April 22 is Earth Day and a good reminder for us outdoor athletes to deeply appreciate our diverse local environments, not to mention National Parks and other protected natural spaces where we recreate. Most of us aren’t able to get involved on a global or national political level, nor able to offer large donations to environmental interest groups we identify with, but there are an infinite number of small ways to show our love for the planet.  

Obvious daily contributions to our Earth’s health include picking up trash along your run route, choosing to recycle rather than trash, buying less packaged goods, washing your gear less frequently,  biking or walking instead of driving, carpooling… we all know what we can do, it’s a matter of committing to some easy practices. As athletes we do need to purchase gear. We do need plenty of fuel which can sometimes mean lots of wrappers. We do need to transport ourselves to the trailhead or race venue. But, however small they seem, each of our conscious and thoughtful decisions can add up.  

While several prominent brands like On and Adidas are taking steps to incorporate more recycled and sustainable materials into their products, Nnormal, a newer figure in the market, is focused on making durable gear that will last, using natural, organic and some recycled materials. They offer practical tips on how to take care of all your accessories and avoid constantly buying replacements: “Proper maintenance protects materials, reduces wear and extends the lifespan of your most loved essentials.”

When you are looking for a new addition to your running or cycling gear closet, consider buying previously owned products. You can often find barely used equipment on sites like Geartrade, REI Resupply, or a local used gear shop. Apparel companies are starting to offer trade-ins for your gently used clothing and often  sell items so well refurbished you wouldn’t know the difference. Check out Patagonia’s Worn Wear and Velocio Renewed for a “quality-controlled selection of  revived, repurposed, and reconditioned” cycling apparel.

Though more of a challenge, sports nutrition companies are also trying to prioritize sustainability. Certified B Corp Naak which sells a variety of fueling  and recovery products, is doing its part by choosing sustainable protein sources, upcycled ingredients and recycled, reusable or compostable packaging. Carbs Fuel is focused on “delivering a gel that packs twice as many grams of carbs per gel, when considering the density of most energy gels, which effectively cuts wrapper waste in half from the start,” and they’ve shared some great information on how other fueling companies are also approaching the sustainability challenge.

A few other notable brands working hard to reduce their carbon footprint include Salomon, Buff, Ciele and, in the cycling world, Trek.

Finally, we can consider how impactful our running, cycling, and multisport events are on the environment. Many races are now cupless, and some offer a no T-shirt option when registering. It’s also increasingly easy to find events that give back to environmental groups via your sign up fees and sponsor donations. The Running Up For Air (RUFA) boasts no single use race supplies, all electric power (no gas generators), and a shuttle or  carpooling system to get you to and from the star/finish lines. Besides massively reducing waste at the events, entry fee proceeds go directly to “an action group local to the area associated with each unique RUFA event. Non-profit partners have been selected based on their successes enacting strategies that make an impact for clean air.” RUFA isn’t the only organization out there determined to offer ways for athletes to contribute to a healthy Earth; The Council for Responsible Sport offers resources for both race directors and participants to learn how to create better-for-the-planet events.

Tackle a local Earth Day event to celebrate and honor our amazing planet, or choose a race anytime that supports the great outdoors.

April 19 - Seattle   Earth Day Run: 5k, 10k, kids dash, Half Marathon

April 19 - Phoenix  Earth Day: Run Green 5K, 10K, 13.1

April 19 - San Francisco  Earth Day: Run Green 5K, 10K, 13.1

April 19 - Tucson  TMC Earth Day 5k at the Biosphere 2

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