RUNNING RELATED ACTIONS

We all love running and exercising in nature and so we want to make sure that our impact on the earth is as minimal as possible.

Being thoughtful about your approach to racing, equipment, nutrition and travel can help.

And, like anything else, it is important to take one small step at a time

Racing

By far the biggest impact in carbon emissions at races is the travel to get there, counting for more than 95% of carbon emissions for most events!

The best option is to race local. This results in the least amount of travel.

If you can’t race local, can you look at more sustainable options for travel? – Trains and car shares with other runners are great options here.

Flights should be a last resort. But if you must fly, make sure to spend as much time in the place you’re travelling to, rather than a trip that’s only for the race itself.

If there’s an option to decline a T-shirt or goody bag, then please choose that option. Many races have the option to plant a tree instead, through something like www.TreesNotTees.com. According to a survey by TrailRunner Magazine, 92% of trail runners would consider choosing Trees Not Tees at registration.

And if they don’t offer this option, use your voice to speak up and send a polite email to the race director, that just might open their eyes up to this wonderful, easy, option!

92% of trail runners would consider choosing Trees Not Tees at registration

TrailRunner Magazine

Equipment

The main thing to remember with kit, is that buying it (shoes, bags, clothes, etc) should be your last choice.

Before buying something new, ask yourself:

– Do I really need it?

– Can I make my current kit last longer?

– If not, can I swap/ borrow something? A great example where borrowing is better is for equipment needed for a one-off race (poles, a bag, etc). Borrowing is a win-win!!! You’re saving the environment and saving your wallet!

Below is a list of websites and company’s that we believe in.

Not all of these are perfect, but they’re often better than the obvious, industry leaders who you might turn to otherwise

Running Specific Websites

– ReRun – https://rerunclothing.org/

– RunAgain – https://www.runagain.uk/

– Switch Back Clothing – https://www.switchbackclothing.co/ –

Other websites for Kit

– Freecycle

– eBay

– Facebook Marketplace

Running Nutrition

We all need to fuel ourselves when on runs, especially long runs. And here are some great options for more sustainable products.

Usually, making and preparing your own nutrition will be best. But these company’s and products have strong sustainability practises

Outdoor Provisions

“Natural energy snacks for fresh-air-heads.

Forging our own way whilst remaining fiercely low impact and with a new promise; dependable, portable, tasty.

Wrappers are bio-degradable, so you can put them straight in a compost heap.”

Website – www.outdoorprovisions.co.uk/

Supernatural Fuel

Supernatural Fuel energy pouches are whole food blends of fruits, seeds and grains.

You can return the pouches in a pre-paid envelope and they will be re-used.

Made from high quality, organic, plant ingredients, that provide a combination of carbohydrates, protein and fats, this great tasting endurance food will provide you sustained energy during your most challenging endurance events.

All products are vegan except Berry & Quinoa.

Website – www.supernaturalfuel.com

Unwrapped Bars

Refillable energy bars with 100% reusable packaging.

Unwrapped Bars are designed to be sustainable in every way.

That means all their boxes are made to order, so they don’t waste any food.

Their orders open at the start of the month for end of the month delivery, or you can subscribe for a box at a frequency of your choosing.

Website – www.unwrappedbars.com

You can return the pouches in a pre-paid envelope and they will be re-used.

All products are vegan except Berry & Quinoa.

Website – www.supernaturalfuel.com

Nurhu

Nurhu’s bars do not require additional processing. The ingredients are simply mixed and then pressed. This allows them to reduce energy consumption during the manufacturing process of the bars.

Nurhu has developed an innovative technology which uses natural ingredients instead of a wrapper.

The edible packaging makes bars waterproof and therefore washable: much like an apple, so they are pocket safe! The coating protects the bar and at the same time extends its shelf-life.

They only use recycled paper.

Website – www.nurhu.com