How to Be a More Eco-Friendly Runner

Runners have a great opportunity to model sustainable choices and advocate for the environment. While the lengths that we are able to go to in order to champion sustainability will vary between individuals, together we can make great change even by taking small steps. Below, we've listed five of our favourite ways to become a more eco-friendly runner.

The fashion industry generates more greenhouse emissions every year than international flights and shipping combined, and sadly, a lot of what is created in this process doesn't even get fully used. Globally, one garbage truck full of textiles is sent to the landfill every single second. While choosing more eco-friendly purchases is fantastic when necessary, the best way to practice sustainability is to avoid making the purchase at all.

Obviously, there are certain things we require to be comfortable and happy runners. When you do need to buy something new, invest in high-quality, durable products that are likely to last a long time.

When you do make a purchase, use your hard-earned dollars to take a stand for what you believe in.

Over 80% of a product's environmental impact is determined at the concept and design stages. Consumer culture and our desire for the newest and greatest products drive an ongoing process of innovating, designing, creating, testing, retooling, and adjusting. All of this involves the production and testing of prototype products that are never intended to be used by the end consumer.

By both reducing our personal consumption and supporting brands with sustainability initiatives, we can do our part to mitigate the impacts of production. Patagonia and adidas (check out their Parley line) are examples of brands that have made great headway in sustainability initiatives.

Whenever possible, choose to run instead of drive. While this may not always be the most feasible option, it's surprising how much you can accomplish without a car. As an added bonus, the chance to work running or walking into your day can help you squeeze in those valuable training miles.

Getting the most out of the life of your running shoes will help you make fewer purchases, both saving money and helping to reduce consumption. By treating your running shoes with care, you'll be able to get more miles out of them. To learn more, read our article on How to Make Your Running Shoes Last.

Make an effort to minimise the waste that results from your running habit. Some of our favourite ways to do this include:

• Buy sports nutrition in bulk. Many companies offer powdered hydration mix in larger packages, such as the Aqualyte 480gram Tub which both helps save you money and reduces packaging.
• Gels can also be bought in bulk from most companies, and you can use a refillable gel flask eliminate the waste from individual gel packets.
• Aim to pick up one piece of litter on every run.
• Reuse shoe boxes for storage.