As runners, we love spending time outdoors, so it only makes sense that we want to take good care of the natural world – and that includes making our sport more eco-friendly. In the broader sense, the aim is to be more sustainable so that future generations can enjoy a cleaner, healthier and well-resourced world. While running has a relatively low environmental impact, especially compared to other sports, there are a number of ways in which the associated activities, plus kit, can be detrimental to the planet.
Here, we reveal 12 of the easier ways to make your running more sustainable. The manufacture of running clothing, and other equipment (including and ) causes damage to the environment in a number of ways. From the CO2 emitted during production of synthetic fabrics, to the tons of old shoes dumped in landfill, the sports equipment industry consumes vast amounts of resources and generates huge quantities of waste every year.
Then there are the carbon emissions created by transportation, including the raw materials to make the sports products, distribution to retailers and then to deliver items to customers if they order online, or for customers to reach the stores. Buying items only when you really need them is key to making your running more sustainable. If you do feel you need new clothing, footwear and other running gear, try to buy second-hand or do an exchange with another runner.
If you can use items that are still in good condition but unwanted by some else, you .