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Gearing up for Spring: Men's Espadrilles

Make sure to check out our selection of men espadrilles & alpargatas.

www.mycatshoes.com

Spring's almost here--time to shed those boots and sneakers in exchange for something a bit lighter and more versatile. Enter: espadrilles.

Whether you're going for the fresh, crisp look,

Photo courtesy of The Sartorialist


or casual and nonchalant image,

Photo courtesy of The Sartorialist

espadrilles are the shoes of spring--easy to slip on and off and match any outfit or outing: from an al fresco lunch to a nighttime outing.

Get yours now in time for the season!

Deforestation places Haiti at risk of more landslides

Haiti is plagued by widespread deforestation because its poverty-stricken population cuts down trees for fuel. According to the National Geographic, as a result "the destruction of Haiti's natural forests is almost total, making the Caribbean country one of the most deforested in the world."

The canopies of trees serve as buffers to fend off wind and rain, while the roots help keep the soil from shifting--without this vital protection, the country is at risk of even more landslides. Its rapidly depleting forests along with the recent impact of the earthquake heighten this risk.

To read more about the importance of trees and tree planting in a country such as Haiti, check out this link.

Let's all keep the people of Haiti in our prayers...

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.