Fashion by Rachel Sarnoff from Eco Stiletto

January 16, 2009 by Robin

Ready to fall in love? We’re head over heels for these ridiculously hot ankle boots, which are to footwear what Robert Pattinson is to the rest of the male species. Called the Nadia, the boots are part of the Sui Generis by Beyond Skin collection. They’re ethically produced in the U.K. and totally vegan, made from linen-look organic hemp on the outside and metallic faux leather on the inside.

Crafted from felt and damask, faux suede and leather, as well as the aforementioned organic hemp, the Sui Generis and Beyond Skin collections are manufactured in Europe without animals or sweatshops, by the most environmentally-friendly means possible: The insoles are 70% post-consumer waste, the faux leather is dioxin-free polyurethane rather than PVC, all packaging and promotional materials are either recycled or sustainable and printed with veggie inks, and they make regular donations to ethical charities.

Consider, too, that these boots are just as sleek and sophisticated as any animal option, and that leather requires an estimated 225 toxic chemicals—including chrome—in its tanning process. Or that it’s a by-product of the meat industry, to which we donate 25% of our world’s land surface, one-third of our grain, and a majority of our carbon emissions (meat production accounts for 18 percent of our green house gas emissions—that’s more than cars).

But really, do you need any more reasons to fall in love with these ecolicious boots? They’re gorgeous!

How about this one: Sui Generis is giving us a free pair of Nadia ankle boots worth nearly $700 to give away this month. So one of you will soon be wearing our heart on your sole. Tread lightly.

Want a smaller carbon footprint? Beginning in January 2009, www.EcoStiletto.com is giving away a free pair of eco-friendly shoes worth $500 or more every month! Get on the list now, and get the lowdown on shrinking your carbon footprint from an Ugg boot to a Manolo with daily green fashion, beauty, lifestyle, parenting, celebrity and eco-events nationwide and change the world, one small step at a time. Stiletto-size me!

http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Fashion/Comments/