Olli vegan and natural rubber Flip-Flops
I’m sure like me, you’ve bought several pairs of flip-flops in your life – but have you ever really thought about who made them and where they were made? And indeed, WHAT they were made of??
Why natural rubber flip-flops?
When Heather Shuster was oh holiday in Hawaii she forgot to pack her flip-flops, she looked to buy some replacements, yet all she could find were cheap designs made with plastics and PVC materials.
This inspired Heather to take on the challenge of creating a collection of eco-friendly flip-flops, using natural rubber, Olli, which launched last week on Kickstarter. However, again she was alarmed by the substandard working and living conditions on very low pay, that the rubber plantation workers had to endure.
Heather and her sister Holly joined the Fair Rubber Association, which means Olli only purchases rubber from audited plantations that maintain Fair Trade standards that include safe working conditions, medical care, and a fair wage. Olli pay a premium for their rubber which goes directly to the rubber tappers.
WATCH the video here:
Why buy Better Shoes?
I’ll be honest, it took a massively shocking wake-up call for me to become more aware of these issues in the fashion and shoe industry – The Rana Plaza Disaster 24 April 2013 (read more on that here) – followed by meeting the brilliant BetterShoes.org founder Sven Segal. Better Shoes Foundation is an initiative to promote sustainable development in the global shoe industry, launched by Po-Zu.com
Tread better
Almost every flip-flop and sandal available to buy is made of synthetic materials. This sounds harmless. But these materials are made of chemicals that can be detrimental to your health. So these Olli eco-friendly Flip-Flops from Sri Lanka protect the environment and workers.
Fair, natural and sustainable, softer and more durable than plastics… these fair trade natural rubber flip-flops are biodegradable too.
Be part of the solution, caring about sustainability as much as who makes them – every step makes a difference
The Olli Kickstarter campaign is set to run for 30 days with a goal of $10,000. There are many pledge options available, up to a pledge of $70 which entitles a supporter to five pairs, a massive 52 percent off retail.
The shoes are set to deliver in July and can be shipped worldwide.
Following the Kickstarter campaign, the Flip-Flops will retail for $29.
A range of colourful solid and mixed colour unisex styles are available.
WIN a pair – Giveaway
We have a little giveaway for you, which closes at the end of
FASHION REVOLUTION WEEK 24-30 APRIL 2017
We are giving away a pair of Black Olli Flip-Flops in the size of your choice, from Euro sizes 36 to 46, and Sophie la girafe organic cosmetics have added some luxury vegan body lotion and SOS cream for face and body too, so that you can get those feet and toes ‘beach-ready’ too!
For a chance to win, complete the rafflecopter form below, go subscribe to incredibusy on YouTube where we will be sharing more ethical fashion, zero waste, upcycled crafts and vegan and vegetarian delights – sustainable living in style….
Relevant sites to visit:
Truecostmovie.com
Ts and Cs
WIN a pair – Giveaway worth £45
We have a little giveaway for you, which closes at the end of
FASHION REVOLUTION WEEK 24-30 APRIL 2017
We are giving away a pair of Black Olli Flip-Flops in the size of your choice, from Euro sizes 36 to 46, and Sophie la girafe organic cosmetics have added some luxury vegan body lotion and SOS cream for face and body too, so that you can get those feet and toes ‘beach-ready’ too!
For a chance to WIN fill in the details below!
**Ts and Cs**
1. Entries must be submitted by midnight 30 April 2017.
No purchase necessary.
2. One winner will be chosen at random. There is no alternative prize and the prize is non-transferable, non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
4. The winner will be drawn on the 3 May 2017
5. This prize draw is not run in association with YouTube.
Rhian Westbury
Wow I didn’t realise most of this. I really need something like this for my trip to Hawaii soon x
Anna nuttall
I’m not normally a fan of flip flops but those look really comfy and perfect for summer. xx
Sarah Bailey
I’ve never really thought of the implications of the synthetic materials in shoes, but this has really opened my eyes to the issues. Olli sounds like a fantastic company both in the materials they use for their shoes and for their treatment of those who make the materials.
Ana De- Jesus
I had no idea that synthetic materials were so harmful to the environment so these flip flops sound perfect and I like that they are fairtrade too x
fashionmommy
I love the idea of these flip flops and they actually look great too.
admin
cool! glad you like the look of them… super comfy too (wearing them now!)
Tamsin
I wish more people were mindful about their clothing and shoes, especially relating to materials and who made them. I shop at ethical retailers or second hand for that very reason. I wish these didn’t have a toe post, as I can’t wear them, boo 🙁
admin
My boys usually have problems with the toe post too Tamsin, but have been wearing their Olli-s no problem.
It’s amazing though how writing this post has opened many eyes on this subject of who/where/how your flip-flops are made 🙂
The London Mum
It’s always great to see an ethical brand with awareness of fair trade try and start up a business. I hope they’re successful.
Helen Costello
I’ll be honest that I never gave a second thought to what our flip flops are made of. Will definitely make me more aware of checking if they are ethically sourced in future. Thank you
admin
It’s an incredible eye-opener isn’t it Helen?
Anosa
I am not really into flip flops but I wear sometimes especially on a beach trip. Knowing this product makes me consider them. I am glad that there are still businesses that are checking out on how they can help the environment.
admin
Hi Anosa, totally – have you checked out BetterShoes.org? there’s a great deal of really useful info about lots of brands who really care who and where your shoes are made x