*s3/e30 Becoming A Sustainable Runner with Tina Muir & Zoë Rom
Aug 10, 2023
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Co-authors Tina Muir and Zoë Rom discuss sustainable running, exploring the connection between environmental sustainability and the sport. They touch on various topics such as training sustainability, overcoming challenges in the running culture, and taking action for climate justice. The authors also highlight initiatives, companies, and individuals contributing to sustainability in the running space. They encourage listeners to make a difference by taking small actions, and announce their upcoming book 'Becoming A Sustainable Runner.'
Advocate for races to partner with organizations that offer tree planting instead of T-shirts and research brands to ensure their environmental values align with ours.
Recognize the connection between running and climate change, motivating personal changes and engagement in broader systemic efforts.
Support initiatives and organizations that prioritize genuine sustainability efforts and advocate for systemic change, while approaching greenwashing with caution.
Deep dives
Taking Steps Towards Sustainable Running
As individual runners, there are various steps we can take towards becoming more sustainable. One approach is to advocate for races to partner with organizations that offer tree planting instead of T-shirts as a registration perk. Additionally, being conscious of our consumption and researching brands to ensure they align with our environmental values is important. It is crucial to be skeptical of greenwashing, where companies present an environmentally friendly image without making substantial changes. Another suggestion is to focus on the end-of-life cycle of products we purchase and consider the impact they will have on the environment.
The Connection Between Running and Climate Change
Recognizing the connection between running and climate change can lead to a greater sense of urgency in taking action. For instance, increasing air pollution due to factors like wildfire smoke can make outdoor running unsafe. Acknowledging the impact of climate change on the sport can motivate individuals to make changes at a personal level. It is important to move beyond running and engage in efforts to transform broader systems, advocating for collective action and challenging notions of perfectionism.
Looking at the Bigger Picture: Organizations and Initiatives
While individual actions are crucial, larger-scale initiatives and organizations play a vital role in driving change. It is essential to support and join initiatives that are making a tangible difference in addressing climate change and environmental justice. Greenwashing, where companies falsely present themselves as environmentally conscious, should be approached with caution. Instead, focus on organizations and initiatives that prioritize genuine sustainability efforts and advocate for systemic change.
Individual Action and Collective Systemic Action
Taking individual action and engaging in collective systemic action are both necessary for bringing about change. It is important to recognize that individual actions alone cannot solve global issues, but they play an important role in initiating conversations and raising awareness. By getting curious about how to make more sustainable choices and challenging the status quo, individuals can inspire larger organizations and institutions to follow suit. This also involves holding those in power accountable and advocating for systemic changes that align with environmental values.
Sustainability Efforts in Large Races
Major races, like the Chicago Marathon, are making efforts to minimize waste and improve sustainability. While organizing large events with thousands of participants presents challenges, races are implementing strategies such as compostable cups, food waste reduction, and soil redistribution to community gardens. They are actively working towards making positive changes, even if they might not be seen as glamorous or exciting. By involving runners and communities in the planning process and leveraging individuals' influence, races can create a ripple effect of awareness and inspire other races to initiate similar sustainable practices.
What does it mean to have a sustainable approach to running? What does exploring the relationship between environmental sustainability and running look like? Co-authors of the new book "Becoming A Sustainable Runner" Tina Muir and Zoë Rom are here today to talk about it!
-"Sustainability" in the context of training
-Creating ways we can have a sustainable, i.e. "lifelong" enjoyment of running
-Environmental sustainability and the impact that climate change is having on our sport
-Are there larger issues within the culture of running that you feel will be challenging to overcome in creating sustainability and taking action for climate justice?
-What initiatives, companies, or people are you most excited about right now for sustainability within the running space?
-What little thing can someone do today to help make a difference, however small, in our world?
-And more!
"Becoming A Sustainable Runner" is out on August 15!
Tina Muir was formerly a professional runner for Great Britain and now hosts the Running for Real Podcast. Zoë Rom is an elite ultra runner and Editor in Chief of Trail Runner Magazine and Managing Editor of Women's Running.
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