IdeaMe is an online platform, which helps creators, be they inventors, artists, or designers, among others, to finance their projects through crowd funding. The Indy features and promotes one project every week, with the aim of helping the creators finance and achieve their dreams. This week: Alpargatas Biodegradables.
One of the alpargatas on sale. (Photo courtesy of Alpargatas Biodegradables)
One of the alpargatas on sale. (Photo courtesy of Alpargatas Biodegradables)
Isaac Gutierrez, 31, is the creator of the campaign Alpargatas Biodegradables, which aims to make our planet greener through the use of 100% biodegradable shoes. The project also hopes to boost Mexican labour by producing an everyday item which is both stylish and useful.
Over the years Isaac noticed that in his native Mexico, common everyday goods such as clothes and shoes generate huge amounts of waste. As he mused as to how to lessen the amount of pollution and reduce its impact on the environment, he hit upon an idea: fashionable footwear made entirely from natural materials that can then be recycled.
Inspired, he enlisted the help of a friend and designer-shoemaker in Leon to help him develop the idea further. After searching for the right material, they decided on the little known henequen, which Isaac believes has great-untapped potential, especially in the Mexican market. Thus the sole of the shoe is made from this versatile material extracted from agave fibres. The body of the shoe in turn is made from 100% natural cotton, as is the lace, and the design is printed using eco friendly water based inks.
The secret to their ingenuity (and eco-friendliness) lies inside the tongue. Once you have worn out the shoe, you can plant it. Yes, plant it. Tucked away inside the tongue are Chia seeds, which once watered, will grow into a plant. Thus the shoe generates no waste and contributes to the “greenification” of our planet.
Alpargatas Biodegradables is an “All or Nothing” project, meaning that if they are unsuccessful in their venture they will have to return any proceeds received back to their investors.
This worthwhile project needs your help in order to buy more materials required to produce another 1000 pairs of alpargatas. To make this project a reality please visit the Alpargatas Biodegradables ideame page.