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Global warming has been part of a public conversation for years, but it’s lately become much less of a two-sided debate. Amidst increasing evidence of climate change, the push for sustainable practices has risen, especially in architecture. But it’s not just buildings that are designed with the environment in mind. Everyday goods like shoes, bikes and bags can be made more sustainably, and many companies have done so. Here are some products that prove sustainable design isn’t just for buildings.[vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”20″ down=”20″]

The soles of these Veja shoes are made from rubber tapped directly from trees in the Amazon, according to Wired, leaving trees unharmed and forests undamaged.[vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”20″ down=”20″]

Image via The ReCycle

ReCycle uses environmentally friendly and recycled products to make their functioning, stylish bikes. From recycled aluminum to renewable cork, they use as many post-consumer materials as possible to build their bikes, according to Mental Floss.[vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”20″ down=”20″]

Image via Pure Waste

Clothing by Purse Waste is made entirely from scrap jersey clips, so they are both recycled and undyed, creating more landfill space and cleaner water.

Image via Mental Floss.

Moving Comfort incorporates “purified” coffee grounds into fabric  that is then used to create these stylish exercise shorts, giving you another, more sustainable method of getting your morning dose of caffeine.[vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”20″ down=”20″]

Image via Dezeen

Adidas recently came out with this prototype sneaker that’s partly made from ocean waste. This salvaged plastic is recycled into a usable product, and the reduced amount of plastic in the ocean results in safer habitats for animals and a cleaner water source.[vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”20″ down=”20″]

Why sustainable design matters

There are many other companies incorporating sustainability into their design and production processes, which is great news for the environment. But why does it matter?

Sustainability used to occur as an afterthought. Products were designed, engineered and then given some focus on the sustainability front. Now, though, many companies begin their sustainability efforts from the get-go—from the start of the design process, which leads to better planning and a much greater ability to include such sustainable practices.

Sustainable design keeps materials that would have been thrown into landfills from breaking down and releasing harmful gases into the atmosphere. It also saves much-needed landfill space and improves water and air quality, both of which are absolutely essential to a healthy, safe life. Every product made with a few sustainable design elements makes a small but important impact on the environment.

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Title image via Gibraltar Design.