1. 1.     Got a pair of flip-flops that are so 2009? There just might be a program for you.

On Friday a program called Flip Flop Relay begins in Woodbury, where participants can turn in their old footwear. In turn, the company TerraCycle recycles the flip-flops into playground equipment, which event organizers say will be donated to communities nationwide. Would-be participants can take part in the Flip Flop Relay locally at Woodbury’s Old Navy store. According to a press release, this event marks the first time a nationwide retailer has initiated a large-scale effort to collect and recycle flip-flops. The event runs through May 21.

Your old flip-flops and used writing pens have a shot at reincarnation. TerraCycle Inc. and Old Navy are partnering to collect used flip-flops and recycle them into four public playgrounds around the country. According to a news release from TerraCycle, this is the first time a nationwide retailer has initiated a large-scale effort to collect and recycle flip-flops. Residents can take flip-flops to the Shawnee Old Navy, 15310 Shawnee Mission Parkway, from Friday, April 22, through May 21.

After record rains, the weather’s warmed up in California — which means it’s now the time of the year when everyone’s fishing out their flip flops from the back of their closets — to remember they broke the thong part of the cheapo shoes while running around last summer.

Old Navy and Office Depot are sponsoring in-store recycling programs in conjunction with TerraCycle, a New-Jersey-based company that makes new products out of nonrecyclable packaging and products.

Terracycle, a Trenton company that specializes in recycling consumer goods generally considered not reusable, is moving on from kitschy tote bags to plastic lumber.

A pair of national retail chains with stores in Mentor are participating in a recycling program that will give difficult-to-recycle items like mechanical pens and flip-flops second lives as desk organizers and playground equipment. From today until Saturday, people can take their unwanted pens, markers and mechanical pencils to Office Depot. TerraCycle, a recycling company, will then use them to make office supplies like organizers and trash cans. Additionally, anyone who recycles at Office Depot will get a coupon for Sanford products like Sharpie and PaperMate.

There are new places to take dried up ink pens and old flip flops, after the top strap plug pops out of the sole. Both are being recycled by TerraCycle, an international company that takes difficult to recycle objects and turns them into eco-friendly products. The company has struck Earth Day deals with Office Depot and Old Navy to help collect them.

Two local businesses are joining in an effort that allows people to recycle products that aren’t generally accepted — flip flops and writing utensils, that is. Old Navy will accept the old flip flops through May 21 and Office Depot will take any brand of used pens, markers or mechanical pencils through April 23. Both of the Edwardsville Crossing stores are working with Terracycle Inc., an international recycle that items nobody else will and turns them into affordable, eco-friendly products.

Old Navy and TerraCycle Partner in “The Flip Flop Replay” Program Recycles Flip Flops to Build Community Playgrounds WHAT: In an effort to further reduce waste, TerraCycle Inc. and Old Navy are partnering in a month-long drive to collect used flip flops and recycle them into four public playgrounds around the country. The community is encouraged to participate by stopping by an Old Navy store to deposit used flip flops in designated collection bins. This is the first time a nationwide retailer has initiated a large-scale effort to collect and recycle flip flops.

In an effort to further reduce waste, TerraCycle Inc. and Old Navy are partnering in a month-long drive to collect used flip flops and recycle them into four public playgrounds around the country. The community is encouraged to participate by stopping by an Old Navy store to deposit used flip flops in designated collection bins from Friday, which is Earth Day, through May 21. Flip flops can be recycled at all Old Navy stores across the U.S. Check www.oldnavy.com for store details