Galahad, who founded the ethical shoe company Terra Plana has taken the time to answer a few of my questions. Terra Plana use innovative design and eco-friendly materials in the manufacture of their shoes – have a look at their great Autumn Winter collection.
What are the challenges that the footwear industry presents to the environment?
The footwear industry is one of the most polluting in the world. Leather tanning is infamous for its use of heavy metals and the difficulty in dealing with effluents used in the tanning process. Metal shanks and components abound! New industrial tooling for every style – let alone new moulds as well as high levels of toxicity and oil based products in the plastics, soling materials and glue.
Do you ever wear Fair Trade fashion clothing? If so, why?
Yes – Because Safia makes great stuff!
What are your top 5 favourite People Tree products?
1) Square textured shirt
2) Contrast trim cardi
3) Brown check shirt
4) Gherkin t-shirt
5) Black poplin shirt
If you were to visit our producers in Bangladesh, Kenya, Peru or Nepal, which one would you visit?
Kenya (because we are developing shoe production there through Soul of Africa) but I’d love to go to the other countries as I’ve never been to any of them!
You work very closely with your factories in China. How do you ensure a fair deal for your factory workers? How do you feel about People Tree working with small groups in rural areas using hand skills?
We work with independent auditors and strict codes of conduct. The labour market is now very buoyant in the area – so the biggest problem the factories have is keeping hold of the workers!
I admire the way People Tree work with small groups in rural areas and have experience in the shoe business doing this sort to think through Soul of Africa – The social enterprise we work with to make shoes in Africa and donate all profits back to Aids related community development projects.
The thorough integrity of People Tree’s supply chains is quite remarkable and I continuously admire it.
Enjoy a lovely 20% discount on any purchase made at Terra Plana or in store from October 8 to November 8 2009. Just enter promo code peopletree1009 online or bring a print out of this page to the store!
