Taking Steps towards Sustainability with TreadLightly

Apr 27, 2023

At Ascent, we are committed to not only providing high-quality footwear but also taking steps towards sustainability. We are proud to partner with TreadLightly, a national recycling initiative in Australia that aims to give unwanted footwear new life through responsible recycling.

As a brand that cares about the environment, we understand the importance of reducing our impact on the planet. That's why we are proud to help TreadLightly reach their goal of recycling 1 million pairs of sports and active lifestyle shoes and have so far donated a total of 14,000 kilograms of shoes to TreadLightly for recycling. Instead of ending up in landfills, these shoes are being repurposed to create mats, playgrounds, and other useful products, helping to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Every year, about 110 million shoes arrive on the shores of Australia, however, merely 1% of them are gathered and reused after their initial use. As for the remaining 99%, they end up in either landfills or incineration plants. The environmental impact is significant because, unlike organic waste, footwear components take up to 1000 years to decompose.

TreadLightly shares our values and is dedicated to finding innovative ways to recycle footwear and minimise its environmental footprint. Their recycling process involves shredding the shoes and separating the different materials, such as rubber, foam, and fabric, which are then used to create new products. This not only prevents shoes from ending up in landfill but also reduces the need for virgin materials and conserves resources.

Ascent encourages our customers to join us in this initiative by donating their unwanted shoes to Tread Lightly or finding out about other local recycling programs. Together, we can make a difference in reducing our environmental impact and creating a more sustainable world for future generations.

Check out the further information from the link below:

https://treadlightly.asga.com.au/about/

Stay tuned for more updates on our sustainability initiatives as we strive to make a positive impact on the environment.