Hey, runners and running shoe stores! We know that we live in a world where we must care for the environment. Do we need more evidence on how the climate is changing—and not for the better? Superstorms, tornadoes, hot weather when it should be cold, and cold weather when it should be warm create havoc. There’s one thing you could do today to make a difference. You could recycle running shoes and get paid!
The truth is that sneaker recycling has become something that’s picked up significant momentum. Not too long ago, most people weren’t aware that more than 300 million shoes end up in the trash and landfills. Those sneakers and shoes take many years to decompose, and sneakers are much more challenging because of the plastics. So, that’s why running shoe stores and runners can do their part to recycle.
Let’s discuss some of the top reasons why sneaker recycling matters. Ultimately, we’ll also share a program for running store retailers so they can get paid to recycle.
1. Reducing Environmental Footprint
One of the top reasons running shoe stores and runners should recycle is simple. In short, you have a chance to do the right thing. When we reduce our environmental footprint, we do our part. That’s the simple choice each of us has to make. For brands and people, when we recycle sneakers, we can become leaders in the movement to reuse. Remember the hundreds of millions of footwear in landfills? As mentioned, the rubber, synthetics, and foam take a long, long time to break down.
2. Promoting Circular Economy with Sneakers
Recycling sneakers is an opportunity to join the circular economy for running shoe stores. That’s a positive! When you participate in the circular economy, you join others worldwide who are pushing for products and manufacturing with an understanding of the life cycle of products. So, by supporting the circular economy, we extend the life of things like sneakers. Further, we also show manufacturers that we want to sell and buy products that are made of sustainable materials.
3. Enhancing Brand and Store Image
For the running stores that decide to lead and position their stores as leaders in sustainability, it improves their brand image. For instance, stores can become trade-in and trade-up centers. In other words, runners bring their old running shoes to the store and drop them in a recycling receptacle. Then, while they’re at the store, they trade up to a new pair of sneakers that will take them hundreds of miles more on their journey. What a great way to do good and make a profit! More on this in point #7.
4. Engaging in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Have you ever heard of corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Generally speaking, it’s when for-profit companies do more than look to a profit. In their business models, they also look to make a social impact and operate in a socially responsible manner. So, let’s say you run a running store and decide to do a trade-in and trade-up program. You’re showing that you’re socially responsible. When companies practice corporate social responsibility, they’re fostering goodwill, which motivates people to want to purchase from them.
5. Collaborating with Sneaker Manufacturers
The fact that we all have to do our part to become more sustainable has motivated manufacturers to explore sustainable production. As a result, more manufacturers and athletic brands are creating sustainable sneakers. Running stores can play a critical role in these efforts by partnering with manufacturers. For one, they can provide valuable insights and information about what runners and consumers want. They could also focus on selling more sustainable sneaker brands.
6. Offering Store Incentives and Discounts
Running shoe stores have an excellent opportunity to increase profit and do good for their communities and the planet. For example, they could provide incentives and discounts for sustainable brands, encouraging people to purchase eco-friendly sneakers. They could also do trade-in programs and encourage people to drop off their old sneakers and buy new ones (check out the next point on a trade-in and trade-up program). These programs increase foot traffic, so it’s a win/win for the store and environment.
7. Running Retailer Program ♻️
The largest and most proven program for running shoe stores is to join the running retailer’s program. In short, member stores earn up to $2 for each pair of overstock, customer returns, hash lots, etc. Members earn perks valued from $25 to $1,000 for the team, store, or nonprofit. This program is a national program that’s paying running stores to recycle sneakers. So, how can you get started? It’s not hard at all. You can learn more to help you become a leader in your community for recycling by signing up for more information. It’s super simple and easy.
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