California-based shoe brand Blowfish Malibu is taking steps towards sustainability with the release of its 4Earth collection, an eco-conscious shoe line made with recycled plastic.
The environmental friendly capsule features two of the brand’s most iconic styles, the Balla sandal and the Marley sneaker, available in different colors to make up a six-shoe collection with a fundamental change: the upper material of the shoes are composed of recycled plastic bottles.
To celebrate the collection, Blowfish Malibu kicked off the launch with a 4Earth Panel Discussion at Madera Kitchen in West Hollywood last week, highlighting what it means to be eco-friendly and ways in which everyone can contribute to preserving the planet.
Owner and designer, Danielle Nagel, discusses her eco-friendly apparel line, Dazey LA.
Blowfish Malibu Design Director Jannie Denney led the discussion with ethical and social responsibility as key topics towards reducing our environmental footprint.
“Every year, over 300 million pairs of shoes end up in a landfill, and it takes another 30-40 years for a pair to fully decompose,” shared Denney who also designed the collection’s exclusive Marley 4Earth sneaker.
“[At Blowfish Malibu] I’m very proud to say that we use water-based glues, recycled rubber in the outsoles, and recycled laces on the upper of our Marley shoe”.
The panel additionally went on to discuss various ways in which we can all reduce the negative impacts of the planet through simple eco-actions, such as refillable soap dispensers and zero waste toothpaste.
All attendees were gifted a pair of shoes part of the 4Earth Collection.
In an effort to lower the brand’s environmental footprint, the 4Earth shoes will also be distributed in plastic-free packaging.
For every pair purchased from its 4Earth Collection, Blowfish Malibu will also donate $1 to Oceana, a nonprofit that actively works towards cleaning up the world’s oceans, now through January 2021.
“We are proud to partner with Oceana to positively impact what is arguably our planet’s most important resource, our oceans,” said Don Weiss, President of Blowfish Malibu.
“4Earth is just the beginning of Blowfish Malibu’s journey to becoming a more conscious brand,” added Weiss.
Available in a range of polished tones, including Beach Nude, Black Sand, Island Blush, and Shell Smoke, Balla4Earth are sandals with an open-toe, a cushioned insole, a micro-wedge outsole, and the company’s signature ankle strap detailing; while the Marley4Earth, sold in Navy Summer Lovin’ and Off White Summer Lovin’, the brand’s classic sneaker silhouette featuring an elastic entry for easy on/off application.
The SS20 4Earth Collection – which starts at $45 and available in stores and online – is curated to reflect and continue the brand’s commitment to their simple ethos: shoes that are good for your planet, are good for your soul.
For more information about the 4Earth campaign and to view the entire collection, click here.
