Congressman Peter DeFazio wins the National Recycling Coalition's Capitol Hill Reuse-A-Shoe Challenge
August 13, 2008
Capitol Hill Helps Turn Old Shoes into Sports Surfaces
Defazio wins the National Recycling Coalition’s Capitol Hill Reuse-A-Shoe Challenge
WASHINGTON, DC - Campaigning took on a whole new meaning during July as five House Members squared off, not over control of the House, but over collecting old sneakers.
Participating in Nike and the National Recycling Coalition's Capitol Hill Reuse-A-Shoe Challenge, the Oregon House delegation competed to collect as many worn-out athletic shoes as possible. These shoes will be recycled and used by leading sports and playground surfacing companies in the creation of new sports and play surfaces around the world.
Congressman Peter DeFazio won for the second year running, smashing last year’s record total of 689 with an astounding 1197.5 pairs this year. Congressman DeFazio will receive a product donation from Nike in his name that will go to a nonprofit organization of his choice to help get kids more physically active. The runner-up once again this year was the office of Congressman Greg Walden, with 765 pairs. The total collection from all offices was 2,237.5 pairs of shoes, almost doubling last years record total of 1,300.
"I would like to thank Nike and the National Recycling Coalition for organizing this fantastic program again this year," DeFazio said. "I think everyone in the 4th CD was inspired by the records set at the Olympic Trials in Eugene earlier this summer and that enthusiasm helped us hurdle to victory in this year's Reuse-A-Shoe competition."
"Reuse-A-Shoe connects our long-term commitments of developing innovative ways of eliminating waste and promoting the physical activity of young people," said Orson Porter, Deputy Director of Government Relations, Nike. "Capitol Hill has proven to be an excellent partner in our efforts to create new places for kids to play and be active. We thank the Oregon delegation for leading this effort."
"Our partnership with Nike represents the kind of innovation that we believe is at the center of ensuring a sustainable future. Reuse-A-Shoe has also gives NRC members the opportunity to expand what can be collected through community recycling programs," said Ed Skernolis, Director of Policy and Programs, of the National Recycling Coalition.
About National Recycling Coalition
Founded in 1978, the National Recycling Coalition, Inc. (NRC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization representing all the diverse interests committed to the common goal of maximizing recycling to achieve the benefits of resource conservation, solid waste reduction, environmental protection, energy conservation, and social and economic development. Its 4,000 members include recycling and environmental organizations; large and small businesses; federal, state and local governments; and individuals. The NRC is dedicated to the advancement and improvement of recycling, and also source reduction, composting and reuse, by providing technical information, education, training, outreach and advocacy services to its members in order to conserve resources and benefit the environment. For additional information about the NRC, please visit www.nrcrecycle.org.
About Nike Reuse-A-Shoe
Nike Reuse-A-Shoe is an integral part of Nike Corporate Responsibility and is a unique recycling program that turns worn-out athletic shoes of all brands into Nike Grind, a material used in sports and playground surfaces. Since its inception Reuse-A-Shoe has helped reduce millions of athletic shoes from ending up in landfills each year and has recycled more than 21 million shoes. The recycled shoes are given new life, and are reborn into sports and playground surfaces around the world. For more information on Nike Grind and Nike Reuse-A-Shoe, visit: www.nikegrind.com.
Individuals wanting to take part in a collection set up by one of the organizations participating in the Nike Reuse-A-Shoe program can find a list of drop off locations on the Nike Reuse-A-Shoe Web site: www.nikereuseashoe.com.
