Our earth is dying at a rapid rate, and if we do not recognize the need for change, we will no longer have a planet worth inhabiting. The global footwear industry is a massive producer of products and waste. Consumers only require a few pairs of shoes to satisfy needs, however, actual consumption is much greater. For example, in the United States, an average of seven pairs of shoes are purchased per person per year (Clean Clothes Campaign, 2015). Numerous industry data sets and scholarly articles encourage recycling and sustainable post production programs, but there is a need for information regarding pre-consumption operations, presented in an organized and actionable context.

This research provides useful information which a manufacturer, designer, or global organization may utilize to understand and prevent continued proliferation of natural resources in the footwear industry. By way of scholarly research, interviews with eco-fashion organizations, and associations within the fashion community; tangible evidence was gathered providing context for the need for recycling and sustainable programs, and the options currently available. This study showcases how organizations can learn and transform into eco-conscious partners, with resources identified to empower the global footwear industry. It presents the steps required to navigate beginning-of-life implications of shoe production, through promotion of proper upfront recycling and sustainable business practices. This research concludes with resource options and a model for footwear organizations to utilize while evaluating the best approaches to create their own cause for action - one shoe at a time.