Let’s break the Birk down

The chunky sandals that once prompted many a turned-up nose in the fashion community are now more than just comfortable kicks. Spotted on the Parisian runways back in 2012, the Birkenstock has graduated from a hippie necessity to a chic statement shoe in recent times.

These German sandals have been around for more than two centuries, and are now paired with everything from shorts to maxi skirts by influencers all over the world. But how ethical and sustainable are these buckled slip-ons? We break the Birk down, issue by issue. Let’s take a look.

Environmental impact

Despite its eco image, Birkenstock’s environment rating is “Not Good Enough”. It does not use eco-friendly materials, there is no evidence it reduces its carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions, and it doesn’t appear to minimise textile waste. One positive is that it uses water-based glues to minimise the use of solvent-based chemicals in its shoe production, but the brand still has a long way to go for the planet.

Labour conditions

Birkenstock is also “Not Good Enough” for workers. While its final stage of production is mostly undertaken in the European Union, a low/medium risk region for labour abuse, there is no evidence it ensures payment of a living wage in its supply chain. It doesn’t appear to have worker empowerment initiatives such as collective bargaining or rights to make a complaint, nor does it disclose any policies or safeguards to protect suppliers and workers in its supply chain from the impacts of COVID-19. Do better for your people, Birkenstock.

Animal welfare

Finally, when it comes to our animals friends, Birkenstock is also “Not Good Enough”. On the plus side, the brand doesn’t use fur, down, angora, or exotic animal skin or hair. However, it uses leather and wool without stating sources; and it doesn’t appear to trace any animal product to the first stage of production. While the brand does offer some styles made from a leather alternative making them suitable for vegan shoppers, that doesn’t discount its use of untraced, unethical materials in the majority of the range.

Overall rating: Not Good Enough

So, how ethical is Birkenstock? Birkenstock’s overall rating of “Not Good Enough” is based on our own research. Despite its iconic status and global popularity, the brand isn’t doing enough for people, the planet, or animals. It could start by revamping its materials and incorporating more eco-friendly options and ensure its workers are paid a living wage across the supply chain.

Note that Good On You ratings consider hundreds of issues, and it is not possible to list every relevant issue in a summary of the brand’s performance. For more information, see our How We Rate page and our FAQs.

See the rating.

If you’re a die-hard Birkenstocks fan, don’t fret—we’ve tracked down brands making similar looking but way more conscious consumer friendly sandals.

Good swaps

“Good” and “Great” alternatives to Birkenstock

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Swap ’til you drop

A few weekends ago, I turned up at my friend’s apartment with a plate of homemade chai biscuits, a yoga mat, and a tote bag of assorted dresses that had never quite suited me. This visual is novel on all accounts; I’m not much of a baker, I can tally the number of times I’ve practised yoga on one hand, and I’d never participated in what was to be the highlight of our Girls’ Day—a clothing swap.

Nine ladies in total made an appearance that Saturday afternoon. Some were aiming to purge their wardrobes of excess clothing, and others like myself just wanted to freshen up their closet with some new finds. Having left half my wardrobe in California a year ago, I didn’t have a lot to offer, but some of the other girls had so much to donate that it all balanced out. Zoë was on a mission to live more simply and had packed an entire suitcase full of clothing, shoes, and jewellery, as well as some boxed DVD sets (don’t worry, the complete series of “Sex and the City” found a new home).

The swap proved to be a total success. We were able to update our wardrobes at no cost, promote a sustainable practice, and see our belongings find new, loving owners. Knowing that someone else will get use out of an item you would have shoved in the back of a drawer feels better than I expected, and I must admit—Aimee looks cuter in my burgundy swing dress than I ever did.

If you love thrift shopping or are looking for a budget-friendly, environmentally conscious way to update your wardrobe, why not plan a clothing swap of your own? Read on to discover five ways you can make the most of your clothing swap, too.

1.  Make a day of it

Instead of inviting friends over just to exchange clothing, why not incorporate some other budget-friendly activities? My friend Martha led a yoga session at the start of the afternoon, and afterwards, we all shared an incredible potluck lunch (most of which featured locally sourced herbs and produce).

By the time we moved on to the clothing swap, we were energised, felt comfortable around those we’d just met that day, and even had leftovers to take home for dinner.

2.  Connect your friend groups

Clothing swaps are a great way to introduce friends you’ve made in different contexts, which inadvertently helps create variety in the pool of items to swap. In our case, the intimate, all-girls setting paired with the social activities helped us bond faster than we would at any other party, and the mix of sizes and styles in clothing made the swap more interesting. However, don’t be discouraged to invite people of all genders. Clothes can suit anyone who wants to wear them, no matter what the label says.

3.  Organise the contributions

Before the chaos ensues, make an effort to designate zones for different forms of clothing. We draped dresses over the couch, deemed an armchair the “Pants & Shorts” station, piled tops together, and so on. This made the process so much easier, as those on the market for a new jacket could head straight for the outerwear “department” instead of rummaging through skirts in hopes for a blazer.

4.  Give styling advice and honest opinions

There’s no reason to trek home with more clothing you’ll never touch. To make sure everyone chose items they’d definitely wear, we set up a mirror and transformed the living room into a changing room/runway hybrid. Depending on the group and setting, you may not feel comfortable doing this, but if it’s possible, you’ll gain a lot from the advice and body positivity.

We suggested items to others that seemed to fit their taste or figure, and encouraged each other to rock pieces we may not usually select ourselves. I tried on a loose dress that I wasn’t sure flattered me, but another girl reminded me that a belt could take care of the problem. A pair of jeans I wriggled into turned out to be slightly too long on me, so I recommended them to a taller gal in the group. Helping each other can be half the fun.

5.  Donate extras to a worthy cause

You’ll likely have unclaimed clothing left over at the end of the swap. After we’d sorted through everything, Jackie mentioned she’d been selling clothing on Facebook as a way to raise money for a friend who’d recently been in a terrible car accident. To help her cause, we created a pile of clothing that she might be able to sell online and bagged up the rest to donate to charity.

At the end of the night, we all agreed that the swap suppressed our temptation to go shopping and decided to organise another swap in six months time to keep our wardrobes under control. Our plan is to invite more gals and find another cause to which we can donate unclaimed clothing next time.

I left Jess’ apartment with fifteen new clothing items and the story behind many of them. My closet is now home to Andrea’s beloved blouse from her post-pregnancy days, Jess’s adorable plaid dress that hits too high above her knees, Jemima’s embroidered skirt that she styled with tights last winter, Martha’s knit frock that she wore back in Canada, and so many more beautiful pieces.

Every time I wear one of these new additions to my wardrobe, I feel good that I found use for an item that may have otherwise ended up in a landfill. Besides, nothing beats wearing something once cared for by someone you love.

The post 5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Clothing Swap appeared first on Good On You.

Going through a break-up with an unethical brand is hard, but Good On You is here to hold your hand through the process! Here’s what to expect when you say “sayonara” to a label you once loved.

Stage 1: Denial

During this initial stage, you may convince yourself you never read that exposé on how Brand BFF’s production process involves child labour and unfair wages. “BFF wouldn’t do that, would they? They couldn’t! It’s a conspiracy!”

Stage 2: Anger

Once the truth about your Brand BFF sinks in, so does the anger. You’re angry at the label for not doing a better job, angry that you feel morally obliged to make a change, angry that, well, you can’t buy that floral skirt you’ve been eyeing… because guess what? It’s by Brand BFF.

Stage 3: Bargaining

When the anger settles, you try to compromise. “Maybe if I just spent less time with Brand BFF, you know, change to a more casual relationship? BFF probably isn’t all that awful anyway. What’s a little pollution now and then?” This is the point where you need to lock up the credit cards and give someone else the key. Stay strong, ethical warrior!

Stage 4: Depression

This is the phase where you know it’s over between you and Brand BFF, but you can’t picture your life without them. You may feel lost. Who could ever fill that future hole in your wardrobe when BFF’s clothes finally wear out? “Those jeans always fit so perfectly. I’ll never find a brand like BFF.”

Stage 5: Acceptance

Good riddance, Brand BFF. There are plenty of dresses on the rack, and you know that now. “I’ll find someone new, someone who understands my values and knows what I need in a label.” In time, you’ll find your new favourite jumper, from a carbon-neutral brand that donates to charity, and wonder why you ever thought you’d miss what’s-their-name.

Ready to move on? We have plenty of eligible brands ready to meet you in our app or Directory. Think of it as online dating for your wardrobe!

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