The Truth About Green T: Why Recycled Matters

We get it. When you hear about another "sustainable" brand, a little voice in your head might whisper, "Is this just greenwashing?"

It’s a fair question, especially for a brand like ours. We’re often asked: Why the intense focus on recycled materials? And sometimes, we even hear the criticism that because our sneakers aren't made right here in South Africa, what we're doing can’t be genuine.

Let us be completely clear: nothing could be further from the truth.

Greenwashing is about pretending to be sustainable, it’s marketing without the muscle. We built Green T because we wanted to do the opposite: to radically rethink footwear from the ground up and make a meaningful dent in its environmental impact.

And for us, that meaningful change starts with materials.

The Sneaker Problem

Look at most sneakers on the market today, and you’ll see the problem. They’re made from virgin nylon, polyester, foam, and rubber, materials that are incredibly resource-heavy.

Virgin plastic, in particular, is a product of fossil fuels. Every new piece created drives carbon emissions higher and adds to a problem the world is already drowning in: plastic pollution. We simply cannot afford to keep making things that way.

Our Recycled Solution

We chose a different path.

Green T sneakers are built using recycled post-consumer plastic, recycled PU insoles, and recycled rubber outsoles. We’re not claiming perfection, no product is impact-free, but by giving existing materials a second life, we reduce the demand for virgin resources and help close the loop on waste.

It’s a huge step toward proving that fashion can be made smarter, with less harm and a lot more purpose.

The Local Production Reality

Now, let's address the manufacturing question. Some argue that true sustainability must mean producing locally. We absolutely agree, if the right infrastructure exists.

The truth is, when we tried to produce our sneakers in South Africa, the specific recycled materials and technical expertise we needed simply weren’t available. Had we forced local production, we would have had to compromise on the very heart of our mission: creating a shoe with the highest possible percentage of recycled components. We were unwilling to make that compromise.

So, we partnered with carefully vetted factories in China that could help us achieve our incredibly high standards. Does that make our shoes less sustainable? We don't think so. Sustainability isn't defined by borders. It’s defined by the choices we make, reducing waste, lowering reliance on new resources, building products that last, and staying transparent.

This isn't greenwashing. This is doing the hard work, step by step, with full transparency.

Rooted in South Africa: Giving Back Locally

While our shoes are made overseas, our heart and our impact remain firmly rooted in South Africa.

Through our collaboration with The Litterboom Project, every single pair of Green T sneakers supports a local initiative that actively prevents plastic waste from reaching our oceans.

This isn't just a donation; it’s a partnership that is fully monitored and audited. The Litterboom Project provides verified reports on the amount of plastic collected, the locations cleaned, and the communities involved. They also share regular updates and photos of their incredible work so you can see the real difference you're helping make. Your purchase genuinely contributes to a cleaner environment and stronger local communities.

A New Kind of Fashion

Our sneakers aren’t mass-produced, fast-fashion products designed to fall apart after one season. They're carefully made in small batches, built for comfort and longevity, with recycled materials that tell a powerful story of change.

Every time you lace them up, you’re taking a stand against waste, against throwaway fashion, and against the idea that style and sustainability have to be mutually exclusive.

The reality is, we all have a role to play in protecting the future of our planet. For us, it’s sneakers. For you, it’s choosing to walk a little differently, choosing products that matter, brands that care, and movements that inspire.

Green T is here to prove that sustainability isn't about perfection. It’s about progress. And together, through every recycled step, we can move closer to the change our oceans, our communities, and our world so urgently need.