How to Recycle Bras and Other Tips on Going Green

Go beyond cans, bottles and cardboard to get creative with recycling.

Nonprofits and some do-it-yourself hints can help keep items out of landfills while helping others. Here are five items that you may not have considered recycling and tips on how to make it happen.

Running Shoes

Runners can log a lot of miles. Shoes wear out after about 500 miles, but don't toss them in the trash when they do. Several programs recycle used running shoes.

Some ship lesser-used kicks to Third World countries, while companies including Nike will deconstruct the shoe and recycle the materials. Learn about the process at www.nikereuseashoe.com.

You can drop off your used running shoes at the following nearby locations:

Mad Attic
226 N. Skyline Dr.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
805-497-1990

The Little Gym of Calabasas
23241 Ventura Blvd.
Woodlands Hills, California 91364

Nike Factory Store
990 Camarillo Center Dr., Ste 1030
Camarillo, CA 93010
805-384-4480

Nike Store
395 Santa Monica Place, Ste. 118
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-393-7384

Converse Outlet Store
620 Ventura Blvd., Ste. #1304
Camarillo, CA 93010
805-484-1138

Bras

Bras aren't exactly biodegradable, but gently used lingerie is a welcome donation for The Bra Recyclers. So long as the clasps and straps work, just wash the bra, fill out a form and send it off.

Slivers of Soap

Some hotels save partially-used bars of soap to re-purpose and donate them to the needy. You can also keep your own soap slivers and put them into the foot of an old pantyhose to create a DIY a soap-on-a-rope.

Hair

Let your hair grow out, then get chop it off and make a donation to Locks of Love. The nonprofit provides hairpieces to children younger than 21 who suffer from a long-term illness that affects their hair growth.

CDs

For those who still have CDs, re-purpose them outdoors. Their mirror-like properties are a great deterrent for birds, so hang them around a garden or fruit trees to deter pilfering. Old CDs also make great decor for trees, so save a stack for the holiday season.