Looking for a pair of sustainable slippers to keep your feet warm during the winter season? Look no further. Sustainable Jungle has done the research for you and found some ethical and eco-friendly options to choose from. With so many unsustainable options and greenwashing in the market, finding sustainable slippers can be a slippery slope.
In this article, Sustainable Jungle provides a list of sustainable slippers they have tried and loved. The article also includes a disclaimer that everything recommended on their platform is independently researched and that they test products on an as-needed basis to avoid waste. Keep reading to find out more about these cozy and sustainable house slippers.
The Most Sustainable Slippers For Men & Women
When it comes to finding the most sustainable slippers for both men and women, there are several brands that stand out above the rest. These brands prioritize ethical and sustainable practices in their production processes, while also providing high-quality and comfortable slippers for their customers. Here are some of the top sustainable slipper brands to consider:
1. Baabuk
Baabuk is a family-owned business that produces sustainable house slippers and shoes for men and women. The company’s slippers are made with felted natural New Zealand ethical wool, which is from where mulesing is outlawed. The cushioned soles are made with a blend of sustainable materials, such as cotton and wool. The outsoles are natural latex rubber attached with eco-friendly glues and finished with hand-stitching for long-lasting wear. Baabuk produces everything by hand in their scratch-built workshop in Nepal, where workers are provided with fair working conditions and a 25% higher salary than the national average. Baabuk has been a Certified B Corp since 2016, and their current score of 89.6 is almost 40 points above the median for businesses of their class.
2. Nootkas
Nootkas is a company that produces eco-friendly indoor slippers for men and women. They offer either slides or slip-on felted wool house slippers and shoes for men and women. The Astoria slippers are entirely biodegradable slippers. The wool used in Nootkas’ slippers is sourced from New Zealand (where mulesing has been banned) and from nomadic sheep herders in Mongolia, who rely on sheep for their livelihood. Dyes are sourced in Switzerland, the natural rubber from Siberia, and the suede from India. They partner with Fair Trade Certified factories in Nepal and Mongolia that are engaged in ethical labor practices: living wages, gender-equal pay, medical benefits, and a retirement plan. No wastewater is discharged into the environment during the felting process.
3. Kyrgies
Kyrgies is a Climate Neutral Certified maker of slippers using natural materials. The company produces sustainable wool slippers for men, women, children, and toddlers. The women’s and men’s sustainable slippers range is bright, beautiful, and impressive, and includes natural wool loungers, slip-ons, high back slippers, slides, woven house shoes, and ankle-high varieties. The felt sole is non-slip but is not weather-resistant, so it is best to wear these around the house only. Kyrgies uses mostly chemical-free natural felted wool, but the indoor slippers also have a synthetic fabric felt sole with silicone grips. Other slippers, like the Tengries and Kyrgies Naturals, have a bit of elastic blended into the fabric and natural leather soles (tanned without chrome and chromium) for durability.
4. Allbirds
Allbirds is a B Corp certified company that produces sustainable wool slippers for men and women. The company’s slippers are made with ZQ-certified merino wool, which comes from farms that meet strict standards for environmental and social responsibility. The soles are made from a combination of natural and recycled materials, including castor bean oil, sugarcane, and recycled rubber. Allbirds’ packaging is also made from 90% recycled cardboard.
5. Dooeys
Dooeys is a company that produces high-quality vegan slippers made of recycled materials. The company’s slippers are made with a blend of recycled polyester and recycled PET bottles. The insoles are made with a combination of recycled foam and natural cork. Dooeys’ slippers are designed to keep feet warm and the planet cool.
6. Aura Que
Aura Que is a company that produces sustainable slippers for women. The company’s slippers are made with felted wool and are handcrafted by artisans in Nepal. Aura Que works with small producer groups and factories that provide fair wages and safe working conditions. The company also uses eco-friendly materials, such as recycled rubber and natural dyes.
7. Muffle Up
Muffle Up is a company that produces sustainable slippers for men and women. The company’s slippers are made with felted wool and are handcrafted by artisans in Nepal. Muffle Up works with small producer groups and factories that provide fair wages and safe working conditions. The company also uses eco-friendly materials, such as recycled rubber and natural dyes.
8. Bure Bure Slippers
Bure Bure Slippers is a company that produces sustainable wool slippers for men and women. The company’s slippers are made with natural wool and are handcrafted by artisans in Lithuania. Bure Bure Slippers works with small producer groups and factories that provide fair wages and safe working conditions
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What Are Sustainable Slippers?
Sustainable slippers are a type of house shoes that are made using environmentally conscious methods and materials. They are designed to reduce waste and negative impacts on the environment and people. Unlike traditional slippers that are often made with synthetic materials and have a short lifespan, sustainable slippers are made with natural, renewable, and biodegradable materials that can be returned to the earth after their useful life.
The most common sustainable materials used in the production of slippers are organic cotton, merino wool, hemp, natural rubber, and bamboo. These materials are often sourced from fair trade and ethical suppliers and are processed without harmful chemicals or dyes. Some sustainable slippers are even made with recycled materials, such as wool, plastic bottles, and leather.
Wool is a popular material for sustainable slippers because it is a natural byproduct of sheep farming and can biodegrade in as little as 3-4 months. However, it is important that the sheep are raised in free-range environments, shorn in warm weather only, and not subjected to any harmful chemicals or practices. Merino wool, sourced from New Zealand, is a commonly used type of wool for sustainable slippers due to its softness and durability.
Leather slippers are also available as a sustainable option, but it is important to ensure that the leather is sourced from the meat industry byproducts and not from the livestock industry. Vegetable-tanned leather is a popular alternative to traditional leather, as it is processed using natural materials and is free from harmful chemicals.
Sustainable slippers are often handmade by skilled artisans who are paid fair wages and work in safe and ethical conditions. Some companies even offer repair kits for their sustainable slippers, making them a long-lasting and eco-friendly option.
In summary, sustainable slippers are made with natural, renewable, and biodegradable materials that are sourced from ethical and fair trade suppliers. They are designed to reduce waste and negative impacts on the environment and people, and are often handmade by skilled artisans. Sustainable slippers are a great option for those who want to reduce their environmental footprint while still enjoying comfortable and stylish house shoes.
How We Found The Best Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Slippers
When searching for the best sustainable and eco-friendly slippers, the team at [company name] took a deep dive into the world of sustainable and ethical fashion. The selection process was based on several factors, including materials, certifications, supply chain and labor practices, carbon commitments and green practices, and community and charitable giving.
Materials
The team prioritized materials that have a low impact on the environment and occur naturally in nature. Sustainable fabrics such as lyocell, organic cotton, hemp fabric, jute, bamboo fabric, and linen were favored. Vegan shoe brands were also prioritized.
When it comes to wool uppers, Merino wool was preferred due to its fine and soft texture, as well as its ethical sourcing. Slippers with insoles and cushioned soles made of natural felted wool or cork fabric were preferred, as they are temperature regulating and antimicrobial.
The best outsole material was natural rubber/latex, which is a renewable resource harvested by harmlessly tapping the latex of the tree. Leather outsoles were only considered if they were recycled or vegetable-tanned, or ethically sourced as a byproduct of the meat industry. Recycled synthetic fabrics were also used effectively by ethical slipper brands on the list.
Certifications such as ZQ Merino, Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), Leather Working Group (LWG), Global Recycled Standard (GRS), and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) were taken into account.
Supply Chain & Labor Practices
Human rights violations in the fashion industry were a major concern, so the team made sure that the best ethical slippers and the companies that make them don’t contribute in any way to this. Transparency was key, and handmade slippers were preferred.
Slippers made in ways that adhere to fair trade principles, living wages, and safe work environments were favored. Certifications such as Fairtrade, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), B Corporation (B Corp), and World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) were considered.
Carbon Commitments & Green Practices
The best eco-friendly slippers come from brands that go the extra mile to reduce their environmental impact. Companies that fund carbon offset programs, use water-saving/recycling practices, ship in recycled and plastic-free packaging, repurpose waste, or manufacture with renewable energy were preferred.
Community & Charitable Giving
Brands that give back and/or cultivate an empowered, caring community were favored. While some of the slipper companies were too small to be involved in any charitable activities, they were not discounted. The team hopes that these brands will become more involved in charitable activities as they grow.
Final Thoughts On Ethical Slippers
When it comes to sustainable and eco-friendly slippers, the team at [company name] found that materials, certifications, supply chain and labor practices, carbon commitments and green practices, and community and charitable giving were the most important factors to consider. By prioritizing these factors, the team was able to find the best ethical slippers that are both comfortable and conscious.
