These sneaker aren’t totally green but they’re getting pretty darn close.

New Balance is taking steps to get greener with the launch of its new, ECO-PREFERRED collection. The new collection features shoes that utilize environmentally preferred materials, constructions and manufacturing processes.

The first shoe in New Balance’s eco-preferred collection, the New Balance 70, is developed for consumers who factor the environment into their buying decision. Seventy-five percent of the upper components are “environmentally preferred materials.” The laces, webbing, rand, quarter, tongue and saddle incorporate recycled polyester; the foxing and the tip of the shoe are synthetics made with fewer solvents than traditional materials. Rice husks filler in the outsole reduces the amount of rubber needed, thus reducing the amount of petroleum used. Water-based adhesives (rather than solvent-based) are used to join the upper and the sole unit and no paper stuffing or paper wrapping are used in the packaging of 70.

The new athletic shoe is also designed to reduce waste. The upper is constructed with minimal layers to reduce unnecessary material usage. It features an efficient design–the parts fit together much like a puzzle–in an effort to utilize as much of the original cutting material as possible.

“We used our best available resources and technologies to decrease the environmental footprint of the 70,” says Katherine Petrecca, senior outdoor product manager at New Balance. “The new eco-preferred collection is another step of many as we make progress to operate our entire business in an environmentally sensitive manner.”

The collection is part of a larger, corporate-wide sustainability initiative being undertaken by New Balance to operate their business in an environmentally sensitive manner. The best way to reward companies for there green initiatives by buying their products.

The 70 will launch this month (July) and retail for around $80.00.