What global, possible, immediate, action came out of the COP21 climate summit in Paris, some sneakers? Yes, Adidas uses plastic ocean waste to create a 3D-printed shoe!
Adidas has pledged to take other steps to reduce plastic pollution like phasing out the use of plastic bags in its retail stores. Adidas says this particular goal will be achieved by the end of the first quarter of 2016. Adidas is going a step further, combining the knitted ocean plastic of the upper part of the shoe with a 3D-printed midsole that is comprised of recycled polyester and gillnets. The fashion industry is in a unique position to address the problem of ocean pollution!
“World leaders forging an agreement is wonderful, but we shouldn’t need to be told to do the right thing”
Items sold are in the right direction of sustainable commerce, now we need to look at the next problem.
How many people realize that e-commerce is a major source of pollution? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, containers and packaging accounted for 30 percent of total solid waste generated in the US in 2012. And this figure is undoubtedly set to rise with growing global e-commerce sales.
In 2014, protective packaging reportedly represented a $22 billion industry, with plastic foam alone valued at $6 billion, as millions of products are constantly revolving around the planet, waiting to be sold online. Not only do they consume fossil fuel, but if the customer sends the item back, the ecological impact doubles.
Bravo Adidas and Parley for the Oceans you work for our future!
