Australians are becoming more concerned about their environmental impact, according to a survey conducted by the national recycling initiative TreadLightly. The research was conducted online of consumers aged above 18 in September this year.
TreadLightly is an industry-led national recycling initiative by the Australian Sporting Goods Association (ASGA) and recycler Save Our Soles (SOS) that help transform unwanted shoes into mats and floorings for retail stores, gyms, and playground, preventing them from going into landfills.
According to the study, more than half of consumers (57 per cent) are concerned about sending their shoes and clothing to landfills, with 54 per cent bothered with products they cant easily recycle.
The study also revealed that three out of four people (74 per cent) feel they could do more to reduce their carbon footprint, more-so the younger generation (85 per cent, ages 18-24) compared with only 70 per cent of older Australians (ages 65 and above). Out of the 74 per cent, a quarter (24 per cent) expressed that they’re overwhelmed, while another quarter (23 per cent) say they simply don’t know where to begin.
Furthermore, half of the respondents (50 per cent) revealed that they are more likely to purchase from brands focusing on environmental sustainability.
“At TreadLightly, we’re passionate about making it as easy as possible for consumers to recycle their old shoes and contribute to the circular economy by turning them into new products,” said Shaun Bajada, executive director, ASGA
In the run-up to the holidays, the initiative is calling on all Aussies to recycle their unwanted sports or active lifestyle shoes to help reach its goal of recycling one million pairs by 2023.
“Whether you’re thinking of adding a new pair of runners to your collection over the Boxing Day sales or will be gifting a new pair of trainers to a family member on Christmas Day – now is the perfect time for everyone to do a big clean out of their closet and take their old shoes into a local store to be recycled by TreadLightly,” Bajada added.
TreadLightly works closely with sporting and active lifestyle brands, including Hype DC, Frankie4, Nike, New Balance, Rebel Sport, The Athletes Foot and Globe in an industry-first recycling initiative.
