This Friday, April 22nd is Earth Day. The tradition of celebrating this day started over 50 years ago as a way to encourage everyone to invest in the future of our planet. While everyone can have an impact on our environment, there are a few unique ways that runners can make a difference.
How Runners Can make a difference on Earth Day
Just the fact that runners are out there using their feet to get places, means that they are automatically taking a step in the right direction. Here are a few other ways runners can make a difference.
Go Plogging
From the Swedish, “plogging” means to pick up trash while jogging. If your route is anything like mine, you undoubtedly unfortunately see trash left behind by others. Runners have the unique opportunity to pick some of it up along their route.
Extend the life of your running shoes
Taking proper care of your running shoes to extend their lifespan is an easy task for runners. Check out my best tips to get the most out of your running shoes here.
Join a free run challenge
Brooks running is hosting a free Strava challenge with the goal of collectively running 100 laps around the world. Join in and add your miles to go towards planting trees with Earth Runs.
Reduce your carbon footprint
Brooks running has committed to net-zero carbon emissions by the year 2040. In fact, the new Ghost shoe is the first carbon-neutral shoe available. Read all about how this shoe is designed and more ways that Brooks running is working towards this goal with recycled components and more.
Recycle your old running shoes
Many running stores will accept gently used running shoes to be recycled and distributed to others in need. Another very convenient (and my go to method) is to donate to Soles4Souls through Zappos. It could not be easier! Simply print out a free shipping label, pack up your box and drop it off at UPS. Find more ways to donate your old shoes here.
How will you honor Earth Day this year? Any other ideas for me?
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
Such great tips, Deborah!
I especially love the plogging one. We get around trails where the usual trash collectors that are employed by the city don’t pass. If I’m wearing my hydrovest with pockets, I always pick up trash. But I should remember to take a plastic bag with me, that would be more practical.
It is amazing how much trash people can leave behind
I just put together a bag of shoes to donate! I love that Brooks is working towards net-zero carbon emissions. I need to check out that Strava challenge!
Yes, I try to donate a few times a year it’s so easy. The strava challenges are always fun to do
Great tips.
I reuse the bottles of water you get at races.
I donate my old shoes all the time.
Lately I’ve been buying used shoes at Poshmark. Sometimes they are even new.
I also joined the Strava challenge.
all great ways to help. I do love the strava challenges it is fun to get all the badges
There are so many little things we can do to help save the earth. I always see so much trash when I’m out running–trails and roads. I should pick it up, but I don’t carry a bag with me. I always use a reusable water bottle–running and at work.
I did not know that about the Brooks Ghosts!
I thought that was pretty cool about the Ghosts! Another reason to love our fave running company
I go plogging on occasion 😉 It’s such a simple thing to do! We’re helping our daughter move on Friday (in the rain, UGH!), but I think I’m gonna do my plogging duty tomorrow. Thanks for all the great tips!
I can picture you getting really into it!
Brooks, what a great company (too bad their shoes pinch my toes- even the Ghost!) i love all these tips- I’ll remember to bring a bag with me on my Friday run so I can do some plogging!
It can be tricky to find the right shoes for your feet 🙂
I think plogging is a great thing to do, though it’s sad how much junk people don’t bother to pick up.
It really is! Why can’t everyone just pick up their own trash?
All great tips, Deborah! It’s so important to be kind to our home — I feel strongly about that even though I won’t be leaving it to kids! I’m certainly not perfect, but I try, and every little effort means somthing.
I am far from perfect on this but if we all do a few little things it can make a big difference
Yes, yes! All these things. If we all just do our best, we can make a change!
little habits can make a big difference