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Parley for the Oceans unites politicians, scientists, and most importantly, creative thinkers in an attempt to raise awareness of climate change and perhaps diminish its detrimental effects on our fragile oceanic ecosystems. Consumers hold the key to change, and artists, inventors, and product designers have the mindset and power to influence the market in a sustainable way. This is where the AdidasxParley shoe comes into play; created by British designer Alexander Taylor for the 2015 UN talk titled “Oceans. Climate. Life”, the conceptual prototype cleverly incorporates ocean waste in place of traditional materials. Rather than yarn, the fibres used were made from waste plastic and fishing nets for an elegant design that alludes to its aquatic origin. Subtle green stitching countours the trainer’s upper white surface atop Adidas’ signature boost sole. The nets used were retrieved during a 110-day expedition by Sea Sheperd to track an illegal poaching vessel off the coast of Africa. “Adidas has long been a leader in sustainability, but this partnership allows us to tap into new areas and create innovative materials and products for our athletes,” says board member Eric Liedtke; through their continued partnership with the UN’s Parley for the Ocean the brand hopes to launch an entire collection made from reclaimed waste. Although designer Alexander Taylor reminds us “to understand that this is a concept shoe and it is currently utilising absolutely new materials and processes, which over the coming months will be worked on, refined and up-scaled into consumer product,” the sustainable kicks may be released as early as Spring 2016.
