New Shoes?

I've desperately needed new shoes for a few months, but have been unwilling to part with my old, tattered Asics because they are just too comfy. I've tried to convince myself that they were still serviceable, but after attempting to run a few miles in them last week (I could see my pinkie through the fabric) I knew it was time. I'd been given some money for my birthday to purchase new shoes, so I started looking for some deals.

I found some reasonable deals on ebay and not much on Craigslist. I decided on a shoe made by Merrell and was ready to pull the trigger. I was going to make a few rounds to second hand stores, but then I found the best deal yet. My wife called from work and told me she found a perfectly good pair of shoes (my size) sitting on top the trash at her work. They belonged to an colleague of hers who had purchased them and ran in them a few times before deciding he didn't like the way they fit, so he tossed them in the trash.

This is exactly the deal I was looking for. Good, serviceable shoes that I can wear and run around in at a great price. Beyond the price, I was able to prevent purchasing new shoes and thereby preventing using additional resources, energy and water. I also prevented a perfectly good pair of shoes from going into a landfill.

Although I'd love to use my old Asics for work around the house, I think its time to retire them. I'm going to drop them off on Monday in the Reuse-A-Shoe box in my school so that they can be turned into a running track, basketball court or playground.

This experience is exactly the type of thing that I'm trying to do. Prevent waste, save money and be smart and resourceful about my purchasing decisions. Many people would find this a waste of time and energy. I personally find it rewarding and satisfying.