Green Steps
We’re not a newcomer or just jumping on the “green” bandwagon because it is popular. Our 40 year history as a company in the U.S., and the values we share
with Birkenstock and their 230 year heritage as shoemakers, reflect an environmental sensibility that continues to evolve and shape who we are as a Brand and
as a Company.
First are the goods – the stuff our product is made out of - and our production techniques. 
Sensibility, economy and conservation have always been part of the process:
• Birkenstock footbed components – cork, latex and jute are some of the few sustainable raw materials used/available in the footwear industry. Of these components, cork is actually really cool stuff: Did you know?
o Cork trees hold the ground water and provide cover and shade for smaller plants and animals and
therefore are an important basis for traditional agricultural and farming economies.
o Cork is a valuable natural resource with many uses. The bark can be peeled away and it
will grow back.
o Today every part of the cork harvest is put to use. Leftovers from the bottle cork stamping process
are ground down in various sizes and then sorted by quality.
o Birkenstock ground cork comes from the first quality by-products of the wine industry.
o Cork is a natural fire retardant. It’s used by NASA as an insulator on space shuttles and unmanned
rockets….wow, cork has many uses from the Birkenstock footbed cradling our feet to protection
in outer space!
• There is little waste from the production process…some examples:
o Cork latex mixture (main component of the Birkenstock footbed) is made in small batches to minimize any waste. Any excess is recycled.
o Scrap leather is used in the production of other materials, such as an alternative footbed liner material called LEFA.
o Left-over EVA from the sole production process is broken down and further processed for use in children’s playgrounds, sport fields and sound barriers
along freeways.
o Three large heat recovery systems recover the heat produced and use it to dry the cork footbeds, doubling the energy efficiency of the machinery.
• Our footwear is packaged in boxes made of 90% recycled paper and printed with inks that are environmentally friendly.
• Birkenstock manufacturing and production must comply with stringent recycling and waste laws in Germany where the manufacturer is
responsible for all the packaging components and their recyclability. Learn more about this waste reduction at der Grüne Punkt.
Take a look at the bottom of a Birkenstock shoe box and you will see “der Grüne Punkt” logo.
Oh, and by the way, you can repair your Birkenstock footwear…what a great concept in an age
of “disposable everything,” including cheap shoes that clutter our closets or end up in garbage
and then landfill. And if you properly take care of your Birkenstocks, they will really last and
provide you with continued comfort. Click here to find a local retailer who can help give new
life to and keep your Birkenstock footwear in top shape.
So what can you do with the unwanted shoes in your closet, or for when your Birkenstocks finally reach the end of the road? 
Why they can be “recycled.” Contact your local shoe retailer, as many offer ways to donate your shoes to either a worthy local organization
or an organization such as Soles4Souls. You too can coordinate a shoe drive by contacting friends, family and neighbors and by donating some
of the shoes you have in your closet; you would be surprised how your “gift” – one so basic that most of us take it for granted – can impact a life.
It’s easy. You get a box and start collecting, and you’ll be surprised at people’s generosity.
Well that’s great about how Birkenstock is made, but you might be thinking what about the company and its values?
We strive to be authentic and naturally eco-friendly, not “eco-chic.” Again, we didn’t just jump on the green bandwagon; we actually have a 40 history of being a company with a conscience. Respect for the world around us, our resources and people. How do we do this? Besides the fact that our feet are happy and we love what we do? A couple of our recent activities include:
• Birkenstock USA, LP was recently recertified as a Marin County Green Business, which is part of the larger six county organization of
over 600 businesses in California. We’re recognized for:
o Demonstrating continuous compliance with applicable environmental regulations
o Conserving energy, water, and other materials
o Implementing sound environmental practices that prevent pollution and waste generation
o Sharing environmentally responsible practices with other businesses in our community
• “No Waste Meals” lunch program. You could start one yourself at your kid’s school or at your place of business by making a commitment to abandon the use of Styrofoam, paper and disposable plastic products, water bottles and other items that clutter up our landfill. Use a lunch box with reusable containers and cloth napkins, just like Moms used to pack years ago. Drink filtered water, instead of buying bottled. We started doing this as a result of an employee’s great idea already in action at her kid’s school. Check out this group of “eco-moms” in our own backyard of Marin County, California, where saving the earth begins at home. Learn more about this sensible idea at http://www.wastefreelunches.org/.
• We’ve organized a “Green Team.” Our mission is to increase awareness and to reduce the environmental footprint we leave at work, and with the hope that this will carry over into people's lives outside of work. We take simple steps to reduce, reuse and recycle and be as eco-friendly as possible. This is reflected in how we purchase, use and reuse our supplies, and in the behaviors that we encourage and practices we put into place. 
For example, we buy office supplies from Give Something Back which offers competitive prices (up to 20% less than major chains), free next day delivery and green/recycled product options. And they donate over half their after-tax profits to community based organizations!
Do you start to see the pattern for making a difference? Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Renew, Restore and Recover…as we shared here, we especially believe in a healthy dose of reduce, reuse and recycle! Really, these are just a few easy ways to help reduce our environmental footprint. Come and be a part of it – you’re probably doing some of these R’s already. The only “footprints” we should leave are with our Birkenstocks.
And since we’re all part of the community where we live and shop, please visit our store locator to find a retailer near you who can best take care of your Birkenstock needs. Our retailers, who are independently owned, share many of these same values and belief in the product…that is what attracts them to the Birkenstock Brand. You can support a local business and find the best place to shop for, repair and care for your Birkenstock footwear. And meet some nice folks at the same time.
Well you’ve just read about some of our Green Steps...would you like to share your green efforts and experiences? Be part of our community and culture? And maybe see your story on our web site or in a future newsletter? Please email: yourstory@birkenstockusa.com.