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
39 · SUSAN STEVENS · SHINING A LIGHT ON SUSTAINABLE BRANDS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:35
Susan Stevens is the founder of Made With Respect, an online platform that supports sustainable brands, inspired by a desire to live a more meaningful life. Susan is passionate about being part of the solution in protect…
38 · BRENDAN CONDON · BUILDING THE SUSTAINABLE CITY OF THE FUTURE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:14
Brendan Condon is a respected Melbourne-based authority in the field of environmental restoration, among many other things. He has founded numerous sustainability oriented companies including Australian Ecosystems, Biofi…
33 · ANGIE GULLAN · FOR THE LOVE OF DOLPHINS, MOZAMBIQUE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:38
“South African Angie Gullan developed Africa’s first structured wild dolphin swim program in 1996 after a two year pilot study in Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique. Under the supervision of Dr Vic Cockroft (The Centre of Dolphin…