Tomorrow, 22nd April 2011, is Earth Day, a forty year old tradition established by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson, which encourages people to take time out of their busy lives to appreciate the natural beauty of Earth and the environmental impacts that are affecting this.

Celebrated worldwide in over 175 countries, Earth Day is a day that despite being celebrated by many, wont stop people driving along the motorways, spraying on their deodorant and plugging in their electrics. That isn't Earth Day's specific aim, rather to just ask people to take time out to consider just what wonders the Earth offers as well as how their damaging actions could perhaps be reduced.

However, just what one can remove from their hectic lives to reduce their carbon footprint is often a difficult one, but footprint should be providing the clue. Some footwear brands are only too aware of the damaging affects their manufacturing and materials are placing on the environment, which is why we're bringing you our top two environmentally friendly footwear brands to celebrate Earth Day with:

Timberland: If one brand is truly heroic in their environmental efforts, it's Timberland, with their continuing campaigns and changing manufacturing methods. However, for Earth Day tomorrow, Timberland are sending out their 7,200 volunteers (themselves included) to give that little bit back to our planet. However, their work doesn't just stop there as their shoes are becoming increasingly environmentally friendly.

The Timberland Earthkeeper is a prime example of this, with many of their components being derived from organic materials, e.g. the Green Rubber Outsole. This fantastic innovation of Timberland's is a boot sole that is created out of up to 42% recycled rubber. What's more, once you feel your life with your Timberland Earthkeeper boots is over, you can recycle these, with at least half of the boot being reusable.

Mel: Another very popular brand showing that being 'Green' doesn't mean a sacrifice of style is the Mel brand. With their incredibly quirky designs for summer already proving a hit, Mel are ensuring that they're giving their bit back to the environment. The PVC Mel-Flex material they use is 100% recyclable, and is a man-made material that offers both flexible and breathable qualities that are ideal for footwear.

If that wasn't enough, Mel also make sure that any waste material produced during the manufacturing process is recycled into the next batch.

Why not do your bit for the environment and reduce your carbon footprint with some 'Green' shoes?