Stop Throwing Out Your Running Shoes and Take This Eco-Friendly Approach Instead!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Impact of Shoe Waste on the Environment
3. The Three Routes for Old Running Shoes
   • 3.1 Reusing Old Running Shoes
   • 3.2 Recycling Old Running Shoes
   • 3.3 Discarding or Incinerating Old Running Shoes
4. Organizations and Schemes for Shoe Reuse and Recycling
   • 4.1 Partnership with JOGG ON and RunAsNEED
   • 4.2 Partnership with SOEX
   • 4.3 Other Organizations and Schemes
5. The Process of Recycling Shoes
   • 5.1 Delamination, Air Separators, and Magnets
   • 5.2 Components and Uses of Recycled Materials
6. The Challenges of Shoe Recycling
7. Reducing Shoe Waste as a Runner
   • 7.1 Extending the Lifespan of Running Shoes
   • 7.2 Proper Shoe Care and Maintenance
   • 7.3 Using Shoes for their Intended Purpose
8. Efforts of Big Brands in Shoe Waste Reduction
   • 8.1 On Running's 100% Recyclable Cloud Neo
   • 8.2 Solomon's Index 02 and Brooks' Ghost 14
   • 8.3 Ortholite Circle and More Recyclable Foam
9. Conclusion
10. Frequently Asked Questions

💡 Highlights

• The environmental impact of shoe waste is significant, with billions of pairs of shoes ending up in landfills each year.
• Reusing and recycling old running shoes can help reduce shoe waste and its impact on the environment.
• Organizations and schemes exist to collect and distribute reusable running shoes, as well as recycle unusable ones.
• Shoe recycling is a complex process due to the various materials used in manufacturing, but it leads to the creation of new products.
• Runners can contribute to reducing shoe waste by extending the lifespan of their shoes and practicing proper care and maintenance.
• Big brands like On Running, Solomon, Brooks, and Ortholite are making efforts to create more sustainable and recyclable shoe options.

🏃‍♀️ Running Shoes: What to Do With Your Old Pairs

Every avid runner knows that running shoes need to be replaced regularly to prevent injury and maintain optimal performance. But with the recommended lifespan of 500 to 800 kilometers (or 300 to 500 miles), the number of discarded running shoes is staggering. Approximately 300 million pairs of shoes are thrown away each year in both the United States and the United Kingdom, resulting in significant environmental impact. So, what options exist for dealing with old running shoes?

1️⃣ Introduction

In this article, we will explore the problem of shoe waste and discuss the three main routes for old running shoes: reusing, recycling, and discarding. We will also delve into the efforts of various organizations and schemes that aim to address this issue. Additionally, we will provide practical tips for runners to reduce shoe waste and highlight the initiatives of big brands in creating more sustainable footwear options.

2️⃣ The Impact of Shoe Waste on the Environment

The numbers surrounding shoe waste are alarming. With an estimated 18 billion pairs of shoes sold worldwide each year, the disposal of old shoes poses a significant environmental challenge. Most discarded running shoes end up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to degrade fully. This contributes to pollution and the depletion of valuable landfill space. Moreover, many developing countries, where these shoes often end up, struggle to handle the influx of discarded shoes and clothing, leading to further waste and environmental issues.

3️⃣ The Three Routes for Old Running Shoes

When it comes to old running shoes, there are essentially three options: reusing, recycling, or discarding them. Each option has its own pros and cons, which we will discuss in detail.

3.1 Reusing Old Running Shoes

The preferred choice for most people is to find someone else who can still benefit from their old running shoes. However, finding individuals in need of used shoes can be challenging, especially if they are located in distant locations. Simply donating shoes without proper consideration can pass the burden of waste management onto others and may not ensure that the shoes are appropriately used. To address this, various organizations and schemes have been established to facilitate the proper redistribution of reusable running shoes.

3.2 Recycling Old Running Shoes

Another option for dealing with old running shoes is recycling. While recycling shoes is a complex process due to the mix of materials used in their construction, it is possible to break them down into their raw components and repurpose them. Some organizations specialize in shoe recycling and are equipped to handle the challenges involved. The recycled materials can then be used to create various products such as table tennis paddles, athletics tracks, insulation, AstroTurf, bonded leather, and garden furniture. However, it is important to note that only a small percentage of shoes currently go through this recycling process, highlighting the need for increased recycling efforts and infrastructure.

3.3 Discarding or Incinerating Old Running Shoes

The least favorable option for old running shoes is simply discarding or incinerating them. This leads to the shoes ending up in landfills, where their decomposition is drastically slow. Incinerating shoes can also release harmful pollutants into the environment. Moreover, discarding shoes perpetuates the cycle of waste generation without any sustainable solution. It is crucial to explore alternative routes and minimize the number of shoes that reach this final disposal stage.

[Continue reading the article to explore organizations, shoe recycling process, reducing shoe waste, efforts of big brands, and more.]