Timberland

According to the Timberland website, they started out as boot makers, but are about much more. "We care about the strength of our neighbors, the well being of our environment and the quality of life in our community." We look at three areas the company is currently focusing on: energy, chemical and resources.

From raw materials and transporting the product, to their showroom floors, Timberland are attempting to increase efficiency and seek out cleaner, sustainable energy sources. Where possible they have utilized electricity from 100% renewable wind and hydroelectric sources and introduced innovative ways of yielding sustainable energy such as heating their Netherlands distribution center with waste steam from a nearby power station. Where renewable energy options are limited, they trade using Green Tags that in 2002 allowed them to reduce their CO2 emissions by the equivalent of 2,500 tons (for more information on Green Tags see:
http://www.nativeenergy.com/comparison.html).

Toxic chemicals are a factor in shoe production and this reaches far back into the supply chain. Timberland are making efforts to reduce the amount of chemicals it uses, including those used by suppliers and are replacing solvents wherever possible with water-based adhesives, which in some cases has actually increased performance of the shoe. Since 2003 they have also offered a line of 100-percent organic cotton T-shirts and are introducing blended organic cotton into more lines. Timberland was a founding member of the Organic Exchange an organization devoted to achieving these goals. (http://www.organicexchange.org/)

Timberland is striving for the sustainable use of rubber, cotton, leather and wood, all essential materials for the production and operation of their business. Footwear boxes are made using glue, which makes them stronger and reduces material use by 15-percent, and are made using 100% post-consumer recycled content cardboard.

Sustainable or recycled materials feature heavily in new store design and construction.
As seen in their Freehold, New Jersey store, features included bamboo flooring (a renewable resource that regenerates from the same root system every five years), wall fixtures made from recycled fiber, and wall paints and floor finishes with very low VOC (volatile organic compound) content. Employees are also given the opportunity to get involved in community-based projects through the organization's 'Path of Service' and 'Earthwatch Sabbatical' programs.

For more on Timberland, see the official website at:
http://www.timberland.com/home/index.jsp