WANT TO DO YOUR BIT FOR THE PLANET? HERE ARE 12 TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR CARBON RUNNING FOOTPRINT

WORDS: CLAIRE CHAMBERLAIN

The human impact on the environment can seem a pretty depressing topic these days. The constant headlines about global warming and plastic-filled oceans can make you want to bury your head in the sand (where you would likely encounter a discarded bottle or three). But don’t! Yes, it’s hard to hear that eight tonnes of plastic is dumped in the sea every minute, but now is not the time to ignore it – now is the time to start becoming accountable. Each and every one of us can start making small differences that, collectively, will have a huge impact – things like giving up plastic bags, cups, straws, bottles and cutlery.

As runners, our choice of exercise is fairly environmentally friendly already – but there are still small changes you can make to ensure it’s even more so. Follow these 12 tips and start to become a more eco-conscious runner…

1.REUSE

According to Plastic Oceans (plasticoceans.org), 14 per cent of all litter comes from drinks containers (and this number is even higher when you take lids and labels into account). So, one of the biggest changes you can make is to say no to single-use plastic bottles to hydrate while you run (as well as in your day-to-day life) and grab yourself a reusable bottle instead. What’s more, the process of producing bottled water requires a staggering six times more water than actually ends up in the bottle! So try to always choose tap.