The need to be eco-conscious in everything we do has never been greater or more important for our planet. It applies to us all, from individuals to companies, and from single nations to the whole world. But each of us must look after our own mental and physical wellbeing, too, and for that we often turn to sport.
How do you partake in sport without harming the environment? Don’t machine-wash your sports gear ten times a week, is one answer, but first you need to buy the appropriate clothing.
Shopping for sportswear is part and parcel of beginning a new sport. It’s not practical to take part in most sports whilst wearing everyday clothes, so you’re suddenly faced with the minefield of buying sporting attire and trying to work out what you genuinely need.
The apparel industry currently accounts for 10% of carbon emissions worldwide. So, each of us that buys sportswear should make an effort to invest in eco-friendly products, in whatever else we do. Look for brands that use sustainable materials, which are ethically sourced.
Eco-Friendly Fabrics
One of the ways that athletes, old and new, can encourage eco-friendly products is to seek them out and buy them. These are some of the fabrics to look out for:
- Recycled fabrics made with waste material. Companies like aimn.com.au use recycled polyester in some of their sportswear range. Recycled nylon, cotton and wool is also a possibility.
- Plant-based fabrics like organic cotton, linen, hemp and ramie have a low environmental impact. Organic cotton is grown without use of toxic chemicals or pesticides.
- Animal-based products that are only deemed eco-friendly if produced in a sustainable, non-destructive and non-cruel way.
Certification and Standards
There are a couple of certifications you can look for on the labels of sportswear:
- STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® indicates that a textile has been tested for harmful substances and sparks high levels of customer confidence.
- The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a comprehensive standard for organic fibers that incorporates strict ecological and social criteria in sustainability.
Packaging and Shipping
Packaging and shipping are also worthy of consideration when we buy sporting apparel. Shipment by boat and train is considered more carbon efficient than shipment by air or road, for instance. The more you know about the people you buy from, the better it is for the environment.
Naturally, you should be looking at packaging, too, whether you buy your sports clothes online or in a brick-and-mortar shop. Ideally, your goods will be wrapped in something that is both recycled and recyclable. That way, you can start enjoying your sport without negatively impacting the planet.