Happy Earth Day! Did you know that the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970? That’s 43 years of all kinds of earth loving people coming together to celebrate, protect and improve our earth. In fact, the first Earth Day is widely recognized as the inspiration to launching the environmental movement.
While, I do understand the importance of Earth Day and the continued work to improve and protect our earth and the environment, I also think it is appropriate to recognize the good deeds
that happen each and everyday. Most of them, I am sure are inspired by the efforts of Earth Day with a commitment to working year round. I am touched and amazed by the people, our partners who work on a daily basis to make a difference in our world.
Today, I would like to dedicate our blog to our some of our brands that give on a daily basis, whether with time, money, volunteer efforts and more, to do good for the sake of the earth and the people sharing our earth. Thank you to all of you!
Clarks
Clarks believes that making great footwear is only one part of their job. At Clarks, they are committed to staying active and making a difference in local communities and our worldwide community. Clarks continues to make a difference through the Clarks Companies Foundation (helping young people achieve their academic goals by providing scholarships), supporting Triangle, Inc. (helping people with disabilities gain greater dignity, independence and economic self-sufficiency), Clarks First Step Program (provides six-month paid internships to people with disabilities in their supportive work environment), The Two/Ten Foundation (provides more than $1.6 million in funds and services to the footwear community), Soul of Africa Program (founded by Lance Clark to help South African Villagers affected by AIDS, and Miraclefeet (supports local health practitioners in their treatment of clubfoot). For more information on Clarks and their Community, please visit https://am.clarksjobs.com/about-us/our-community/
Dansko
Launched in 2003, the Dansko Foundation seeks to inspire, support and facilitate charitable giving and service projects by Dansko employees to qualifying organizations that demonstrate a benefit for humankind. To date, the Foundation has provided over half a million dollars to more than 80 not-for-profit organizations in and around the Delaware Valley area. This funding has helped provide meals, shelter, clothing, household goods and animal rescue services as well as educational, therapeutic and recreational programs for children and adults. Additionally, employees are able to double the value of their charitable donations through the Foundation’s matching grants program.
Keen
With the success of the Keen brand and the ability to give back, Keen proudly partners with non-profit organizations across the globe that are working toward building stronger communities and a healthier planet, since their start in 2003. A few examples of these efforts include donating 3,000 pairs of shoes to relief efforts in the Philippines, granting a total of $100,000 to 25 non-profits through the Keen Effect, and supporting 14 river clean-ups around the country this spring (one in Northfield). For more information on the Keen Effect or Keen’s commitment to a healthier planet, visit www.keeneffect.com or www.keenfootwear.com
Pikolinos
Pikolinos is not only committed to the environment with the materials used and the process to make their shoes, but also to communities around the world through the Juan Perán Pikolinos Foundation. This foundation was set up by Pikolinos President Juan Perán Pikolinos in 2007 ‘to give back to society some of what society has given to me’. More that 16,000 families in Spain, Peru, Guinea-Bissua, Kenya and more have benefited and wonderful endeavors such as The Maasai Project have been created through this foundation. For more information on the Juan Perán Pikolinos Foundation, the Maasai Project or information on materials and processes used in making their shoes, please visit https://www.pikolinos.com/us-en/universo/
Ahnu
Since 2007, Ahnu has raised over $250,000 for organizations such as the Wilderness Land Trust (investing resources to protect and preserve the wilderness for now and for future generations) and the Breast Cancer Fund (an effort to determine root environmental causes of breast cancer and work toward the elimination of toxins in order to prevent breast cancer). As a natural next step in their philanthropic efforts, Ahnu Footwear announced in February of 2014, that it was partnering with 1% for the Planet, and pledges to donate 1% of annual sales to support approved non-profit organizations in the network. For more information about all of Ahnu’s charitable efforts and The Greater Good, please click here https://www.ahnu.com/greater-good.html
Chaco
Since 2010, ReChaco has saved 56,000 pairs of sandals from landfills. That’s around 106,000 pounds! They have been making long-lasting footwear for 25 years now; but in those rare instances when your sandals just can’t take another step because they’ve been ripped, chewed, torn, or just worn down, let ReChaco take over. Based in Rockford, Michigan, the ReChaco team can resole outsoles, replace webbing and buckles, even lengthen or shorten straps. Learn more about our ReChaco program here: https://www.chacos.com/US/en/Rechaco-Landing ”
Kalso Earth
Many of the Kalso Earth shoes feature eco-friendly elements such as water-based glues, recycled cardboard midsoles, and footbeds made from various recycled materials such as soad bottles or PU foam. Kalso was opened on the first-ever Earth Day and “Kalso Shoes” was immediately coined “Kalso Earth Shoes”.
Earth Footwear
The focus of the Earth Footwear brand is about making greener choices and a living an earth friendly lifestyle by eating local and fresh, getting involved in the community and making better buying decisions. All Earth Footwear shoes are made from water-based glues, which is less polluting to the water and air.
We are so happy to report that these are just a few of our brands and partners that give back on a daily basis. Look for future blog posts that highlight more brands, more goodness and efforts to make this a better world.
Happy Earth Day and Happy Every Day!
