This past summer I attended two separate "Mud Run" events in South Carolina(competitors run between 5-8 miles through mud and obstacles in a military style challenge). At the end of the first run I noticed PILES of shoes which had been worn in the race and then left behind by runners. I was curious what the fate of those shoes would be so I spoke to one of the organizers. I was told, no one would want the shoes because they are "too dirty". I'm not sure why it bothered me so much however, it did. I knew that somewhere someone would appreciate these shoes not only for comfort and protection but because they are needed and still very much functioning. I continued thru my day although randomly those discarded shoes came to mind for several days following the event. I know, it's weird, why did I care?
A few weeks later I attended a larger Mud Run event and again at the end, I noticed at least twice as many shoes discarded around the area where competitors washed up after the race. This time, I took a photo (see below) of a group of the shoes among many, many more. I simply felt compelled to capture this shoe collection and later when reviewing my photos from the day, I was happy I had because I was still thinking about the shoes which were left behind...
Today (almost two months after attending the second mud run) as I surfed online looking for inspiration thru other photographers work from around the world, I happened to come across the image below displayed on
National Geographic's Daily Dozen. "Daily Dozen" images are submitted from around the world and this particular photograph was captured by Photographer
Atilio Orellana and it made a connection for me.
"This photo was shot in Anatuya, Santiago del Estero, Argentina on February 20, 2009. Here, 'Tiger', is shown with the same sneakers he uses every time he goes to El Tabique, the brick factory of his father."
Those shoes left behind in South Carolina and thousands more across the country, became unwanted products by U.S. consumer standards, destined to prematurely end up in landfills simply because they are discolored from mud and surface dirt. Those shoes should be utilized, appreciated and potentially aide in making someone's day more productive and less painful. Why not recycle and redistribute to those in less fortunate, under developed parts of the world? How can I (we?) make this happen? Even starting with one city or village somewhere?
I get it, this isn't ending World Hunger, War or finding a cure for Cancer however, this seems like the obvious answer to an apparently simple unmet need. Does anyone have any ideas on how to make this come to fruition?
I'll continue to think about it and search for answers. If you have any ideas or thoughts to share, please leave a comment or send an email!
