Everyone has a responsibility to do their part to lower carbon emissions and create a greener future. Training for a marathon means it’s likely that we will consume more; more water, more clothes, more food, the list goes on.

Fortunately, there are simple steps active individuals can take take to reduce their carbon footprint whilst in preparation for 26.2 and ultimately, set an example for future generations.

Want to know how you can put in place these simple habits to reduce your carbon footprint? We’ve compiled a list of changes you can make which will collectively help reduce our carbon emissions.

1. REDUCE CAR JOURNEYS – AND TRAVEL LOCAL

The average petrol car on the road in the UK produces the equivalent of 180g of CO2 every kilometre, while a diesel car produces 173g of CO2/km. (BBC, 2020). Travelling more by foot – for example, by walking or running to work or your local running club – means you are choosing not to release that amount of carbon into the air. A bonus for anyone who owns a bike – cycling is also a great cross-training activity that can compliment your training!

 

2. DON’T DRINK BOTTLED WATER

If you live in Britain then you have fortunate ability to drink the water that comes from your tap. Buying and drinking bottled water is not only unnecessary but the overall impact on our environment is startling. One 1.5 litre bottle of water has a potential CO2 footprint of 633g – and if you’re an active person with greater hydration needs, you’ll be contributing to greater emissions and waste. If you dislike the taste of tap water, you can purchase a water filter that will remove unwanted impurities from water to result in better quality water. (AcquaCure)

3. USE SUSTAINABLE ITEMS

Form good habits when it comes to shopping for training products sustainably. Now that you are choosing not to drink bottled water, why not buy yourself a reusable aluminium or stainless steel bottle. These are great for taking with you wherever you go. Other actions you can take are buying in bulk (such as your gels and training nutrition) which reduces extra packaging – and looking for eco-friendly certifications on products.

4. PICK UP LITTER

There is no more unpleasant sight than seeing litter strewn across our roads and whilst it shouldn’t be our responsibility to pick up other peoples trash we can all feel the collective benefit or removing rubbish from the street. This trend which originated in Sweden has been coined the name Plogging (Guardian, 2018) and is now something of a worldwide phenomenon.

5. SUPPORT COMMUNITY FITNESS INITATIVES

Pledge your support to local initiatives who’s goal is to encourage fitness for those in the community. You will find that you will see less cars on the road, more people out running and walking and an uptake in cycling. The positives aren’t just limited to less traffic on the road but a downturn in pollution as well.

6. MAKE YOUR DOMESTIC ROUTINE MORE EFFICIENT

Active people tend to rack up a lot of washing in the form of sweaty clothes! An easy way to limit the impact on the planet from domestic tasks is to only do full loads of laundry, wash with cold water and hang clothes to dry. This is also a great cost-saving exercise that is a must do in our eyes. You can also purchase a Guppyfriend wash bag which stops micro plastics from entering our water systems and making their way into the oceans.

7. SHOP LOCALLY GROWN AND ORGANIC

This one requires a little extra effort and can sometimes be a little more costly however, if you have the money and are willing to make a concerted effort then you’re not only helping out the smaller businesses in your local area but the distance the produce travels to get to you will be much shorter therefore reducing the carbon released into the atmosphere.

8. JOIN THE CAMPAIGN!

Encourage race directors to make their events more environmentally responsible. Refer them to the Council for Responsible Sport for help getting started!