Wednesday, December 9, 2009

IndoSole - the earth's new fave sandals.





The masterminds behind IndoSole are taking eco-friendly shoes to a whole new level.  Their sandals, manufactured in Bali, are made out of tires from Indonesian landfills and other natural materials like banana leaf, burlap, vegan leather, and Indonesian grass.  As it states on their website, 2 pair of IndoSole sandals can be created from 1 landfill-polluting tire.  Even the packaging is sustainable – the shoes come in reusable shopping bags made from rice sacks, and the boxes are made from 100% recycled cardboard.  Indos are handmade –which means zero pollution- by happy, fairly paid Balinese workers in clean factories.  I know what you’re thinking – it is possible that these sandals could get any cooler?!  ‘Tis. 

Not only are the sandals eco-friendly, they actually look and feel awesome.  I would know, since I had the opportunity to meet with the founders of IndoSole a few weeks ago.  Faye and Kyle are the definition of down to earth; they are friendly, interesting, have meaningful values, and created a unique, quality product.  The sandals are super sturdy, so you know they’ll really last.  The various braided or woven upper soles are surprisingly soft, especially with the foam inserts underneath.
             
IndoSoles will be sold in stores by Spring 2010, but if you can’t wait till then, men's sandals are currently available online (awesome holiday gift idea!).  Check out their website for more information on these spectacular sandals.  I will definitely be getting a pair for myself, and for my brothers (if they play their cards right).  You should probably do the same.  Also friend them on Facebook!
            
In the meantime, here’s some IndoSole fun facts:
Number of Tires saved To Date: 253 (First ever production order of 506 pair) - 2 pair of Indo Sandals saves 1 tire from the landfill
Number of Rice Sacks Saved To Date:  253 (First ever production order for packaging) - 2 shopping bags with handles are made from 1 large rice sack
Number of people employed in the workshop: 20




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