Adidas Prints 3-D Shoes From Recycled Ocean Waste

During the historic climate talk in Paris, world leaders gathered to discuss the impacts of climate change, and how best to combat it as a whole. Talks included ways to reduce the use of fossil fuels, increase renewable energy and materials, and many African leaders have pledged to restore forests that will help siphon greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere.

However, governments aren’t the only ones trying to do their part to help clean up the planet for future generations. Adidas showcased its corporate social responsibility around the time of the talks, by debuting a new prototype shoe that was built entirely from ocean-going detritus. Made from recycled plastic, polyester, and illegal, deep-sea fishing nets, these shoes showcase just what we could do with our trash, if we really wanted to turn it into treasure. An especially pressing need, given the massive amount of garbage floating in the ocean.

Should people have to be told to do the right thing?

The sentiment from Eric Liedtke, board member responsible for global brands, was that world leaders finally coming together to find solutions to global problems was good. However, according to IFL Science, Liedtke said that no one should have to be told to do the right thing. The impression he gave was that everyone should be willing to do their part not for profit, or out of selfish interest, but because it’s the right course of action.

While this applies to everyone, it applies even more to corporations because they have power. Between financial muscle, and the ability to shape the market, as well as to research and developing new methods of creating products, corporations can be just as powerful as governments when it comes to fighting against climate change. Adidas’s partnership with Parley For The Oceans, and their efforts to remove plastic from the water where it can damage the environment and hurt marine life, shows that even small changes can have big impacts.