Hey Coffee Lovers,
Have you ever thought of wearing your favorite drink?
Yes, you heard it right. Have a look at this!
Coffee is consumed in vast amounts almost everywhere throughout the world.Around two billion cups are consumed every day leading to an annual waste of six million tonnes that often end up in either landfills or gets washed away.This is extremely hazardous for the environment as after decomposition, coffee grounds release methane (a greenhouse gas) into the atmosphere.
Concerned about this issue, two entrepreneurs in Helsinki (Finland) named Son Chu and Jesse Tran, started working over the sustainable alternatives.
As the duo is ‘sneaker-obsessed’, they decided to develop sustainable sneakers and thus, were born ‘RENS’, the coffee sneakers!
Each pair of Rens sneakers not only uses 300g of coffee wastebut also 6 plastic bottles making them highly durable.
The sneakers possess a lot of other qualities as well. They are fast drying (200% faster than other standard function polyester) and 100%waterproof. They contain a breathable, waterproof nano-layerthat keeps it dry for its entire lifecycle.This layer allows the air to pass through making it totally breathable. They are also 100% vegan and easy to maintain.
But, hold on…. That’s not it yet!
They are also odor free, anti-bacterial and UV light resistant (all thanks to its main component – coffee!).Natural properties of coffee grounds help eliminate odors. It has natural antimicrobial qualities that make it a great disinfectant and its UV blocking properties ensure the brightness of the colors stay longer.
Despite incorporating so many features in just one pair, the shoes created are extremely lightweight, each pair weighing just 460g (of which 300g is coffee)!
Just like Rens, there’s another brand called XpreSole, by CCILU Footwear. Using similar technique, it launched its line of Cody sneakers with coffee aroma.
The fashion industry has started taking significantly higher steps aiming to reduce pollution and landfill today. Though a little late, It is finally trying to position itself that actively seeks to reduce the carbon footprint holistically by incorporating various sustainable and eco-friendly features. These alternative materials would definitely help in not only reducing the fashion sector’s waste levels, but also make use of leftovers from other industries, making our earth greener!
This Earth Day, let us all pledge for Sustainability.
Earth has always been a generous mother. Let us return her favour by preserving and protecting her.