The Shocking Amount Of Plastic In Your Shoes

Plastic is a common material used in shoes. In 2018, the average American bought seven pairs of shoes, many of which contained plastic. The demand for lighter, bouncier, and more durable materials has led to the widespread use of plastic in footwear. While some companies are making efforts to reduce plastic waste by using recycled materials or implementing take-back programs, the complex construction of shoes with multiple materials often makes them impossible to recycle. As a result, most shoes end up in landfills, contributing to plastic pollution. With the rise in environmental concerns, consumers are encouraged to reduce their consumption and consider the impact of plastic in their shoe purchases.

Shoes with plastic are hard to recycle

Plastic is a common material in shoes, with an estimated 24 billion pairs of shoes made worldwide in 2018, and almost half of exported footwear made of rubber or plastic. However, shoes with plastic are hard to recycle due to several reasons. Firstly, shoes are often made from different plastic materials that are moulded and sewn together, and this combination of materials, along with the glue used to bind them, makes most shoes impossible to recycle. As a result, they usually end up in landfills or the ocean, contributing to plastic pollution.

Secondly, when plastic is reheated for recycling, it degenerates and must be used to create a lower-quality product. This process of "downcycling" is common in the recycling industry, but it is not often communicated to the public, and companies are reluctant to advertise their products as "downcyclable". The process of recycling plastic also requires more energy than using organically produced natural fibres, which further contributes to the environmental impact of shoes with plastic.

Thirdly, there is a lack of infrastructure and limited recycling capabilities in some regions, hindering the growth of the recycled plastic shoe market. Even when recycled plastic is used in shoes, it often comes from clear plastic bottles that can be dyed into other colours, limiting the types of plastic that can be used. Additionally, there are still fewer places where textile manufacturers can buy recycled plastic compared to synthetic materials, and it is more expensive.

Lastly, the problem is not just about the technicalities of recycling but also about transparency. Products may be labelled with recycling symbols without providing visibility into whether the materials are actually being repurposed into something meaningful. This lack of transparency can mislead consumers into thinking they are making sustainable choices when, in reality, the recycled plastic in their shoes may still be destined for the landfill.

Plastic is made from fossil fuels

Plastic is everywhere, from workout clothes to hand sanitizers, cosmetics, and crayons. It is a product of the oil and gas industry, derived from fossil fuels. Almost all plastics (99%) are made from fossil fuels, and the process of extracting and refining these fuels for energy production has severe environmental and health consequences.

The process of making plastic from fossil fuels involves extracting natural gas liquids (NGLs) like ethane and propane, which are then sent to a "cracking facility". Ethane is converted into ethylene, the foundation of polyethylene, the most common plastic globally, used for packaging, bottles, and synthetic clothing. Propane, on the other hand, is sent to a dehydrogenation plant where it becomes propylene, the base for polypropylene, a plastic used in food packaging and vehicle manufacturing.

The production of plastic is closely linked to the fossil fuel industry. As the world transitions to renewable energy sources, the fossil fuel industry is pushing for plastic production to maintain its business. This shift has significant implications for the environment and communities near petrochemical facilities. The production of petrochemicals releases numerous pollutants, including dioxin and ethylene oxide, which have been linked to increased cancer risks and serious birth abnormalities.

Additionally, the extraction of fossil fuels for plastic production impacts the air and water quality of the surrounding areas, often inhabited by disadvantaged communities. The presence of plastic in the ocean also affects the ocean's carbon pump and contributes to climate change. As a downstream product of fossil fuels, plastic ends up in landfills and the sea, causing pollution and harming marine life.

Addressing plastic pollution is crucial in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the environmental and health risks associated with both industries. The production and use of plastic have far-reaching consequences, and it is essential to recognize its connection to fossil fuels to make informed choices and advocate for sustainable alternatives.

Plastic breaks down into microplastics

Plastic is a significant component of modern footwear, with almost half of the exported shoes in the world made of rubber or plastic. The demand for lighter, more flexible materials in the shoe industry has led to the extensive use of plastic. However, the issue of plastic pollution in footwear is concerning, as plastic breaks down into microplastics, causing environmental and health hazards.

When plastic ends up in landfills or oceans, it undergoes a process of degradation. Larger pieces of plastic become brittle and break down due to various factors such as sunlight, oxidation, friction, or even animals interacting with the plastic. This process continues indefinitely, with the plastic fragments becoming smaller and smaller, eventually reaching the microplastic stage. Microplastics are tiny plastic particulates measuring less than 5 mm in size and are invisible in water. They can float or sink, depending on their composition.

The problem with microplastics is that they never truly disappear; they accumulate and persist in the environment. They can be transported over long distances, even reaching remote regions through wind or ocean currents. These microscopic particles have been found in polar ice, the deepest oceans, and even the air we breathe. As a result, microplastics have become an inevitable part of the natural world, with potential consequences for both the environment and human health.

While some companies, like Adidas, are reusing plastic waste in their sneakers, the process of recycling plastic still has environmental costs. Additionally, recycled plastic can only be used for lower-quality products, as the material degenerates each time it is reheated. Ultimately, reducing plastic consumption and finding alternative materials are essential steps in mitigating the impact of plastic pollution and the proliferation of microplastics.

Companies are removing plastic from shoes

Plastic is a common material used in shoes, with almost half of the world's exported footwear made of rubber or plastic. However, plastic is not easily recycled, and it often ends up in oceans and landfills, causing harm to the environment and marine life. As a result, some companies are actively removing plastic from their shoes and exploring alternative materials.

One such company is Sevilla Smith, which constructs its shoes from natural materials like leather, wood, and metal nails. Their shoes are designed with a minimum of materials, allowing for easier repairs and resoling, extending the lifespan of the product. This approach reduces waste and encourages consumers to buy and consume less, as highlighted by design historian and shoemaker Marie Brennan.

Another company, Puma, has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by partnering with First Mile, an organization supporting low-income communities in Haiti, Honduras, and Taiwan. Through this collaboration, Puma utilizes plastic bottles collected from streets, canals, and landfills to produce recycled polyester for its sportswear collection. This initiative not only addresses plastic waste but also positively impacts the lives of people in these communities.

Nike has also made strides in reducing plastic waste with its Flyknit shoe technology. The Flyknit design features a one-piece upper that eliminates the need for multiple material cuts, significantly reducing waste. Additionally, Nike uses recycled PET plastic bottles to create high-performance apparel, converting reclaimed bottles into new yarn and fabric. This effort has reduced the company's environmental footprint by approximately 3.5 million pounds of waste.

Some companies are even repurposing plastic waste to create innovative new products. Adidas, in collaboration with Parley for the Oceans, an organization dedicated to addressing ocean threats, launched a sustainable footwear line. Each pair of shoes made with Parley Ocean Plastic prevents 11 plastic bottles from reaching the oceans, intercepting them from beaches and coastal communities.

While companies are making efforts to remove plastic from shoes, consumers also play a crucial role. By supporting brands that prioritize sustainability and recycled materials, consumers can drive the market toward environmentally friendly practices and help address the global plastic problem.

Consumers need to buy fewer plastic shoes

Plastic is a significant component of modern footwear, with almost all shoes containing some form of plastic. This was not always the case, as historically, shoes were made from natural materials such as wood, twine, and leather. Today, the combination of materials used in shoes, along with the glue that binds them, makes most shoes impossible to recycle. As a result, they often end up in landfills, contributing to plastic pollution. Consumers need to buy fewer plastic shoes to reduce their environmental impact.

The demand for plastic in shoes arose from the desire for lighter, bouncier, and more durable materials in sports, fashion, and sex work. Plastic, with its flexibility and mouldability, seemed like the perfect solution. However, the use of plastic in shoes has led to significant environmental concerns. When plastic ends up in landfills, it breaks down into microplastics, which can enter oceans and disrupt the marine food chain.

Some companies are taking initiatives to address this issue. For example, Adidas has sold over a million pairs of shoes made from recycled ocean plastic. They are also developing the "Futurecraft Loop" sneaker, made from a single material (thermoplastic polyurethane) that can be at least partially recycled. Nike has its Reuse-A-Shoe program, which has recycled an estimated 28 million pairs of shoes since 1992. However, these efforts are not enough to offset the vast number of shoes produced and consumed.

Despite these recycling initiatives, the most effective way to reduce the environmental impact of plastic shoes is to consume less. As Marie Brennan, a design historian at Norwich University and shoemaker, stated, "We're just going to have to buy and consume a lot less." Consumers need to be mindful of the impact of their purchases and consider buying shoes made from natural materials or those that are genuinely recyclable.

In conclusion, while plastic shoes may be convenient and desirable, the environmental impact of their production and disposal is significant. Consumers have a responsibility to reduce their consumption of plastic shoes and support companies that are genuinely committed to sustainability. By making conscious choices, we can collectively work towards a greener future and reduce the harmful effects of plastic pollution.

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