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.
Melina, 20
Occupation: Student
The Goal: Training for a fast 10k time
Chilled, effortlessly cool. Melina rocks up with massive headphones styled like a modern laurel crown, channeling “Our Lady of Boulder” Courtney Dauwalter in her oversized basketball shorts.
“I don’t necessarily think about reclaiming the trails, but I do think they are inherently a space that has always felt less welcoming for people of colour. When I’m out there in nature finding so much joy, I often wish more people of colour, and particularly women of colour, felt confident to come into these spaces too. I feel a responsibility to be vocal and challenge the things that might be seen as barriers.
Looking good always makes me more motivated to train. Having my own gear that I love to style and wear outdoors just makes me want to participate in any activity I’m going out to do. It even allows me to look forward to the following days of training. I think running apparel isn’t as complex as it could seem to a new runner. Sometimes gear can be daunting, but when we look at it deeply, it all has a very similar vibe. No matter the price, running gear looks cool, especially when you have it on while running, because running is cool.
My Nike shorts have stuck by me since the beginning. Even something as small as the fact they are slightly too big for me now shows growth and change. They’ve been through so many different runs with me that they always remind me of why I started every time I have them on, especially when I hit a wall.
“Running gear looks cool, because running is cool”
At the beginning, my ‘why’ was to be the best version of me. While that still applies, it’s now more about being a role model to others who may want to join the running community but find it quite daunting. Especially for newer, younger runners. I love the thrill of running and how good it makes me feel when I keep consistent. How hard you have to push, knowing you’re doing one of the hardest things you could do for yourself, is an indescribable feeling. I will always keep chasing it.”
The Deep Dive: The Manufacture Phase
Before that top lands in your cart, it’s a cocktail of energy, water, and labour. Most performance kit relies on “virgin” synthetics—polyester and nylon derived from petroleum.
The Facts:
- Carbon Heavy: Producing 1kg of polyester can emit up to 27.2kg of CO2.
- The Water Gap: The fashion industry consumes roughly 79 billion cubic metres of water annually.
- The Synthetic Trap: 66% of running apparel is made from fossil-fuel-based synthetics because they wick sweat, but they cost the earth before they even reach the shop floor.
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: Melina Malungu, ambassador for Alpine Run Project
- Photography: Lily Miles
- Photography Assistant: Holly Frampton