TreadLightly is calling on Australians to embrace Plastic Free July by keeping their pre-loved and unwanted shoes out of landfill.
A collaboration between the Australian Sporting Goods Association (ASGA) and recycler Save Our Soles (SOS), TreadLightly is an initiative to help Australians recycle used sports and active lifestyle shoes.
The program collects shoes to be recycled and processed for use in products such as room flooring, anti-fatigue mats and gym mats.
Plastic Free July is a global movement operated by the Plastic Free Foundation, a not-for-profit charity based in Western Australia.
Since 2011, the initiative has encouraged the reduction of plastic pollution by challenging participants to refuse single-use plastic products, as well as providing tips and solutions in support of the change.
TreadLightly’s latest survey estimates Australians are hoarding over 100 million unused shoes that threaten to end up in landfill.
Shaun Bajada, ASGA Executive Director, said Plastic Free July is the perfect opportunity for Australians to help address a global issue.
“As a nation, we still have a lot of work to do when it comes to recycling, but by taking small steps we can help combat the seriousness of plastic pollution in the world,” he said.
“It’s not always easy to go completely plastic free, but we can all do our bit for the planet simply by recycling any unwanted shoes this July.”
TreadLightly operates 600 collection points across Australia.
For more information, visit: www.treadlightly.asga.com.au
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