FitSugar

Nike Reuse-A-Shoe

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 04:00:00 -0800

I've told you about a great way to donate your kicks to people who can't afford sneakers of their own, but Nike has another great way to get rid of your old sneakers (instead of just tossing them) called Reuse-A-Shoe. Basically, all you do is donate your old sneakers (not just Nikes, they'll take any brand of sneaks) to their designated drop off locations and they will take care of the rest. They turn those old shoes into a recycled product known as Nike Grind. From there, the Nike Grind materials are separated into three categories: outsole rubber, midsole foam and upper fabric. This Nike Grind material is used in production of surfaces like FieldTurf fields that Nike helps donate around the world. For each field, they're talking the amount of rubber from approximately 75,000 pairs of shoes, unused manufacturing material that won’t end up in landfills.

For more information on the program and to find a Reuse-A-Shoe drop off location near you, visit Nike.com.

Fittingly Green: Brooks Making Eco-Friendly Sneaks

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:22:34 -0700

If you choose to run outside on a trail or sidewalk instead of using an electricity-driven treadmill, you're already doing your part to help the environment. You can do more though, with the help of Brooks. The brand has developed a new racing sneaker called the Green Silence.

This red and yellow shoe may channel Ronald McDonald, but it is actually totally green. The heel cups are made with recycled CDs, and the laces, lining, and stitching are made with discarded plastic water bottles. The outer soles are made from recycled rubber, and the midsole is 100 percent biodegradable. All the soy-based dyes used are non-toxic, and the adhesives are water-based. The collar around the opening of the sneaker is stuffed with foam from old couches. The packaging is also made from 100 percent post-consumer materials. These lightweight sneaks are scheduled to hit stores in February 2010, and will retail for $100, because being green doesn't come cheap.

Tell me, would you buy these eco-friendly sneakers from Brooks?

To see more pics click the images below.

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Fittingly Green: 3 Ways to Recycle Your Sneaks

FitSugar — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:00:00 -0700

One great thing about running is that you don't need a lot of gear to participate in the sport. Basically you need a good pair of sneakers. When your sneakers wear out, don't just toss them away. You can recycle them and green up your running habit. Here are three different organizations that want your old running shoes:

Soles 4 Souls' tag line is "Saving the world - one pair at a time." This organization takes your tired, but "gently worn," sneakers and finds needy feet to fill your old shoes. They strongly suggest organizing shoe drives and mailing all the pairs to one of their three warehouse locations.

One World Running has been serving runners around the world since 1986. Through collection programs, they are able to provide shoes for runners to many countries including Cuba, Nepal, and Mali. Check here for drop-off locations.

To see one organization that will take your well-worn shoes, read more.

Nike Reuse a Shoe takes all brands of sneakers that are beyond "gently worn" and turns those old shoes into a recycled product known as Nike Grind. Once your recycled shoes are reformulated into Nike Grind, they are used to make tracks, indoor basketball courts, fields, and playgrounds. Just drop off your retired sneakers at any Nike store, or check here for locations.

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