471 CRM Summer Project: Socially Responsible Investing « Trying to follow CRM Summer Project: Socially Responsible Investing Mon, 30 Apr 2007 13:02:43 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/03/19/fair-trade-footwear-walk-a-mile-in-ethical-shoes/#comment-24471 [...] Good: Tom’s, Hersey, No Sweat, Adbusters, etc. Bad: [...] [...] Good: Tom’s, Hersey, No Sweat, Adbusters, etc. Bad: [...]

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