REDD or Dead?

At the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark (December 7-18), representatives recognized the vital importance and role of trees in the climate crisis. Their efforts culminated in the UN-Redd (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries) Program, a plan that focuses on providing countries with incentives to not cut down their trees. Learn more about it here:

5 Ways to Go Green this Holiday Season

Though the holidays are fast approaching, there's still some time to think about how you can make your season as "green" as possible. Look at this period a bit more creatively and recognize the impact that some of your actions during this season may have on the environment--make it a New Year's resolution to be more green this year and get inspired with these tips!

5. Organic Potluck
The holiday season should not be limited to presents and shopping for presents--take some time to host a potluck meal for your close friends and family members using only organic food. Part of the fun will be checking out your local grocers and farmers' markets to pick out fun, fresh ingredients for the meal. Organic food is not only better for you, but it's also better for the environment because it promotes a better, sustainable use of soil and more humane treatment of animals. Think about it. Click here to find organically grown food in your area.

4. Go Paperless
The U.S. Postal Service will deliver 20 billion cards, letters, and packages between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve this year. Nearly 300,000 trees will need to be harvested to produce all the holiday cards sold during this time. Instead of a traditional Christmas postcard, why not send your family picture via email? Better yet, send an interactive video message to let someone know you're thinking about them during the holidays. You can even "elf yourself"--whatever floats your boat. All these options save paper and time!

3. Edible Gifts
You know how your neighbor always gushes about your brownies or those oatmeal raisins you shared with her the other day? Make her holidays sweeter by gifting those baked goods and helping the environment. Find some ideas for edible gifts in a jar: here.

2. For the Philanthropist
There's always that one person in our lives who is forever championing a cause--whether it be orphans in Zimbabwe or polar bears in Antarctica. Donate to a foundation or charity in their name--all recipients involved will appreciate the gesture. Trees for the Future helps the environment by planting trees around the world--"Planting trees protects the environment and helps to preserve traditional livelihoods and cultures for generations."

1. Purchase a sustainable gift
The fashionista or the eco-friendly shopper (or both) in your life will appreciate your consideration when you purchase a gift that gives back to the environment. Featured in New York Fashion Week, myCATs are a breath of fresh air from your usual shoe or sneaker. With both men's and women's designs, they are made of 100% biodegradable soles and assembled without the use of toxic chemicals that may be harmful to our environment. They are made in a variety of designs, colors and styles for every person on your list. With each purchase of a pair of myCATS shoes, 10 trees will be planted in the buyer's name. Guess you can check the philanthropist off your list too.



Check out other styles here!

Okay so my adorable shoes arrived Sat. I love them. I tried them on and thought OMG, these are high I am not sure if I can where them all day, so I brought a pair of spares to be safe; so far so good I am still wearing them. :) They are surprisingly wearable, you were right. I lunched with my friend and she LOVED them so I am sending her the web page.

Thanks for the lead on these adorable shoes,

I am going to get another pair soon,

the black flats are something I can’t live without.

Thanks again,
Tine - Costa Mesa, CA

myCATS at NY Fashion Week Sept 2009

myCATS, an eco-friendly shoe company, appeared on the NY Fashion runway when chosen for the Spring 2010 men’s collection by clothing designer Simon Spurr. With a high quality product and an important cause, myCATS shoes made their debut on the runway bringing visibility to their eco-conscious cause. myCATS shoes are hand-made from natural materials with a sole made from jute, a fibrous plant with natural anti-bacterial properties. With every shoe purchase, myCATS plants 10 trees contributing to the global efforts of renewing our planet’s natural resources. Trees not only clean the air we breathe, but also create self-sustained communities by providing shelter, medicine, food, and improving overall rural livelihood. myCATS gives their customers the power to help our planet and people around our world.

Your world. Your shoes.

Testimonial

I love these shoes! Besides being environmentally friendly, which is a huge plus for me, they are extremely comfortable and so cute! I own close to 100 pairs of shoes and these I wear more than any of my others. Great cause and Great design.

Jessica - Los Angeles, CA

myCATS go to Catalina

I took myCATS to Catalina Island off the Southern CA coast and enjoyed the whole day with no blisters and no pain! I get the sweatiest feet and can count on at least a couple blisters after a whole day of walking around, but I was so happy when I got home and the only thing that hurt was my sunburn!

Wear them up or down?

Hello again, lots of people been asking about how to wear the men's shoe as they've seen photos of the back folded down and worn as a sandal or with the back part up and worn as a shoe.

The answer is both!

I usually walk around with the back part of the shoe up (right foot), but when I'm sitting down relaxing I go ahead and fold it down (left foot). This is great for taking the edge off a long day and still maintaining the comfort of a shoe.

Tree planting in India

Was in Tiruvannamalai, India visiting one of our project sites for the tree planting. Amazing work being done to protect & improve the livelihoods of the local communities there. From planting trees to improve the farm land so they can produce more crops to being able to produce honey and then sell the honey for additional income. Each step in the process helps improve the lives of the people in these villages. Here are a few pictures.

Welcome to mycatshoes.com! People have asked about the name of our eco-friendly shoes we call myCATS. The shoes are originally from a region called Catalonia which is a part of Spain. CAT is what is used to abbreviate Catalonia so we like to call our shoes myCATS, or my Catalan shoes.

All of our shoes are hand made in Spain and with all eco-friendly materials. This is why in keeping with the eco-friendly way of doing business, we want to honor each customer purchase with a certificate that for every purchase we will plant 10 trees to help our environment by offsetting carbon emissions and providing livelihood for forest dependent people living in third world countries.

We work with a non-profit called Tress for the Future who has a global network to enable the tree planting where it's most needed.

Thanks for visiting mycatshoes.com and enjoy the shoes!