As we have become more progressive with time, our planet-harming activities have increased drastically. Eventually, we are causing irreversible damage to the earth and degrading its condition.

Not just that, we forget that our earth doesn’t need us. Instead, we need it the most! If we continue like this, our planet will be nothing but a big dump of waste.

While humankind is affecting the earth in several ways, our selfish mind and unsustainable approach are causing the most harm. Our irresponsible behavior towards waste dumping has become a global dilemma!

This is justified by the fact that, on average, our footwear or used shoes alone take 50 years to decompose. The period could be more extended, depending on the material.

Dumping used shoes in a landfill also takes a massive amount of money. Plus, the shoe material in landfill produces harmful gases like methane and carbon dioxide on breaking down. So, either way, it isn’t worth dumping them out of nowhere.

Now you must think about the best way to save our planet from the dilemma of used shoes. The answer is pretty simple.

  • Reuse
  • Recycle
  • Donate

If you can take the initiative and consider the above steps, you will be saving the planet and ensuring healthier earth for your loved ones in the future.

This earth day, let’s take an oath and learn about the reuse-recycle-donate approach to reduce the used shoe waste from our beloved planet:

Reuse

Whether it’s used shoes or used clothing, the first approach towards any of your used things should be reusing. As it’s clear by the name itself, reusing means using that item again. Your one initiative to reuse your used shoes can transform the earth in various ways.

Reusing your used shoes will prevent them from being disposed of in landfills and generating harmful gases. You will also be reducing pollution and saving energy to manufacture new footwear.

Now, what’s the best way to reuse used shoes? You can start by redesigning it (if possible). Sometimes our shoes are in good condition but out of style. So, we decide to throw them away.

Next time this happens, try using DIY techniques to revamp its look. You can change the shoe color or add a design through fabric markers. You can also add beads and decorations for that bling!

If the used shoe cannot be redesigned, you can try making shoe planters instead. Fill the used shoes with soil and make some holes in the bottom for drainage. Then, plant any succulent or cactus in your home garden.

Recycle

If you cannot reuse the used shoes, try recycling them instead. It’s a process of converting waste materials into new materials for use. Recycling your used shoes will conserve natural resources, reduce carbon emissions, and save production and energy costs. You will also be eliminating the use of raw materials and preventing pollution.

To recycle your used shoes, you can connect with any eco-friendly ventures or stores dedicated to shoe recycling. Nowadays, you will also find online platforms for the same. So you can try them out as well.

Alternatively, you can resell the shoes for successful recycling. If some of its parts are ruined, get it fixed by the local cobbler and sell it at a reasonable cost.

Donate

Lastly, you can donate your used shoes to a public or charitable cause. Nowadays, there are endless donation camps and charities on a global level. You can choose any reasons you care about and donate your shoes to them.

The best thing about donating used shoes to charities is that it wouldn’t benefit the organizations alone, but it will also be deeply rewarding for you. Presently, there are millions of people who donate to charity to support the cause and ensure positive effects on one’s life. So, you can be one of them.

You can eventually have the peace of mind that it wouldn’t be dumped or discarded. Instead, it will be used by the needful. With this initiative, you will be able to save the earth, prevent landfill dumping, and eliminate soil pollution.

As they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure; you will also be putting a smile on someone’s face.

To donate your used shoes, you can visit any local charity and make your donations. Alternatively, you can try online charitable platforms to support any cause.

Samiyatex for Used Shoes!

Samiyatex is a team of industry-leading graders and exporters specializing in used shoes, second-hand clothing, and vintage clothes. We have been in this outstanding industry for about 27 years, where we have recycled and sorted over 800,000 lbs of used shoes and clothing per month.

With our initiatives for sustainable fashion, we aim to make our earth greener and a better place to live. About 50% of our clothing and shoes are exported to third-world countries in Africa. So, we also believe in helping others.

If you want to know more about Samiyatex, contact us for further details