The initiative is a great example of how sustainable fashion can be both impactful and accessible. By repairing and collecting shoes, Veja is reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting the longevity of products. Sustainable Fashion and the Veja Clean, Repair, and Collect Initiative The world of fashion is often associated with fast-paced consumption and high waste, leading to significant environmental concerns. However, there are brands and initiatives that are working to change this narrative. Veja, a French footwear company, has taken a bold step towards sustainability with its Clean, Repair, and Collect initiative. Launched in June 2020, this program aims to reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote the longevity of products. The Veja Repair Shop Network Veja has established a network of five in-store repair shops worldwide, including one in Williamsburg, which opened last year. This initiative demonstrates the brand’s commitment to sustainability and its willingness to invest in the long-term viability of its products. By providing repair services, Veja is reducing the need for new, resource-intensive products and promoting the idea that existing shoes can be restored to their former glory. The repair shops are a significant departure from the traditional retail model, where products are often discarded after a short period of use. By offering repair services, Veja is encouraging customers to think more critically about their consumption habits and the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions. Expansion of Repair Services In July 2022, the Veja store in Berlin became the first to offer in-store shoe repairs, followed by Madrid. This expansion of repair services demonstrates Veja’s commitment to making sustainability accessible to a wider audience.

This approach focuses on sustainability, reducing waste and environmental impact. The Impact of the Shoe Industry on the Environment The shoe industry has a significant impact on the environment, with the production and disposal of shoes contributing to pollution, waste, and resource depletion.

The Rise of the Shoemaking Community

The shoemaking community has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with the rise of social media platforms and online marketplaces. This has led to a surge in interest among young people, who are eager to learn the traditional craft of shoemaking. • The community is driven by a passion for preserving traditional techniques and promoting sustainability. • Many members of the community are also entrepreneurs, using their skills to create unique and innovative products.

Veja is using the program to learn more about its own products and how people wear them. “We know exactly where we have to improve and where we don’t,” says project manager Daniel Schmitt. Kokiko, meanwhile, is learning a lot about how his fellow New Yorkers move.