A green soulution

MANILA, Philippines - In a world plagued by a whole gamut of problems – from environmental to economic, and everything in between – it takes an equally multi-faceted solution to defy the many challenges of today’s world. Such is GreenSoul Shoes, an innovative US-based group that works with communities in Third World countries, creating opportunities for them to earn while at the same time conserving the environment, and in addition to that, putting shoes on the feet of the poorest children of the world.

While visiting his father who had relocated to the Philippines, Filipino-American businessman Alastair Onglingswan took a trip to Smokey Mountain and saw children scavenging through the dumpsite, their bare feet exposed to shards of glass and rusty cans scattered throughout the area. Alastair was so disturbed and moved by the sight that he went to SM and bought out the whole stock of children’s-sized rubber slippers and distributed them to the children of Smokey Mountain. “I knew this was just a band-aid,” he says about his reflex action, pointing out that it was a temporary solution to a very urgent problem. Worldwide, 300 million children – or 16 percent of the world’s children – do not have the footwear that you and I often take for granted.

Back in New York, Alastair set to work on a long-term solution with his partners Iris Chau and Stephen Chen. Together, they started GreenSoul Shoes. The company employs communities from Third World countries to produce sandals recycled from used truck tires that are sold on their website to an international market for $45 a pair. For each pair sold, another pair of sandals is given back to the partner community for the children to use.

All at the same time, GreenSoul offers livelihood for impoverished communities through skills training, provides footwear for the community’s children, and promotes saving the environment through recycling.

In business only for four months, the group has already developed a following with environment-conscious consumers in the US and in Europe. “There are already 10 to 15 design prototypes,” Iris reports, adding that one of the most popular styles is flip flops – a more environment-friendly and responsible option to other brands offering the trendy footwear. The group already works with communities in Cambodia, Vietnam and Peru. Now, it has found its way back to the Philippines, the place where the idea – the green dream – started.

“We’ve been working tire-lessly,” Alastair puns.

“We partner with NGOs in different countries that share our values,” says Stephen. In the Philippines, GreenSoul Shoes has established ties with the Philippine Christian Foundation (PCF). Started in 1996 by Jane Walker, the foundation acts as the bridge between GreenSoul and needy communities in the Philippines. Jane notes that the two-fold environmental and social thrust of GreenSoul fits perfectly with the PCF’s holistic nutrition, education and livelihood projects.

The PCF Community School in Navotas is the first to receive the benefits of GreenSoul Shoes. The group recently held a shoe-drop in the area. “We are so excited to be the first NGO to bring GreenSoul Shoes to the Philippines,” says Jane. “The shoes are strong enough to last a lifetime, which will help thousands of the poorest in the Philippines to have proper protection for their feet.”

Jane also shares her amazement when she asked the company how many sandals needed to be produced and the answer was “5,000 shoes a month!” With one tire providing enough material for eight shoes, Jane is calling on all truck drivers and tire manufacturers to donate their used tires to PCF so that they will be able to meet the demand for shoes. Thanks to the project, disposing of truck tires – which often becomes even more harmful to both environment and health when burned – will no longer be a problem. GreenSoul Shoes hopes to donate one million shoes in five years.

Aside from being sold online, GreenSoul Shoes will soon be available in the Philippines through the ECHOstore in Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. “Upcycling is very close to our hearts,” says owner Pacita Juan on why ECHOstore supports the initiative.

One of her main thrusts, as well, is education. “With no shoes, children do not have the physical means to go to school,” she says, highlighting how even as simple and basic a donation as rubber sandals will make a significant difference in the lives of many children.

“The response has been amazing… unbelievable,” says Alastair of the demand for GreenSoul Shoes. Plans are already being made to sell the product line in high-end retail stores in New York. Partnerships have also been formed with popular shoe brands Sketchers and Hot Flops who donate money for the group’s shoe-drops through the Soulmate program.

Even more designs are being drawn up to create a wider selection of styles. The company recently held its first design competition online for both the sandals and its environment-friendly packaging.

“The best way to support the project is to buy the shoes,” says Alastair when asked how those who are interested can help, highlighting as well another key factor of the group’s advocacy – any ordinary consumer is given the opportunity by GreenSoul to be of help to the environment and the members of Third World communities, making their sandals a truly fashionable choice. In today’s crisis-plagued world, walking in GreenSoul Shoes takes us a step closer toward solutions.

Visit GreenSoul Shoes online at www.greensoulshoes.wordpress.com