In different parts of the world, sneakers go by various names. Australians call them “runners,” the British say “trainers,” and Americans often refer to them as “tennis shoes” or simply “sneakers.” No matter what you call them, these rubber-soled shoes are a staple for billions of people worldwide. Originally invented in the late 1800s, sneakers have come a long way from their simple canvas and rubber beginnings. Today, they’re more popular than ever, especially in the United States, where people buy an average of three pairs each year.
To keep up with the demand, around 23 billion pairs of shoes are made every year, mostly in factories located in China and Southeast Asia. However, making sneakers isn’t as simple as it used to be. It’s now a complex process that requires a lot of work and can be harmful to both workers and the environment. The shoe industry is responsible for about 20% of the fashion sector’s carbon emissions. Sneakers alone produce 313 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, which is similar to the emissions from 66 million cars!
Let’s break down what makes sneakers so impactful on the environment. Sneakers are made up of several parts: the heel, insole, midsole, and upper layer. These are usually crafted from synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, latex, and polyurethane. Making these materials involves extracting fossil fuels, which releases a lot of greenhouse gases. Processing these materials into textiles also uses a lot of energy, adding to pollution. Some sneakers use natural materials like leather, but the process of tanning leather involves chemicals like chromium, which can harm water ecosystems.
The outer soles of sneakers are typically made from rubber that goes through a process called vulcanization. This involves adding sulfur to heated raw rubber to make it more durable. While natural rubber was once common, most soles now use a synthetic mix of natural rubber and byproducts from coal and oil, contributing to 20% of a sneaker’s carbon footprint. However, the biggest environmental impact comes from the manufacturing process itself. A single sneaker can have up to 65 different parts, each made by specialized machines. It’s cheaper for factories to make these parts separately and then transport them to assembly plants, but this adds even more CO2 emissions.
Once all the parts arrive at the assembly line, they go through many steps like cutting, pouring, melting, baking, cooling, gluing, and stitching. Putting together a sneaker involves over 360 steps and makes up the remaining 20% of its environmental impact. The way factories are set up also raises concerns about labor practices. Many brands don’t own the factories where their shoes are made, which means workers in countries with fewer labor protections might earn low wages and be exposed to harmful chemicals.
Once manufactured, sneakers are packaged and shipped to stores all over the world. While some sneakers can last for years, those used for running might wear out in about six months. Because sneakers are made from so many different materials, recycling them is tough. About 20% of old sneakers are burned, and the rest end up in landfills, where they can take up to 1,000 years to decompose.
To balance our love for sneakers with the need to protect the environment, designers should focus on simpler designs and eco-friendly materials. Factories should use energy-efficient processes and combine steps to reduce waste. As consumers, we can support brands that use clean energy and fair labor practices. We can also buy fewer shoes, wear them longer, and donate those we don’t need anymore. By taking these actions, we can all help create a more sustainable future.
Imagine you are a sneaker designer tasked with creating an environmentally friendly shoe. Use recycled materials and innovative ideas to sketch your design. Consider how you can reduce the carbon footprint and improve sustainability. Present your design to the class and explain your choices.
Research the lifecycle of a sneaker from production to disposal. Create a flowchart that outlines each stage and its environmental impact. Discuss with your classmates how each stage contributes to the overall carbon footprint and brainstorm ways to minimize these impacts.
Participate in a class debate on the ethics of sneaker production. Divide into two groups: one supporting current manufacturing practices and the other advocating for more sustainable and ethical methods. Use evidence from the article to support your arguments.
Investigate local recycling programs for sneakers and propose a plan to improve recycling rates. Work in groups to create a campaign that encourages your community to recycle old sneakers. Present your campaign ideas to the class.
Calculate the carbon footprint of a pair of sneakers you own. Research the materials used and the manufacturing process. Compare your findings with classmates and discuss how different materials and production methods affect the overall environmental impact.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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Australians call them “runners,” the British know them as “trainers,” and Americans refer to them as “tennis shoes” or “sneakers.” Regardless of the name, these rubber-soled, casual shoes are worn by billions of people around the world. Originally invented in the late 19th century, these simple canvas and rubber creations have evolved significantly since their inception. Today, sneaker consumption is at an all-time high, with the United States leading in purchases, averaging three pairs per person each year.
To meet this demand, approximately 23 billion shoes are produced annually, primarily in factories across China and Southeast Asia. However, shoe manufacturing has become more complex, labor-intensive, and poses risks for both workers and the environment. The shoe industry contributes to roughly one-fifth of the fashion sector’s carbon emissions, with sneakers alone generating 313 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year, equivalent to the annual emissions of 66 million cars.
To better understand the carbon footprint of sneakers, let’s explore their components. The heel, insole, midsole, and upper layer are typically made from synthetic textiles such as polyester, nylon, latex, and polyurethane. The extraction of fossil fuels for these materials emits significant greenhouse gases, and processing these raw materials into synthetic textiles consumes a lot of energy, further increasing pollution. Some sneaker tops are made from natural materials like leather, but the tanning process involves chromium, a chemical that can harm freshwater ecosystems.
The outer soles of most shoes are made from rubber that undergoes a process called vulcanization, which adds sulfur to heated raw rubber to create a durable material. While natural rubber was traditionally used, most outer soles now consist of a synthetic blend of natural rubber and byproducts from coal and oil, accounting for 20% of a sneaker’s carbon footprint. However, more than two-thirds of a shoe’s carbon impact arises from the manufacturing process. A typical sneaker consists of 65 distinct parts, each produced by specialized machinery, making it more cost-effective for factories to mass-produce components separately rather than manufacturing everything in one location. The transportation of these parts to assembly plants contributes additional CO2 emissions.
Once the components reach the assembly line, they undergo various processes, including cutting, pouring, melting, baking, cooling, and gluing, before being stitched together. The assembly of a typical sneaker involves over 360 steps and accounts for the remaining 20% of its environmental impact. The distribution of factories also raises concerns about labor practices, as many brands do not own their factories. Consequently, workers in countries with limited labor protections often earn below a living wage and are exposed to harmful chemicals.
After manufacturing, shoes are packaged and shipped to stores worldwide. While many shoes can last for years, those used for running may wear out after about six months. Due to the variety of materials used, recycling these shoes is challenging; approximately 20% are incinerated, while the remainder ends up in landfills, where they can take up to 1,000 years to decompose.
To reconcile our love for sneakers with the need for sustainability, designers should streamline their designs and prioritize eco-friendly materials. Factories need to adopt energy-efficient manufacturing processes that consolidate steps and components. Consumers can support companies that utilize clean energy and ethical manufacturing practices. Additionally, we can buy fewer shoes, wear them longer, and donate those we no longer need. By taking these steps, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.
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This version maintains the original content’s essence while ensuring clarity and conciseness.
Sneakers – A type of shoe often used for sports or casual wear, which can be produced using various materials that impact the environment. – Many companies are now making sneakers from recycled materials to reduce their environmental footprint.
Environment – The natural world, including the air, water, and land, in which people, animals, and plants live. – Protecting the environment is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring a healthy planet for future generations.
Carbon – A chemical element found in all living things, which is also released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide when fossil fuels are burned. – Reducing carbon emissions is essential to combat climate change and its effects on the environment.
Emissions – The act of releasing something, especially gas or radiation, into the atmosphere. – Factories are working to lower their emissions to comply with new environmental regulations.
Pollution – The presence or introduction of harmful substances into the environment, which can cause damage to ecosystems and human health. – Air pollution from vehicles and factories contributes significantly to global warming.
Materials – The substances or components used to make products, which can have varying impacts on the environment depending on their source and production process. – Choosing sustainable materials for manufacturing can help reduce environmental damage.
Recycling – The process of converting waste into reusable material to prevent waste of potentially useful resources. – Recycling paper and plastic helps conserve natural resources and reduces landfill waste.
Sustainability – The ability to maintain ecological and resource balance by avoiding depletion of natural resources for future generations. – Sustainability practices in agriculture ensure that we can continue to produce food without harming the environment.
Factories – Buildings or complexes where goods are manufactured or assembled, often contributing to environmental issues through emissions and waste. – Many factories are adopting cleaner technologies to minimize their environmental impact.
Labor – The work performed by people that is necessary for the production of goods and services, which can be affected by environmental and economic factors. – Fair labor practices in the production of goods can lead to more sustainable and ethical manufacturing processes.
