UPDATED FOR 2023!
Running can help make our bodies stronger and healthier, by filling our lungs with fresh air, strengthening our legs and powering us with more energy to tackle our day. Not only do runners benefit from the physical sport of running, but also from the world we run on. In return, runners can work together to make our planet a healthier place by making changes to include sustainable and environmentally responsible practices in our daily lives. Running companies have taken note and have made some big strides to help our planet by including sustainable practices we can all be proud to be a part of. Celebrate Earth Day the runner way with a fun outdoor run and learn about some sustainable running practices from some of our favorite brands.
GOODR
In 2019, Goodr, the runner-loved sunglass brand whose glasses are slip resistant and polarized, announced that they were 100% carbon neutral through the purchase of carbon offsets. This means that no net carbon is added to the environment during the production of Goodr sunglasses. Goodr partnered with Bonneville Environmental Foundation to fund continued innovation and development of carbon reduction projects and technology. Goodr running sunglasses are not only super stylish and adorned with very witty names, but are also not contributing to the pollution of the Earth, a win, win, win!
FEETURES
Feetures are creating the number one sock with the number one materials and winning at the sustainability game! Feetures uses yarn made out of recycled plastic, called Repreve, to make their performance socks. Repreve is made from 100% recycled materials, mainly plastic bottles, and created to divert plastic waste from oceans and landfills. One pair of Feetures socks equals two plastic bottles. To create Repreve water bottles are collected, cleaned, and choped up into tiny plastic “chips” which are then melted and stretched out to create a filament that forms wevable fibers. The filament is then run through a spinning and texturing process to finally create the soft fabric we have come to love in Feetures. Aside from the beneficial effects that this recycled fiber has on the Earth, this fiber also makes Feetures socks more comfortable, durable, and protective. With the world producing more than 380 tons of plastic annually, companies like Feetures help reduce this footprint on our Earth.
FREE FLY APPAREL
Free Fly’s commitment to sustainability started with their genuine love of outdoors. Free Fly apparel is made using bamboo that uses no pesticides, no irrigation, and is renewable. Free Fly uses a natural solvent in their bamboo material production cycle which uses no harsh chemicals and doesn’t release any pollutants into the air. Free Fly is taking action to eventually transition all packaging to be made from recycled materials and even uses Lotus plants as a natural water filtration system at some of their facilities. Through the use of these bamboo materials and organic processes, Free Fly apparel is buttery soft to the touch and is great for any walker and runner as well as the Earth.
BROOKS
Brooks is making scary good waves in the sustainability game with the creation of their first carbon-neutral shoe the Ghost 14. The new Ghost 15 is not only 100% carbon neutral just like its predecessor but provides superior comfort to runners and walkers alike. Understanding the importance of urgent and universal action to fight climate change Brooks has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emission by 2040 to help keep the oxygen we breathe sweet. Going in for a big impact in their commitment, Brooks has made some big strides with one of its most loved and high-volume styles, the Ghost 15. The carbon emissions from the Ghost 15 are 6% lower than from the Ghost 14 24% of the Ghost 15 shoe weight is made of recycle materials with all of the materials in the upper being made of recycle textiles. Brooks then compensates for the remaining carbon emission with other carbon offsets projects that avoid, remove or reduce carbon from the atmosphere, to make a positive impact on climate change. Prioritizing projects that align with climate sciences with clear social and environmental impact Brooks has focused on improving air quality and advancing health and well-being for all.
ON APPAREL
Spending more of their time in the great outdoors than indoors ON understands better than most the importance of taking care of the environment and sustainable practices. On’s sustainability mission is simple, “design high-performance, lasting products with the smallest environmental impact possible”. Among their key sustainable practices ON is ensuring circularity by creating products that can be reused or recycled to help create less waste, using only sustainable materials that come from ethical sources and highlighting the importance of production methods by building solid friendships with the people who make their products. On is making an impactful difference by concentrating on sustainable aspects throughout their entire process.
NATHAN REUSABLE BOTTLES
It’s no secret that in recent years single-use plastic has become a problem worldwide, and none greater than that of single-use water bottles. While the consciousness of recycling has greatly increased, only about 12% of the 60 million plastic water bottles used worldwide are actually recycled. Avoiding single-use products, such as water bottles, and switching them for reusable ones like the many options offered by Nathan is a simple yet very impactful sustainable change in keeping our planet clean and healthy. Nathan promotes the eco-friendly lifestyle of reusable hydration solutions in a variety of products from bottles, vests, flasks, waist packs, and handhelds designed specifically for your active lifestyle. So, no matter what your hydration needs are, whether you’re a runner needing quick hydration as you run, or needing hydration easily available throughout your workday, Nathan has a perfect reusable hydration solution for you.
RUNNING FOR A BETTER EARTH
Adopting sustainable practices and being environmentally conscious into our everyday life is very much like reaching our next running goal. It takes time, practice and sometimes getting used to a new process but with even a little effort not only does it become doable but greatly satisfying. This Earth Day we want to thank the community and running brands that are making these big and small sustainable efforts to make our planet a better place. After all, we only have one planet we can run on! Check out all of our sustainable products at Fit2Run.com or in-store at your nearest Fit2Run retail location.
