In this changing economic world, where sustainability is an ever growing issue, I find that North Americans are often over looking parts of the big picture such as clothing and food for third world countries. While aiming to fund issues like this was all the rage pre Al Gores 'inconvenient Truth", now we are much more focused on the Earth and it's well being. Sure, priority states that this is our number one issue, but what about all of those people who can't afford to eat? What about the children who live off of mud pies? We need to stop and look at the world around us, and perhaps first take action to save what we have now, before we try to save what we may (or may not) have, in the future.

Shoes produce a huge amount of waste. 98% of all the shoes ever made are not recyclable in any way. Yet each American buys several new pairs of shoes a year. Thousands upon thousands of people in third world countries go from year to year without any shoes what so ever. Why shoes? What is so important about the rubber and leather on you wear on your feet? Well think about going one day without shoes. Think about walking to school, work, or in the subway. Think about walking on Queen or Yonge Street without shoes on. Now think about being in the wild of Africa. Don't you think you'd want a pair of shoes? Maybe even a few different pairs, for different terrain?

In 2006, Blake Mycoskie, an American traveling throughout Europe, found himself befriending children, many of whom did not have shoes on their feet. This inspired him to create 'Tom Shoes', a company whose slogan states that for every pair purchased, one pair would be sent to children in third world countries. That first year, he brought back over 10,000 shoes for children.

You may be wondering, 'Why shoes?'. Shoes are an essential article of clothing for these children. In order for them to gather the appropriate amounts of food and water for their families, they must travel many miles by foot to collect these things. This leaves their feet susceptible to cuts, which in the wilderness could lead to infection. Simply by wearing shoes, this drastically reduces the risk of contracting any illness through cuts on the feet.

You don't have to volunteer your time, or drop large sums of money to help struggling people. You don't have to fly to Africa to help build houses and libraries. It can be as simple as buying yourself a pair of shoes. But aim to help people with every action you make, with sustainability, with thought.