10 Gifts for Eco-Friendly Runners
Despite requiring relatively little equipment, running can have a surprisingly big environmental impact.
Runners are generally more focused on how running makes them feel (aaaand, exhale) than how their morning miles impact the planet. But as with everything else, it is vitally important to try and think more sustainably when it comes to hitting the roads or trails. Because everything—be it the shoes runners wear, the fuel they consume, or the races they run—comes with an environmental impact.
Fortunately, more brands and companies are doing their part to make the sport more eco-friendly and ensure the continued existence of fresh air, sunshine, and nature for future runners. Take The North Face, for starters. Throughout the last few years, they’ve increased the amount of recycled plastic in their polyester fabrics in an effort to offer a market solution for a growing problem: used water and soda bottles. Here are 10 ways you can help ensure your favorite runner's miles leave behind the smallest footprint.
The North Face reinvented its manufacturing processes to be able to create and sustainably produce this revolutionary fabric technology that is simultaneously waterproof and air permeable. The result is a jacket that's breathable enough for a long trail run and durable enough to ascend a mountain on a chilly family hike—all while keeping you protected from the elements.
Teko uses merino wool from South America, recycled polyester made from plastic drink bottles, and regenerated nylon made from commercial fishing nets to make the most comfortable socks you've probably never heard of. The RunFit design has got light cushioning and a lifetime guarantee. Yes, a lifetime guarantee. For socks.
Clif Shot energy gel packages have a special design that keeps the torn-off top connected to the packet body to prevent litter. It's a small but conscientious feature that really sums up the kind of little steps we all need to take to reduce our collective environmental impact.
Disposable cups are so last year. These lightweight, reusable cups are made of a soft, flexible material so they're easy to stuff anywhere. Plus, a handy finger loop is helpful when you’re on the move, and also allows the cups to clip to a pack while on the move.
This full-zip jacket is the ideal combination of lightweight and warm—the perfect layer for the seasons formerly known as fall and spring, now more commonly referred to as “basically winter” and “still winter but closer to summer.” It's made from post-consumer recycled content and has an elastic-bound hem and cuffs to keep everything secure when the pace picks up.
Race With Less Waste
The popularity of distance running has led to questions about the environmental impact of road races, which send millions of paper cups to landfills annually. The London Marathon took the lead on solving this waste problem in 2018 by replacing paper cups with biodegradable seaweed packets called Ooho.
Once bitten open to release the liquid inside, capsules can be consumed or discarded. More than 30,000 were handed out at mile 23 in London (the largest such test in the world to date), and overall, people dug it. Lesson for race directors: Use these to make your event much less wasteful. Lesson for runners: Support those races.
In Your Shoes
If you want to hear about the most precious relationship in a runner's life, ask them about their shoes. Every runner can tell you what they wore for their first mile, first marathon, or last Tuesday's track practice. One pair can make a big impact—so why not pay that gift forward?
In Your Shoes accepts running shoe donations and transports them to a small town in Kenya to support local athletes. The organization operates collection points all around the world and accepts donations from January 1 to March 31 each year.
For those days when most people would stay inside but runners have miles to log and streaks to maintain. Featuring fiberproof recycled polyester, this reversible jacket has both a wind-resistant and water-repellent exterior and a silky, fur-like fleece interior.
Adidas Futurecraft Loop
Meet the first entirely recycled sneaker. In 2019, Adidas made generation one of their 3D printed sneaker, the FutureCraft Loop. After a solid wear test, 200-some-odd individuals gave back their sneakers to create the second generation. Each sneaker is cleaned, shredded, and ground down into smaller pieces to create a new compound. Then, that compound is analyzed and injected directly into a new style.
Seventh Generation detergent is created with the planet in mind; it's biodegradable and made with 96 percent plant-based ingredients. Bonus tip: Runners can also help the Earth by minding their laundry frequency—things like vests and jackets can last a few wears between spin cycles.
Emily Abbate is a freelance writer, certified fitness trainer, and host of the podcast Hurdle. You can find her work in GQ, Shape, Runner’s World, and other health and fitness publications.
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