May 24, 2010

Worn out sneakers are usually destined for the garbage bin, but Sen. Radogno is encouraging local residents to take their worn-out kicks and donate them to a worthy cause.

Radogno is participating in Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program, which recycles old athletic shoes and uses the recycled material to build athletic surfaces and playgrounds. The senator said that finding constructive uses for shoes that would normally end up in landfills is an innovative way to promote environmental awareness and encourage sustainability.

“If your home is anything like my home, there are extra pairs of shoes lying around that you’re just going to throw away. Now people can bring those shoes to my office and donate them to a great cause,” Radogno said.

The program is sponsored by Nike, but Radogno stressed that all brands are welcome. The only requirement is that they are athletic shoes, they must not contain metal, spikes, nor can the shoes be damp.

Shoes can be dropped off at Senator Radogno’s district office at 1011 State Street Ste. 210, in Lemont, IL, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 – 4:30. Questions can be directed to 630-243-0800 or you can visit www.letmeplay.com/reuseashoe, for more information on the program.

The Reuse-A-Shoe program has recycled more than 24 million pairs of old athletic shoes, and created more than 300 sport and playground surfaces.