Po-Zu
DCL
Biodegradable shoes, edible shoe cream, indigenous rights, these are just a few elements of Sven Segal's Po-Zu brand that make it stand out from other footwear companies. The distinctive design qualities of Po-Zu shoes include the latex rubber sole, the comfy coir foot mattress which gradually molds to the shape of your foot, and the cozy wool fabrics and leather detailing of the uppers, all of which can be composted back into the earth at the end of their life.
As Po-Zu has grown, since being founded in 2006, so have the opportunities for Sven to collaborate with other high profile fashion brands. After great success with last year's designs for uber-cool street wear brand Maharishi, now Po-Zu has teamed up with Brazilian accessories brand Amazon Life. Sven has chosen to use their distinctive natural Treetap® rubber for this season's Well Boot. Amazon Life works in alliance with the Rubber Tappers Association in Brazil, ensuring that the indigenous communities in the rainforest can earn a sustainable living, while preserving their environment and their cultural heritage. It's good to know that a fashionable pair of boots can make this kind of contribution.
Let's find out how Sven Segal became a Change Maker.
How did you get into this line of work?
In the course of working as a shoe designer for various mainstream brands and visiting shoe factories worldwide, I found myself objecting to certain working conditions and the use of toxic substances. I became increasingly frustrated and furious with companies that clearly turned a blind eye to such cruel practices in favor of higher profits, which drove me to start my own ethical and eco-friendly shoe brand.
When did the green bug strike?
My whole green adaptation was more of a gradual build-up or perhaps more like a snowball effect, rather than a flick of a switch. Though probably the biggest impact that I have personally experienced was the strong smell of glue at the shoe factories. Think of the poor workers that are exposed to these toxic fumes all day long, every day, without even being aware of the hazardous health implications. The crazy thing is that I knew it was easily avoidable. Reading about the Bhopal disaster has been hugely upsetting too.
Who is your green hero?
William McDonough & Michael Braungart. Cradle-to-cradle was probably the most inspiring book I've read. I especially loved the whole biomimicry idea, and the most beautiful description of the life of ants and how they contribute to the health of the natural world. It amazed me how on earth this tiny creature can be more clever then us humans? Surely our IQ is higher?!
What is your ultimate green goal?
I would really like the shoe industry as a whole to follow in the footsteps of the motor/car industry, and join the green revolution. Eco-friendly shoes should become mainstream in the same way as the current strong shift towards producing green cars. Apart from the energy industry I think it's the most exciting transformation happening today. A real clean up on a grand scale! I would say it's more of a vision rather then a personal goal, but I'd really like to contribute towards it as much as I can.
What is your motivation?
I guess I'm a compassionate being. I'm concerned about global warming, and alarmed by destruction and harm of any sort.
What is most important to you, ecologically speaking?
I think apart from deforestation, dumping toxic waste in third world countries is the most shocking environmental vandalism played out by our own governments. Eliminating the production and use of harmful substances in the first place, is clearly the only solution. I think governments should also subsidize or reward sustainable practices to encourage businesses to be less destructive, and/or tax polluters.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Being commercially competitive without compromising our eco-credentials and quality.
What is the most rewarding?
Making super comfy biodegradable shoes that people enjoy to wear. The amount of positive and wonderful feedback I've been getting since I launched Po-Zu.
Of the people you have worked with, who impresses you most?
Amazon Life. The scale of which they protect the Amazon from deforestation impresses me. Also the way they work in harmony with nature, and the beautiful way they respect and work with the local Indians to preserve their ancient culture.
What green thing do you do everyday?
I eat organic, local produce, cycle, recycle, and think hard of ways I can reduce my impact further.
What is your biggest eco-sin?
Air travel. I'm trying my very best to minimize it, but find it hard to avoid while running a global business, and also with family living in other countries.
What do you wish you could do?
Travel by teleportation.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
World peace. Imagine if every country would take their entire defense or military budget and spend it on green technologies. (I think the USA's defense budget is something like $515.4 billion for 2009.)
What is your best green advice?
I think we all know the triple 'R's by now and that includes my 9 year old daughter (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). Well that's a good start, but try and be more proactive and creative in regards to being green rather then just doing "your bit." Take it as a challenge, and don't underestimate the scale of difference you can make as an individual. Give up the habit of consumption unless it's necessary for your survival or well-being. Be content with what you have, because there is so much more to life then the bunch of objects you own, as they do not define your existence. But if you think these objects do rule your life, then I would suggest you visit a spiritual guru, or a curative hypnotherapist as soon as possible.
Change Makers is series of interviews with people famous and obscure who are creating a more sustainable world through their work. Meet more Change Makers here (http://planetgreen.discovery.com/change-makers/).
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