Green chemistry consists in integrating chemical processes and naturally available materials, with the object of achieving sustainable development. That means for any product to be used, the manufacturer as well as the consumer/end user should be aware that there is no adverse impact on the global environment. There should also be no poisonous materials, harmful to humans, plants and animals, in the end product.
We have all to go for green shoes, soon enough, to be fair enough. Not green color but what is meant is that our shoes must have been manufactured by following the ideas of green chemistry and sustainable development. To manufacture footwear according to the principles of green chemistry, research and development is taking place at relevant institutions.
In order that shoes are manufactured as per green chemistry, companies should remove all polluting materials from the manufacturing process. Considering that shoes find universal markets and millions of them are in daily use, this is an important criterion in making the environment free from pollutants produced by the disposal of used and worn out shoes.
Shoe manufacturing processes use quite a few chemicals which function as solvents, cleaning solutions etc. Waste is also generated in shoe production as there is a large amount of cutting needed to shape materials to form soles, toes, heels etc. Green chemistry considerations and specifications have to be formulated so that manufacturing ensures minimized use of materials harmful to human health and the environment. Waste generated need also to be disposed off in harmless ways.
Exploitation of natural resources and production of harmful waste products must be reduced in all stages of manufacture.
Alternative processes and materials in manufacturing have to be developed so that no harm occurs to the health of human beings, animals and plants. Environmental pollution must be avoided in all possible ways.
There are harmful ingredients in currently used materials in shoe manufacturing. These harmful items have to be filtered off so they find no application. Alternative ingredients must be developed. These new materials must also confirm to other specifications regarding durability, finish and cost.
Reports say that researchers have now developed new green composite materials by using less harmful components and modified manufacturing processes. It has been stated that such products have resulted in the use much less poisonous materials. The new shoes thus produced are environment-friendly and so they are green.
Shoe manufacturers; while applying principles of green chemistry in their industry need to implement the objectives of environmental sustainability. They should produce end-user friendly products which use the smallest possible quantities of harmful material. The products must be designed so that they can be easily dismantled for recycling and safe disposal
