Consumers in America are undoubtably on an organic, eco-friendly, green mission and to that I say... "It is About Time!!".

Sure, you are thinking to yourself, here is another person, trying to be one with nature, tree-hugger, must be vegetarian...definitely not. However, I do try to be consciously aware of my actions and the amount of "carbon footprint" I leave behind. Reason being? I look at my 15 month old and I wonder what kind of world will he be living in? Will there be food rationing when he grows up? Will drinkable water be a scarce resource? I understand that these are issues that many countries face but I wonder, will it become a worldwide epidemic?

Sure, you may say that buying the right shoes is not going to save the planet. But you know what, every small action we take is an action nevertheless. It is easy to say...but I cannot make a difference. Add yourself a million times and you have a million people thinking that they themselves cannot make a difference. Think of the beauty we can create when we all believe that we can make a difference...by giving a smile to a stranger, recycling our recyclables, making sweets for our child's daycare provider, wearing eco-friendly shoes. So, without further ado...

1. Recycled car tires, hemp (of course the wearable kind), and organic cotton. Check out the website: www.simpleshoes.com

2. Chacos: I have a pair of Chacos sandals and they have been through wind, rain, sun, except for snow. Comfortable and hardy, I would not trade my pair of Chacos for anything. The great thing about this company is that if the soles or straps ever get worn out, you can mail them back to the company and they will replace them for you. I have worn my pair for four years now and they are still in great condition. Check out their website for some other great shoes. www.chacousa.com

3. Check out this website: www.planetshoes.com. They sell Chacos and introduce many other products from ecologically aware shoe companies.

4. Ever heard of vegan shoes? Curious? This website is worth a glance. www.greatgreenshoes.com

Alright, I am not suggesting that you buy a new pair of eco-friendly shoes just so that you can say that you own a pair. I am just saying that these shoes are worth looking into if you are considering to replace your worn tennis shoe, casual shoe, sandal, you know what I mean. I know that the selection listed here is not extensive but it is a post to introduce you to the concept of being, aware.