As you read this, a couple of sneakers (or more) are probably tucked away deep in your closet, gathering dust and taking up space. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that—the pairs might not fit exactly right, for example, or perhaps you’re not in love with the shoes’ colors.
The good news? You can put those old sneakers to good use in a variety of ways. No matter what state they’re in, they’re destined to benefit somebody, somewhere. Keep reading for some ideas on what to do with old sneakers that can help you reduce waste and help lift people out of poverty.
The State of Sneaker Consumption—and Waste
Sneakers, which usually consist of textiles, rubber, foam, leather, nylon, and other materials that take decades or longer to decompose, represent a large chunk of that 17 million tons. Nearly 300 million pairs of sneakers make their way to landfills every year in America. The global number? 22 billion.
What to Do With Old Sneakers (Besides Tossing Them)
Fortunately, you can take substantive actions to reduce sneaker waste and, potentially, help meet the needs of disadvantaged people across the world. Here are five ideas on what to do with your old sneakers, including a fun DIY project.
1. Give them a good scrubbing.
Sometimes those sneakers you don’t wear anymore might just need a good wash to make them as good as new. You might be surprised at the power of the trusty dish soap or baking soda! If you decide to wash your sneakers, place crumpled paper inside the shoes so the materials don’t contract or droop during drying. Also, be sure to dilute soap or baking soda to avoid stripping some of the coating and oils from the outside of your sneakers.
2. Upcycle them into something new and unique.
If your shoes have seen better days, but they’re still sturdy, consider giving them a new life as part of an upcycling project. Here are a few of our favorite easy upcycling ideas for old shoes:
- Grab some acrylic paint and brushes and transform your old sneakers into a canvas. Paint fun designs or recreate images that are important to you for a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork or keepsake.
- Create your own mini planter – perfect for succulents, herbs, and other small plants – with an old sneaker by poking a few holes in the bottom to allow for water and airflow.
- Add some fun flair to your old shoes with embellishments like ribbon, sequins, fabric markers, or appliques.
Upcycling is all about taking something old and finding opportunities to give it new purposes. If you’re into DIY, deciding what to do with old sneakers can be a fun challenge! Get creative and see what ideas you can come up with to revitalize your old sneakers into a beloved part of your home.
3. Utilize brand-specific swapping or buyback programs.
If your shoes are from a specific retailer, you may be able to take advantage of brand-specific repurposing programs. Nike, for example, through a program called Nike Grind, takes consumers’ old shoes, separates the materials, and uses some of them for future products.
Through recycling and repurposing, companies can help close the loop on manufacturing processes and reduce pollution.
4. Donate old shoes to a charitable organization.
If you don’t see yourself using a particular pair of sneakers again, consider donating them to local charities. Many nonprofit organizations will accept shoes in any condition, but you can help them out by cleaning them up a little before donation. You might live or work near a center that accepts old shoes that are no longer wearable by you or others.
5. Participate in a shoe drive organized by Funds2Orgs.
You might want to consider a slightly more strategic way of giving sneakers a second life.
Funds2Orgs organizes shoe drives for numerous people and nonprofits who want to turn shoes into dreams. When you collect gently worn, used, and new shoes, we distribute them to microentrepreneurs in developing nations. These microentrepreneurs use this inventory to help stimulate the economy, and it gives them a hand up in their business.
Funds2Orgs provides the materials and will train you on the best practices of hosting an awesome shoe drive fundraiser right in your town or city. Once the event is over, the Funds2Orgs team picks up your shoes from a convenient location. Your organization receives payment for each pair of shoes collected, meaning the more you gather, the more you profit!
This option benefits just about everyone: your shoes get a new home, your group raises the funds it needs, and local business owners get an opportunity to support themselves and their communities. It’s a win-win-win!
Make a Lasting Impact With a Shoe Drive Fundraiser
Many people might not know what to do with old shoes.. Fortunately, though, there are tons of opportunities to keep these materials out of landfills and in the reach of individuals who just need a hand up.
Funds2Orgs gives you a creative way to reuse your shoes and make a difference. Ready to learn more about how it works? Get started here to receive an information packet and connect with our team.
Featured Image via Nqobile Vundla on Unsplash