What To Do With Worn Out Shoes

If you have been participating in the Spring Cleaning posts on here for the last couple of weeks you know that this week we are cleaning out the closets and dresser drawers. One of the things you obviously have come across that you might have put in the "to go" basket is old shoes. Either the kids have out grown them, or they are a little rough around the edges, or they are a lot rough around the edges, or you just don't wear them anymore.

Instead of pitching them in the trash where they will end up in a landfill FOREVER, I have alternatives for you.

1) The first is for all the sneakers. It's called Nike Reuse A Shoe. It's a great program they have been doing for years and you should really take advantage of this. In a nut shell, it doesn't matter if your shoes are of Nike brand or not. They take sneakers of any brand. Sneakers basically have 3 parts and they break the three parts down and recycle them into different things such as the foam that goes under running tracks, tennis courts and basketball courts. What a great idea!

2) Now let's talk about all of the other shoes you have. Are they a worn here and there. I mean to say you think you wouldn't even take then to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Don't pitch them. Believe it or not, I have another option for you. It's called Soles 4 Souls. Catchy title don't ya think. I love this place!!! They take used shoes and refurbish them to make them wearable again and then donate them to needy men, women and children in other countries. How awesome is that?

3) Now what about those ladies heels and pumps you have that you just don't wear anymore. Still in pretty good condition? Why not donate them to Dress For Success? They are a great agency, worldwide mind you, that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and life.

Now, I've given you three great places above to donate your shoes regardless of style or brand and regadless of condition. Here's a few more suggestions for you:

1) Goodwill or other such facility (that's obvious don't ya think?);

2) Homeless shelter;

3) Contact your local church or school and see if they know of a family that could use them.

With all of these options, your shoes should never ever end up in a landfill!

Tomorrow we'll talk about what to do with all of the clothes that are in the "to go" basket.