Walking the Talk: Bernardo Carreira on Building 8000Kicks, the World’s First Hemp Shoe Brand

Walking the Talk: Bernardo Carreira on Building 8000Kicks, the World’s First Hemp Shoe Brand

Author: Sustainable Jungle June 4, 2025 Duration: 33:24
Meet Bernardo Carreira, founder of 8000Kicks—the brand behind the world’s first waterproof hemp sneakers. In this episode, Joy speaks with Bernardo about the personal story behind the company, how he (with the help of his grandmother) launched an innovative hemp footwear brand, and what it takes to build a business rooted in sustainability, ethics, and performance. 8000Kicks is one of Sustainable Jungle’s Top Rated brands—recognized for its use of innovative materials like hemp, strong supply chain transparency, fair labor practices, and commitment to reducing its footprint. Members-only bonus: In the extended bonus segment, we go behind the scenes to discuss the personal challenges of running a mission-led company, how Bernardo balances innovation with business realities (and a grueling workload), and some more killer advice for other sustainability focused entrepreneurs. Stay tuned for details on how to access this exclusive content or register your interest here: https://forms.gle/cJEE2Q1vAxW6yYpdA Important Links See 8000Kicks' Rating: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/brand-ratings/8000kicks/  Visit 8000Kicks (affiliate link): https://www.sustainablejungle.com/8000kicks-brand-rating-and-review/  Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/newsletter Show notes: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/podcast/episode-76/  Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pODntNv5zRY  Find other rated brands: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/brand-directory/  SJ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sustainablejungle/  How to Support the Podcast Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please: Follow or subscribe wherever you listen Leave us a review on your favorite platform Share it with someone who cares about conscious consumption Your support helps us keep the conversations going 💚

Tune into The Sustainable Jungle Podcast for conversations that cut through the noise around sustainability. Host Joy McConnochie sits down with founders and leaders from a fascinating array of consumer brands, the ones quietly and not-so-quietly reshaping their industries from the ground up. This isn't about doom and gloom; it's a deep, practical look at the solutions being built right now. Each episode explores the intersection of thoughtful business, scientific innovation, and cultural change, revealing how commerce can be a genuine force for good. You'll hear the real stories behind the products and companies aiming to do better, focusing on tangible ideas and actionable paths forward. The discussions naturally span topics from ethical supply chains and material science to the entrepreneurial spirit driving this shift, all grounded in a genuine mission. For anyone curious about the people building a more responsible future, this podcast offers an essential and hopeful perspective. Sustainable Jungle brings these voices together, creating a space where complex challenges are met with compelling, human-centered dialogue.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Sustainable Jungle Podcast
Podcast Episodes
70 · KATE FLYNN · MAKING PLASTIC-FREE, HEALTHY FOOD MORE ACCESSIBLE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:58
Kate Flynn is an entrepreneur passionate about creating a more sustainable future. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sun & Swell, a Certified Women-Owned, B-Corp based in Santa Barbara, CA with a mission to eliminate sing…
69 · DAPHNA NISSENBAUM · PIONEERING COMPOSTABLE FLEXIBLE PACKAGING [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:35
Daphna is the co-founder and CEO of TIPA, a global compostable packaging company providing innovative solutions for the fashion and food industries. Daphna established TIPA in 2010 and was ahead of the curve when she rec…
68 · CARL GISH · TECH DRIVEN, CARBON NEGATIVE HOUSING [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:22
Before co-founding Aro Homes, Carl Gish was a "product and brand executive with a track record of driving growth, creating shareholder value and building successful teams and brands from Unilever, Amazon, Dyson, eBay and…
67 · JENNY HU · FEMALE FOUNDED TECH FOR SUSTAINABLE FASHION [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:36
Jenny Hu is the CPO and co-founder of SHADE by SHADY.CLUB, an online tool for finding sustainable fashion. With a background in building technology with an emphasis on human experiences and behavior, Jenny has spent the…
66 · STEPHANIE DEVINE · BOTANIC CIRCULARITY & THE VERY GOOD BRA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:39
Stephanie Devine is the CEO and founder of The Very Good Bra, the world-first, zero-waste lingerie line that is so pure it can be buried in the garden and or home composted at the end of its life. Stephanie is a serial e…
65 · ERIN MEEZAN · LEADING BEYOND MISSION ZERO @ INTERFACE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:30
Erin Meezan is the VP and Chief Sustainability Officer at Interface Inc, a publicly listed company in the USA that manufactures carpet tiles and has earned a reputation as a leader in sustainability. Erin led the company…
64 · SAMUEL LEROUX · CHANGING TIME(S) @SOLIOS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:29
Sam Le Roux is the Canadian co-founder of SOLIOS Watches. “SOLIOS Watches is a Canadian company based in Montreal. [Their] main purpose is to disrupt the Watch and Fashion industry by offering high quality, elegant and e…