Earth Day is a great time to focus on sustainability. Obviously, the April holiday was created with that idea in mind. It shines a light on which companies are making an effort to be more eco-friendly. Although there are several fashion and beauty brands that proudly wave the green flag all year long. The list includes some heavy hitters, like Stella McCartney, Gabriela Hearst and Dr. Martens.
The latter is really invested. The footwear label just introduced its latest material innovation made to combat leather waste. Dr. Martens is reclaiming leather and then creating shoes made to go the distance. The brand just debuted its new Genix Nappa collection showcasing original silhouettes. Naturally, you have your iconic combat-style boots for $170. But that's not all you have to choose from. Dr. Martens also offers Reclaimed Leather Chelsea Boots for $170. While the Reclaimed Leather Oxford Shoes will set you back $140. So you can get classic Dr. Martens with less impact on the environment. Win-win.
In a show of true transparency, the brand posted a behind-the-scenes video on its Instagram showing the process of turning leather offcuts into pairs of new shoes. It's actually pretty astounding to see.
But the fabled shoe brand isn't alone in its efforts to make its wares more eco-conscious. Including developing brand new materials. Take Reformation. The upscale, planet-friendly label recently brought back its swimwear line. In an effort to make sure the suits leave almost no footprints on the environment, they're constructed from either renewable, plant-based materials or nylon regenerated from waste by Fulgar and ECONYL.
Hearst has also always made sustainability a priority, even during her time at Chloe. For her first runway show for her eponymous label, Hearst relied on close to 30 deadstock fabrics. Fast-forward to 2020 when the designer managed to pull off a carbon neutral runway show. The fashion house also pledges to completely eliminate the use of virgin materials.
McCartney's commitment is well-noted, including by us. She's the queen of developing and using new, eco-aware materials. See her latest partnership with Veuve Clicquot that created "a grape-based alternative to animal leather."
All of these brands prove that anyone can take steps to help the environment. Even small steps can have a big impact. We're betting and hoping that before (and after) Monday, April 22 that more brands will make a heartfelt and long-lasting commitment to protecting our planet.
