Earth Shoes Update

They are made in China. BUMMER! Here is what the company says about it:

"We do not own our factories, but we do work closely with our partner factories to ensure the highest of standards. Year after year, we work closely with our partners around the world to ensure that their individual standards are on par with the high baseline and standards of our own US offices.Specifically in China, where we've worked with regional partner factories in China's special industrialized zones for more than 10 years, our influence in this market has helped to affect progress. Our nature is to push the envelope in all aspects of our business model as we continually look for a better way of doing things, right down to the working and living conditions of our employees and those of our affiliates"

And in regards to being environmentally friendly:

"For some time, we've been ahead of the curve when it comes to incorporating environmental-friendliness into our product. Within the shoe industry, we were one of the first manufacturers to dedicate 100% of our line to using water-based adhesives. While this is an important step toward creating 'green'-er product, it is not the only one. We continuously seek to improve on all that we do, and we've recently stepped up our use of recycled cardboard shanks, and the use of more environmentally-friendly materials in our uppers. Beyond footwear production, we're also a member of the Eco-Partners Network within the industry. In this capacity, we work with other suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers to provide a transparent view into the opportunities presented by pursuing more sustainable product development."

So bottom line....lots of babble double talk. I´m sure I buy LOADS of stuff from China each day, but I try to avoid it. Why? Well, because of the government. They have an atrocious human rights record (those poor Tibetans) and the government strongly supports the genocidal regime in Sudan (mostly because oil).

I think I´m still going to buy them. Ugh. The guilt, the shame, the blantant consumerism. I just really need snowboots and I feel like these are my best choice out of a bad lot. Can I get an amen?

Seriously considering making a yeast mandioca bread today or tomorrow. Will keep you posted.