Latest news with #ZQ-certified
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Wool Industry Violence Prompts PETA Demand: Shearers Must Be 20+
Because children as young as 15 years old arecurrently undertaking shearing duties and witnessing the bloody, violent nature of sheep shearing firsthand, PETA today sent a letter to Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Brooke van Velden, calling on her to protect sheep and vulnerable young people by raising the minimum required age for wool industry employees to 20, in line with the country's age of majority. The request comes on the heels of an explosive investigation revealing that workers beat, whipped, kicked, and stomped terrified sheep on farms that supply ZQ-certified and other wool. PETA notes that the young workers are mostly males with developing brains, which studies have shown manage aggression more effectively with age. In addition to being exposed to rampant amphetamine use in the industry, participating in or witnessing such cruelty to animals can causea range of mental health issues and increase the likelihood that the individuals will then go on to engage in harmful treatment of others. 'Forcing impressionable children to witness, and even partake, as terrified sheep are shorn to bloody bits in filthy sheds is unacceptable, and it should be illegal,' says PETA Senior Vice President Jason Baker. 'PETA is calling on the New Zealand government to keep young people from harming animals and being harmed themselves.' PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that 'animals are not ours to wear'—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ina Garten says these 'incredibly comfortable' walking shoes changed her life
Hello, I'm Britt, and I'd like to apply for the role of Ina Garten's greatest fan. I know, I know, thousands of people likely feel qualified for that position — but that just speaks to the Barefoot Contessa's down-to-earth personality, home cook-friendly recipes, unfussy style ... I could go on and on. While we're on the subject of style, it appears Ina's quite the loyalist when it comes to footwear. The Food Network star wore what are apparently her go-to walking shoes on a trip to Paris last year: the popular Allbirds Wool Runners. Now, given her gorgeous kitchen(s) and enviable cookware collection, you might be wondering just how much these sneakers cost. Well, they're actually a reasonable $98 at Amazon and Allbirds — and if there's one thing we'd be wise to invest in, it's our feet. Keep scrolling to see why these are shoes worthy of a culinary queen. (Psst: For additional options, check out our roundup of the best walking shoes for women.) As part of the Today Show's coverage of the 2024 Olympics, Ina appeared in a series of Instagram videos that featured her in Paris (yes, I've watched every single one in its entirety). Of course, she's wearing her signature denim button-down, colorful scarf and black pants ensemble, but you can also see that her shoes are the all-black Allbirds Wool Runners. (The closest Amazon carries is the black and cream sole sneaker, but you can get Ina's pair from Allbirds directly.) While this was my first foray into Ina's footwear preferences, it seems she's been a fan of the brand for years. In an interview with Glamour in 2020, she says, "I think they are just fantastic," and even included the sneakers in a gift guide, saying, "These shoes changed my life! I first bought them thinking they would be really comfortable for cooking, and now I wear them everywhere. They give extraordinary support, they're made of wool so they're incredibly comfortable, and the best part is, you can just throw them in the washing machine." She's still wearing them today, so you know they must be good. Designed to be an "everyday" sneaker, this is a lightweight walking shoe that sports a cushioned midsole to keep your feet comfortable for hours. What really sets it apart, though, is its wool upper, which, yes, will help keep your feet toasty when it's cold outside — but it's also moisture-regulating to prevent sweating during the summer. The wool also gives the sneaker a more elevated look (would we expect anything less from Ina?), meaning you can wear it casually or out to brunch and a show. Allbirds also emphasizes sustainability, and this shoe is crafted from materials like ZQ-certified merino wool, sugarcane-based green EVA and recycled plastic bottles. Ina isn't alone in her love of these sneaks — here's what Amazon customers had to say. "Always on the lookout for a nice-looking, comfortable walking shoe," said one five-star reviewer. "Lightweight, feels good on the foot, wearable with or without socks. Looks good with shorts, jeans or a short skirt. This is my go-to gonna-walk-all-day shoe." "This is my second pair of these shoes," wrote a repeat buyer. "They fit my wide feet so comfortably. The wool keeps my feet dry and I can wear them for hours on the hottest of days, and my feet do not feel clammy and gross." "These shoes are fantastic," raved a third fan. "From the time I put them on they were comfortable, and have given me no issues since. ... The shoes did not squeeze my toes, which I have an issue with ... great for long walks and vacations with lots of action." "These are the most comfortable sneakers I've ever worn," swooned another. "They are lightweight with good arch support and they hug my foot like a slipper. The wool is soft and warm without being too warm. Just on comfort, I'll be wearing these shoes every chance I have!" Some shoppers did have notes about sizing. "I wanted to love these shoes," wrote a reviewer, "[but] because these shoes come only in whole sizes, they didn't provide a good fit. ... The bed of the shoe felt very comfortable, and I liked the wool material." "They seem to run a bit small, as I can't wear thicker socks with these," shared a generally satisfied shopper, "but that's okay, as even with thin socks, my feet stay warm. Will definitely buy another pair in the future." While I haven't tried these shoes (yet), Ina and I do share one thing in common — our love of this Lodge pan. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
