More than 100 schools have teamed up to save nearly 10,000 pairs of shoes from landfill as part of a week-long shoe recycling drive run by TreadLightly.
TreadLightly is an initiative backed by the Australian Sporting Goods Association (ASGA) and footwear recycler Save Our Soles (SOS) to help reduce the estimated 100 million pairs of shoes that end up in Australian landfills every year.
Running from 21-27 March, the drive challenged Australian childcare centres, primary and secondary schools to collect unwanted shoes to be recycled and repurposed.
Shaun Bajada, ASGA Executive Director, said TreadLightly was pleased with the level of engagement and positive feedback from schools.
“It has been great to see so many schools get behind the initiative, coming up with their own creative ways to raise awareness and collect shoes to be recycled,” he said. “We are passionate about helping children to understand the important role they can play in reducing our impact on the planet.”
Balnarring Primary School in Victoria took out the national prize, collecting 798 pairs of shoes and winning $8600 in prizes.
Kate Large, Balnarring Primary School teacher, said sustainability is a key part of the school’s curriculum, and students are passionate about exploring new ways to care for the environment.
“Our school is incredibly dedicated to sustainability, and we know kids’ feet grow so quickly,” she said. “This was a perfect opportunity for our school to get onboard with an initiative to divert waste from landfill.”
Participants competed for a share in more than $12,000 in prizes comprising vouchers, sporting equipment, and recycled gym mats.
Runner-up prizes will go to each state winner, which include: Westminster Prep School (SA) which recycled 641 pairs of shoes, Edmund Rice College (NSW) with 541 pairs, Andersons Creek Primary School (VIC) with 475 pairs, Swanbourne Primary School (WA) with 263 pairs, St Thomas More’s Catholic School (TAS) with 145 pairs, St Mary of the Cross Primary School (QLD) with 112 pairs, and St Francis Xavier College (ACT) with 70 pairs.
For more information, visit: treadlightly.asga.com.au
Related stories: