ZigZag, a trailblazer in technology-driven retail returns solutions, has teamed up with the environmental campaign JogOn to tackle a pressing issue: the fate of discarded running shoes. Together, they’re on a mission to prevent one million pairs of sneakers from ending up in landfill.
The Running Shoe Conundrum
A staggering 18 billion pairs of running shoes are sold globally each year? That’s roughly two pairs per person on Earth! Yet, amidst this abundance, millions of people still lack access to any kind of footwear. Additionally, an estimated 3 million individuals suffer from foot-related diseases.
ZigZag’s Smart Solution
JogOn is implementing ZigZag’s smart returns software to address these issues and find new homes for the 33 million running shoes discarded into landfills annually. Starting with the commitment of one million shoes, its goal is to find new owners amongst individuals who would benefit from the quality footwear being discarded every day.
A Win-Win-Win
By bridging the gap between surplus and scarcity, ZigZag and JogOn create a win-win-win scenario:
- Environment: Fewer shoes in landfills mean less strain on our planet.
- Individuals in Need: Those lacking access to shoes gain a lifeline.
- Quality Footwear: The discarded sneakers find new owners who appreciate their value.
We are delighted to be partnering with JogOn in their fight against the environmental wastage of running shoes. Helping taking care of the planet through smarter returns is one of the core principles that defines our work here at ZigZag. We look forward to actively directing running shoes away from landfills so that they go to new homes
– Al Gerrie, CEO, ZigZag
Obesity and inactivity are leading causes of mortality worldwide, highlighting the importance of maintaining fitness and activity levels. Equally, it’s essential to handle the disposal of our sports equipment responsibly. Running shoes, for example, may become unsuitable for running but can still serve a purpose. When they reach the end of their life, it’s crucial to dispose of them in a way that prevents landfill accumulation. At JogOn, our goal is to divert one million pairs of running shoes from landfills. We’re accomplishing this by leveraging ZigZag’s returns software, which helps redirect these shoes to our headquarters. Here, they are assessed and, when feasible, repurposed.
– Tony Piedade, founder, JogOn and RunningBuddy
