Earthenterprise Tool Kit - International Institute for Sustainable ...

EarthEnterprise Tool Kit
The non-toxic adhesives used by DEJA eliminate the use of smog-producing
and health-damaging solvents. The company’s leather-free footwear policy
alleviates the health and environmental impacts associated with tanning. DEJA
also gives 5 percent of its pre-tax profits to The Species Survival Commission,
in support of its work to protect endangered plants.
The shoes are carried by a variety of retailers, including Bloomingdale’s and
Dayton Hudson, and can be purchased through Real Goods catalogue.They are
distributed throughout Canada by Roblin Athletic, based in Winnipeg. Armed
with the vision and zeal of company founder Julie Lewis and the footwear
industry expertise of president and CEO Bruce MacGregor, formerly of Avia,
DEJA was able to attract $2.5 million of start-up venture capital from three
companies in Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco. A second round of $1.2
million was obtained from the same team.“From virtually a dead start, DEJA
has achieved national recognition as a footwear industry leader in the
manufacture of its environmentally friendly products,” said Cheryl Krane of
BancBoston, one of the investors.
DEJA stays on track with a mission statement and two pages of corporate
p o l i c i e s . “As a company committed to sustainable development and
e nv i ronmental stewa rd s h i p, D E JA SHOE will manufacture and market
footwear made from recycled materials, as well as ecologically obtained plant
m a t e r i a l s , and develop new technologies, uses and markets for these
materials,”says the mission statement.
“The major principles upon which we have established our company include
the sustainable use and conservation of re n ewable and non-re n ewa b l e
re s o u rc e s , p rotection of wildlife habitats, open spaces and wilderness,
preservation of biodiversity, and environmental stewardship. Alleviation of
poverty through economic sharing, both locally and globally, is an important
p re requisite of sustainable dev e l o p m e n t , and we are also committed to
addressing this broader social issue. Our goal is to leave the Earth healthy and
safe for future generations,”says the corporate policy.
For additional information contact Mary E. C a m p b e l l , C o m m u n i c a t i o n s
M a n a g e r, D E JA SHOE, The Env i ronmental Footwear Company, 7 1 6 5
Southwest Fir Loop, Suite 200, Portland, OR 97223. Telephone: (503) 624-7443,
Toll-free: (800) 331-3352, Fax: (503) 624-2620.
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