Recycle Those Running Shoes

It's that time of year again when you're out shopping for back to school. If your kids are anything like mine, they have already outgrown their shoes (again) and you are buying them a new pair for what seems like the 16th time this year.

So, what do you do with the old pair? Some of my previous options have been to give them to a younger child as hand-me-downs. Sometimes, I've sold them at a yard sale. I've also given them away to various organizations that collect shoes and clothing throughout the area.

But what about the shoes that just can't be used again? The ones that were well-worn and loved and just can't be given away for anyone else to use? You still love that shoe and can't bare to part with it, but you can't hang on to it either...

Well, here's the solution from one of our readers.

Check out NikeReUseAShoe.com

Nike Re-Use A Shoe will accept any type of athletic shoe (any brand) according to these guidelines:

• We can only recycle athletic shoes (running shoes, sneakers, etc.)
• We accept all brands of shoes
• No shoes containing metal
• No cleats or dress shoes
• No wet or damp shoes
• No sandals or flip-flops

NikeReUseAShoe would like for us to spread the word about this wonderful service. Check out this link for more details on how you can help!

So, gather up those ratty old running shoes and drop them off at your nearest recycling location:

The two in Northern Virginia are:

Nike Factory Store
241 Fort Evans Rd., NE, Ste. 510
Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 771-3060

and

Nike Factory Store
2700 Potomac Mills Circle, Ste. 511
Woodbridge, VA 22192
(703) 497-4513

Or, if your organization would like to host a group shoe recycling drive, click here for more information.

What a great resource for everyone!

Thanks, Brenda, for the tip!