by Eliza Sterling

Environmental conservation has emerged as a pressing issue, going beyond climate crisis and plastic pollution. This increasing awareness brings about a natural desire to limit our individual environmental footprints, even when we’re working up a sweat. However, the constant influx of new fitness gear and trends can make this task seem daunting. We can simplify the process by considering three aspects – event participation, equipment choices, and our behavior.

Mindful Fitness Shopping

Environmentally-conscious shopping has become a necessity in our current world and the fitness industry is no exception. However, some seemingly innovative products, such as the trend-setting carbon-plated running shoes, come with a catch – these runners are known to wear out quickly. On the other hand, brands like Salomon have introduced a concept running shoe, designed to be returned for recycling into ski boots, setting a positive tone for the industry.

Contributing to the Environment

Other trends in the industry include initiatives like tree planting to offset carbon footprints. Endura, a premier cycling brand, has pledged to plant a million trees annually since 2020 — in addition to being PFC-free, increasing product lifespan through repair services, and contributing a share of its profits to charities.

Moreover, new entrants in the field like BAM, championed by former athlete and adventurer, David Gordon, have an environmental philosophy at the core of their business model. BAM prides itself on using rapidly-growing, water-efficient bamboo fibers in its products, aiming to minimize the clothing industry’s contribution to water pollution and landfill waste.

Revolutionizing Sporting Events

Individuals are also making strides towards sustainability within endurance events. Evolving from a marathon enthusiast to an environmental advocate, Rima Chang leverages her tire-dragging runs to raise awareness and funds for global environmental issues. Her focus is on reducing disposable plastic use in endurance events, lobbying for events worldwide to limit their plastic bottle distributions.

Thanks to her efforts, notable sports gatherings like the Rome Marathon have significantly reduced their plastic bottle output. She also champions the adoption of cardboard and recyclable cups for hydration purposes during races, setting a precedent for a greener approach to organizing large-scale events.

Green Fitness Guidelines

Becoming an eco-friendly fitness enthusiast can be as simple as following a few guidelines:

1. Opt for reusable water bottles to reduce plastic waste.
2. Dispose of any wrappers or refuse responsibly.
3. Avoid sportswear made from non-sustainable materials like polyester, nylon, and acrylic.
4. Proper maintenance can prolong the lifespan of your gear, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
5. Support brands that boast transparent and ethical manufacturing processes.
6. Car-pooling to events can also significantly cut down on individual emissions.

In summary, with conscious choices and a little effort, one can easily harmonize fitness routines with a responsible, eco-friendly lifestyle.

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