[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”https://www.earthsquad.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/24-2-1.jpg” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”80px” padding_right=”40px” padding_bottom=”80px” padding_left=”40px”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.84)” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”25px” padding_right=”25px” padding_bottom=”25px” padding_left=”25px” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]
Sneakers are one of the widely used and hence, widely manufactured footwear all over the world. Worn frequently by sportsmen, athletes, fitness professionals and the members of sneaker culture, sneakers are increasing in their number day after day. Due to such a large scale production of these shoes, landfills are subject to plastic pollution and associated threats.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”40px” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]
Your favorite shoes are not favorable for Earth!
Sneakers may look like a fine choice to go for a run during a pleasant spring day but these shoes are much more harmful to the environment as compared to the use they offer you. From the manufacturing steps to the discarding of sneakers, each level of sneaker usage poses a number of threats to the quality of our environment. Here are all the reasons why the pretty face of sneakers actually holds terrible truths:[/fusion_text][fusion_flip_boxes columns=”2″ icon=”” icon_color=”” circle=”yes” circle_color=”” circle_border_color=”” icon_flip=”” icon_rotate=”” icon_spin=”no” image=”” image_width=”” image_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””][fusion_flip_box title_front=”Greenhouse gas emission” title_back=”” text_front=”” background_color_front=”” title_front_color=”” text_front_color=”” background_color_back=”#1fbed6″ title_back_color=”” text_back_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_radius=”” icon=”” icon_color=”” circle=”” circle_color=”” circle_border_color=”” icon_flip=”” icon_rotate=”” icon_spin=”no” image=”https://www.earthsquad.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/gas.png” image_width=”35″ image_height=”35″ animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=””]The manufacturing process of sneakers uses large quantities of fossil fuel. If you view a shoe manufacturing industry from outside, it will be seen covered in dense clouds of carbon dioxide and other gases. The manufacturing of only one pair of sneakers produces over 20 pounds of greenhouse gas and millions of pairs are manufactured every year. The transportation of these shoes also adds to environmental pollution by the emission of harmful gases.[/fusion_flip_box][fusion_flip_box title_front=”Plastic shoes” title_back=”” text_front=”” background_color_front=”” title_front_color=”” text_front_color=”” background_color_back=”#1fbed6″ title_back_color=”” text_back_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_radius=”” icon=”” icon_color=”” circle=”” circle_color=”” circle_border_color=”” icon_flip=”” icon_rotate=”” icon_spin=”” image=”https://www.earthsquad.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/shoes.png” image_width=”81″ image_height=”66″ animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=””]
Sneakers are made up of synthetic fibers such as nylon and polythene. The base of these shoes is made up of rubber and leather. The upper part has synthetic fibers with rubber fitting. Rubber is the most harmful agent for landfills and it causes environmental hazards.
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Recyclable or not
Sneakers are claimed to be recyclable only if they are produced from the certified material. The major problem associated with sneakers is the production of pairs in huge numbers. The landfills can only contain so much of these shoes. Once the landfills are overstuffed, nothing can be done to discard the waste shoes but burning. The burning of shoes further adds to severe air pollution and deteriorates the quality of our environment. You can recycle your sneakers at Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe store.
Normally, the shoes and laces are recycled separately. Both of the shoe parts have different recycling and reuse techniques.
If sneakers have some life left in them, you can also donate them. Manufacturers such as Patagonia offer a trading option which lets you trade your old sneakers with something else.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”2_5″ layout=”2_5″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”45px” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”2_3″ layout=”2_3″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]
Sneakers take too long to decompose
The recycling of sneakers is an equivalent of recycling rubber and plastic in huge quantities. The hard rubber used in sneakers takes up to 1000 years at least for its complete decomposition. The gradual release of harmful chemicals can pollute the soil and water reservoirs. Humans and animals which consume the products obtained from polluted soil are subject to serious illnesses.
Sneakers are tough to recycle and such huge numbers add to this problem every year.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ layout=”1_3″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_counters_circle animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””][fusion_counter_circle value=”100″ filledcolor=”” unfilledcolor=”” size=”220″ scales=”no” countdown=”yes” speed=”1500″]1000[/fusion_counter_circle][/fusion_counters_circle][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]
1000 years
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”https://www.earthsquad.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/14-2-1.jpg” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”40px” padding_right=”40px” padding_bottom=”40px” padding_left=”40px”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.86)” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”25px” padding_right=”25px” padding_bottom=”25px” padding_left=”25px” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]
Scarce Recycling programs
As compared to the immense prevalence of plastic sneakers, the number of recycling programs offered by manufacturers is surprisingly low in number. These programs have their own limitations and can only be availed if a set benchmark is achieved. Sneaker recycling and reuse programs are offered by following manufacturers:
[/fusion_text][fusion_accordion type=”” boxed_mode=”” border_size=”1″ border_color=”” background_color=”” hover_color=”” divider_line=”” icon_size=”” icon_color=”” icon_boxed_mode=”” icon_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””][fusion_toggle title=”NIKE REUSE-A-SHOE” open=”no”][fusion_builder_row_inner][fusion_builder_column_inner spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” type=”2_3″][fusion_text]Nike is a pioneer footwear brand which offers sneaker recycling program. This program was established two decades ago and since its advent, it has recycled over 28 million pairs of shoes and tons of scrap material. The manufacturer claims to grind the non-usable footwear into a Nike grind which is then used to make tracks, playgrounds and other Nike products instead of being dumped into landfills. You can avail this opportunity only if you drop 10 pairs of recyclable sneakers at one of Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe location. These stores are not located in Russia, Switzerland, Turkey, Canary Island and Croatia.
You can also drop or mail your pair at Nike’s recycling facilities. Nike does not cover the shipping costs in this case.[/fusion_text]
[/fusion_builder_column_inner][fusion_builder_column_inner spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” type=”1_3″][fusion_counters_circle animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””][fusion_counter_circle value=”28″ filledcolor=”” unfilledcolor=”” size=”220″ scales=”no” countdown=”yes” speed=”1500″]28 million[/fusion_counter_circle][/fusion_counters_circle][fusion_text]
28 million
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column_inner][/fusion_builder_row_inner][/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Patagonia’s footwear reuse program” open=”no”]Patagonia offers reuse of used sneakers and other footwear. This manufacturer is more focused on the reuse of old sneakers than its recycling. If you want to trade your old sneakers, Patagonia retailer stores are the go-to station. Upon submitting of reusable products, you receive a credit card which can be used to buy other reusable products. Patagonia also lets you repair the sneakers as well.[/fusion_toggle][/fusion_accordion][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”20px” bottom_margin=”20px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]
An eco-friendly alternative to plastic footwear
Considering the environmental hazards associated with the use of plastic shoes- the sneakers- it is about time that you stepped into a much more eco-friendly footwear. Shoes which are made up from organic materials instead of cheap synthetic materials have shorter decomposition span, long usage life, and comfortable fit- not to mention the personal satisfaction. Footwear made from wool and other such materials shall be preferred over plastic shoes to play your role in reducing the expanding problem of plastic pollution:
Allbirds wool Footwear
To tackle the increasing problem of plastic pollution, Allbirds has created its exclusive line of recyclable wool footwear. The line features runners and loungers for men and women. People who have worn these shoes have found them to be highly comfortable and has a perfect fit. Allbird’s wool footwear is a highly recommended alternative to plastic shoes as it will offer you all-inclusive benefits. The sneakers may cost a bit more than the cheap, plastic sneakers but a few extra dollars are worth paying when the safety and sustenance of the planet are in question.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”40px” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]
Verdict
The increasing use of plastic sneakers due to trending sneaker culture has resulted in an enormous rise in the presence of stubborn plastic in landfills. These over-stuffed landfills can ultimately result in the release of harmful chemicals in our natural food chains, poisoning every living organism. Although the plastic footwear is in trend it is about time that we start to think far more than just personal gains. Picking plastic shoe alternative and recycling of sneakers are the best solutions to reduce the rising concern of increasing plastic pollution on the planet.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_global id=”4038″]
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