TreadLightly is calling on Australians to take action against the global waste problem by participating in the Great Shoe Cleanout by recycling their unwanted shoes for Global Recycling Day (18 March, 2023).
TreadLightly is a new national recycling initiative, powered by the Australian Sporting Goods Association (ASGA) and recycler Save Our Soles (SOS), helping Australians to recycle their pre-loved sports and active lifestyle shoes by giving them new life and keeping them out of landfill.
New research[1] released by TreadLightly this month shows that the average Australian owns around seven pairs of shoes, but half of them go unworn. The survey reveals that on average, only 3.5 pairs of shoes are worn at least once a month.
Shaun Bajada, Executive Director, ASGA is asking for people to check if they have shoes that are too small, smelly or soiled laying around the house – because they can be put to good use.
“At TreadLightly we are on a mission to help educate Australians about shoe waste and encourage people to give old shoes new life as useful products. Shoes can be recycled, no matter how dirty or over-worn they are.”
“If you have shoes that you no longer wear, there is a good chance that they will one day end up as landfill. Help us to reach our target of recycling one million shoes by June 2023 and join us by participating in TreadLightly’s Great Shoe Cleanout this Global Recycling Day,” said Bajada.
Sarah Wall, NETFIT Founder and TreadLightly Ambassador is encouraging Australians to get involved and clean out their cupboard this Global Recycling Day.
TreadLightly’s Great Shoe Cleanout Tips:
Tip 1: Spark joy! Do you still own shoes or clothes that you haven’t worn in six months or more? Time to give them a new home. They are taking up valuable wardrobe space and creating clutter in your home. Donate them to a local op shop if they still have life in them! Otherwise take your shoes to a local TreadLightly collection point.
Tip 2: Stop punishing your feet. Studies show that between 63 and 72 percent of people wear shoes that don’t fit the width or length of their feet. Your feet deserve better – recycle them with TreadLightly today!
Tip 3: Let go of sentimental clutter. Our research[2] shows that nearly a quarter of respondents (24 per cent) keep onto their old shoes for a rainy day or for sentimental reasons! It’s time to let go of sentimental clutter. If you don’t need or use it, let it go. In doing this, you can be sure it’s going to a good home!
Tip 4: One in, one out rule. Did you recently purchase a new pair of shoes? Try the ‘one in, one out’ rule. Once you bring a new item into the house, you get rid of another one. By doing this you won’t accumulate more than you need!
To participate in TreadLightly’s ‘Great Shoe Cleanout’ for Global Recycling Day and help keep shoes out of landfill, simply do a cupboard cleanout and take your unwanted sports and active lifestyle shoes to the closest collection point.
TreadLightly now has more than 800 collection points across Australia. To find your closest collection location visit https://treadlightly.asga.com.au/collection-locations/ TreadLightly works closely with Australia’s key sporting and active lifestyle brands. For a full list of participating sporting and active lifestyle brands visit www.treadlightly.asga.com.au
[1] TreadLightly Survey / 10 Thousand Feet (2022-national respondents)
[2] TreadLightly Survey / 10 Thousand Feet (2021)