Unfortunately, the sports industry is a contributor to the global waste problem. We’ve created a never-ending cycle of consumption. We buy new sports clothes and sneakers, wear them for a few months or years, then throw them away. Every year, the average American throws away 81 pounds of textiles. This piles up quickly with so many people doing it. But there’s a better way you could make a sneaker impact, and that’s by recycling.
There are plenty of ways to be environmentally friendly and embrace green living. Recycling is just one way people are more sustainable in their lives, including recycling old sneakers. The reality is that sneaker recycling is a socially responsible way to do good for the planet. Everyone needs to do their part to support efforts against the climate crisis. So, when you recycle your sneakers, you make a positive social sneaker impact.
Industry and the Global Waste Problem
As we mentioned, it’s unfortunate, but the sports clothing and fashion industry are some of the most polluting industries globally. Every year, billion pounds of dangerous chemicals get used in the process of making clothes and shoes, including sneakers, for consumers to wear. And this isn’t just an issue in America, of course. It’s a global problem that we all face.
But there’s hope, and one approach is by recycling old sneakers. Recycling old sneakers has environmental benefits that can occur in both your local community and worldwide. For example, when you recycle old sneakers, you save energy to create new materials like cotton or plastic. That means less CO2 emissions.
Additionally, when you recycle old sneakers, you help keep toxic chemicals out of landfills because they get recycled instead. You help support commerce and sustainable wages in developing countries because micro-entrepreneurs get the sneakers. In turn, they market and sell the sneakers and make money in nations with systemic poverty. That’s immense sneaker impact!
Sneaker Impact: 2 Unique Approaches
Sneaker recycling is the process of up-cycling old sneakers into new ones. It could mean a few things. For one, if you just want to get rid of your sneakers (and do good for a cause), you can look into a sneaker recycling program. Make sure to work with a reputable leader that partners with small business owners in developing nations who sell the sneakers for a sustainable living.
A second approach for sneaker recycling is to add a little bit of your personality to the old sneakers. Sneakers get made from different parts, so they can be broken down and reworked into various products. Meaning that recycling sneakers doesn’t have to mean throwing them away.
The initial step to making something new at home is to clean your sneakers. Get all the dirt and grime off the athletic shoes. After you wash and dry your sneakers, it’s time to decide what you want to make. Whatever it is, it will probably end up being more durable than an average pair of sneakers due to its sturdy makeup.
3 Reasons Why Sneaker Recycling is Better for the Environment
The sneaker industry is booming. The average American buys three pairs of sneakers per year. So, with such a high demand for sneakers, it’s no surprise we see millions of tons of leather and rubber scraps thrown in landfills each year.
Environmentally-friendly lifestyle practices, such as recycling your old sneakers, are a step in the right direction. Further, if we all try to do our part for our planet, we can make a big difference. The following are just 3 reasons why sneaker recycling makes sense.
1. Recycled materials help reduce emissions from manufacturing
Manufacturing new materials are very energy-intensive. When products get made with recycled materials, their production requires less energy, and fewer fossil fuels get burned. So, that’s one reason why recycling sneakers makes sense.
2. Recycling reduces water usage and waste
Another reason to recycle sneakers is that producing products with recycled materials helps reduce water usage and waste output. When you recycle sneakers into material for new products, you help conserve resources.
3. Reduces pollution and environmental damage
When you recycle your sneakers, rather than letting them sit in a landfill polluting the environment for years, you take one more step towards living a more eco-conscious lifestyle! Your efforts help limit the toxic substances that get into our air or waterways each year.
So, next time you need a new pair of sneakers, think of sneaker impact. As you know, sneaker recycling is better for the environment. In sum, it reduces the amount of waste produced and helps conserve natural resources. But it also creates work opportunities for people globally. And finally, recycling helps create a sustainable future for our children. In short, sneaker recycling is a win-win for our environment and society.
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