The Gear for Good content series is an exploration into the lifecycle of our running gear. We’ve collaborated with Preloved Sports, Reskinned, Alpine Run Project and Protect Our Winters UK to pull back the curtain on the environmental cost of the “new drop” culture and celebrate the beauty of the gear we already own.
Authenticity is at the heart of this project. All our models are volunteers from within the running community, giving their time to advocate for a more sustainable future. This series was captured through the lens of photographer Lily Miles, supported by Holly Frampton, who both volunteered their creative talents to bring these stories to life.
Lydia, 31
Occupation: Sustainable Designer
The Goal: Running for enjoyment!
Bubbly and full of ideas. Lydia arrives with t-shirts she’s personally upcycled into custom designs, proving that “old” kit is just “new” raw material.
“I see running as a form of independent exercise rather than being something one does or doesn’t “fit” into. I find people who are always kitted out in brand new gear a bit performative. For me, running is about wearing clothing that meets functional needs. Having the right pieces is beneficial, but I like to use mine for a long time and get maximum wear out of them. I don’t worry about trends; I just wear what works best for me.
Upcycling your kit doesn’t always require expert sewing skills! Lydia transformed stock kindly donated by Preloved Sports into a fun, one-of-a-kind item. Why not try it yourself? Scroll down for a quick demo.
“It’s hard. We live in a world that is constantly telling us to buy more and buy new. Stepping away from that consumerist context and being happy with what you have, providing it meets its function, is a real mindset shift. I usually run first thing at 6 am while I’m half asleep, so I don’t put too much thought into my outfit, which I think helps.
I love my Merrell trail running shoes. Previously, I got lots of blisters and concluded it may just be my feet, but when I trained for the Camino Ultra last summer, my Merrells were perfect. They made each long training run so much more enjoyable.
“being happy with what you have, providing it meets its function, is a real mindset shift”
I love spending time outside each morning when most people are asleep, the sun is rising, and the world feels a little bit still. I really enjoy having time where I’m just doing something physical and don’t have to think too much. Seeing myself slowly improve over time is also really motivating.”
“Pinch” the look: Lydia’s ruched grid
The Deep Dive: Activewear Exit Strategies
The future isn’t “buying green”: it’s buying less and keeping what we have in the loop.
The Facts:
- The Power of Repair: Patching a hole or replacing a zip can displace up to 82% of the carbon impact of buying a new item.
- Second-Hand First: Buying pre-loved kit significantly reduces the demand for virgin polyester.
- Textile-to-Textile: Reaching even a 10% rate for textile-to-textile recycling in the EU could save 440,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.
All data courtesy of: Joanna Czutkowna, 5Thread; Dr. Elisabeth Allen and Lena Bartoszewicz, University of Manchester; Jordan Bunker, social content creator.
Don’t let the marketing machine tell you that you don’t belong. We prioritise “keep-at-it” over “kit-it-out.” Join The Green Runners today to protect the places we love to run.
Credits:
- Model & Designer: Lydia Bolton
- Photography: Lily Miles
- Photography Assistant: Holly Frampton
- T-shirts Supplied by: Preloved Sports