Throwing Shoes at Hawks, Hawking Shoes

by Zarah Patriana · 2008-12-15 09:35:00 UTC
Topics:

Shoes. Shoes. Shoes.

I stay away from the internet and all news outlets yesterday and when I finally turn on my computer in the evening, all I hear is shoes, shoes, shoes. Well, if you haven't heard yet, yesterday an Iraqi reporter threw his shoes at U.S. President Bush. A modern day shoe-ing, the Iraqi reporter was expressing his discontent with the Bush regime and US policy in Iraq. I must say, George W. has some impressive shoe dodging skills.

Well, the Bush shoe-talk reminded me of a question that I've been getting a lot lately. People have been wanting to know if there is a Fair Trade shoe line out there. Each time, I excitedly mention Autonomie Project, a Fair Trade fashion and footwear company that makes 100% vegan, organic, eco-friendly and Fair Trade shoes. They are an amazing company with one simple mission:

[T]o supply high-quality, stylish garments to consumers that seek to make purchases that align with their values without having to sacrifice their own personal style. All while making a positive social impact on our earth and raising awareness about today’s most pressing global issues. It has been proven time and time again that the only viable response to the issues of sweatshops and child labor is to establish favorable commerce in which a worker can depend on a reliable, Fair Trade that will help end their cycle of poverty.

They work exclusively with small, independent cooperatives and Fair Trade facilities located in developing locations in the world where the funds made from the shoe production are used to uplift the local community. Autonomie Project makes this possible by paying above the required FLO Fair Trade premium of 15% by upping it and paying a 20% Fair Trade premium. The premium has made it possible to bring a steady water supply to a small village.

Another interesting aspect about Autonomie Project's shoes is that they use all natural FSC rubber. When something is FSC-certifed (Forest Stwewardship Council) it means that the harvest of the rubber (or any product harvested from the forest) is environmentally responsible and respects the natural eco-system of the forest. In addition, it ensures that no wildlife or indigenous people to the forest were harmed or displaced in the harvesting of the product. Chico Mendes would be proud.

The Autonomie Project is a Fair Trade and environmentally responsible business that truly stands out from the rest. They are a true example of a business that looks to make their supply chain fair in every way.

There you have it. Two examples of socially conscious shoes. On one hand (foot?) you have shoes made to respect people and the planet and on the other hand (foot?) you have a shoe thrown at George Bush in protest.

Grab a pair of your own. I'm pretty sure they come in a size 10.

Zarah Patriana
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