Running may seem like one of the simplest, most sustainable sports out there. All you need is a pair of shoes and the open road. But when you zoom in, running (like most hobbies) can create a surprising amount of waste. From single-use water bottles and race swag to worn-out gear, the waste tends to add up right alongside your mileage.
With many people lacing up their running shoes with fall races coming up, we thought we would offer up some tips on how to become a more sustainable and waste-conscious runner.
1. Choose sustainable gear
Shopping for running clothes and gear means navigating the world of fast fashion. More affordable clothing often means lower quality and less sustainable.
- Buy clothes made out of recyclable material
- This lessens the need to extract raw materials, requires less energy and water, and makes use of materials that might otherwise end up in a landfill.
- Look for sustainable brands
- The Good On You Guide rates clothing brands based on their impacts on people, the planet, and animals.
- Shop second hand when you can
- This is a great way to save money and give clothing a second life!
2. Repair your gear
Instead of ditching your running clothing and accessories that are broken, consider getting them repaired. Repairing extends their use, saves you money, and keeps waste out of the landfill.
- Repair Cafés
- The Old North End Repair Café is a monthly event where anyone can have anything repaired for free. Many libraries and churches also host pop-up repair events.
- Local Outdoor Gear Shops
- Check out your local outdoor gear shop as many offer apparel and gear repair. If you’re in the Burlington area, Outdoor Gear Exchange and Sandbox are two places that can help patch, stitch, or restore your running gear.
- iFixit.com
- From a broken zipper on your favorite running pullover to something funky going on with your running watch, this website teaches you how to fix anything with easy-to-follow instructions.
3. Donate or recycle old gear
Running apparel has a limited lifespan, so once your ready to clear out some of your running wardrobe, make sure to keep them out of the landfill and consider more sustainable options.
- Donate
- If your running clothes and gear are still in good condition, consider donating them to a local thrift store or outdoor gear shop.
- Bring your clothing to a CSWD Drop-Off Center
- We accept clothing, shoes, and accessories in our clothing bins at any of our six Drop-Off Centers. Everything in these bins is handled by Apparel Impact, who collects and sorts for reuse and recycling. Items that are still wearable will go to thrift stores or to local communities, while unusable items are recycled into materials like athletic surfaces, automotive parts, or stuffing.
4. Ditch the Disposables
Running can unfortunately come with a lot of single-use products, either in day-to-day training or on race day. Here are some easy swaps you can make!
- Single-use water cups
- Instead of using single-use disposable cups offered at race water stations, opt for a reusable race day cup that can collapse into your running belt or pocket.
- Gels and goos
- An energy-demanding sport like running requires a lot of fuel. That’s where gels and goos come in, but unfortunately every gel contributes to more plastic waste. Instead, consider using a reusable gel flask that you can fill with your own homemade energy gel.
- Rethink the swag
- Races tend to give out a lot of fun, free swag. Be mindful of the giveaways that you accept and ask yourself if you will actually use these items. If not, refuse or regift!
With these sustainable tips in mind, we hope that you have a fun, safe, and more eco-friendly run!