involves removing strips of skin from
the backsides of sheep to prevent
infection from f lystrike but may be
carried out under low animal-welfare
standards and there are effective,
humane alternatives. Icebreaker’s Baa
Code system ensures full traceability
for merino wool.MIXED FABRICS: These strike a good
performance balance between the
comfort and naturally antimicrobial
properties of wool and the lightness
and durability of synthetics.
However, the interwoven fibres
make recycling the synthetic
component more difficult.COTTON: If you prefer the natural
feel of cotton, organic certification
guarantees that the people and places
that grow the plants are protected
from harmful chemicals.BAMBOO: More sustainable
than cotton, requiring
less water and more
resistant to disease and
pests. It also dries more
quickly. However cotton and
bamboo, require a chemical-
heavy extraction process to
turn them into thread.DOWN: Used as insulation
for its outstanding- Patagonia Slope
Runner Vest 4L
Long-haul comfort with
hydration and storage for
layers, nutrition and other bits
- made from 100 per cent
recycled polyester.
£120, eu.patagonia.com
- Iffley Road Dartmoor
Merino Base Layer
Supremely comfortable, high
quality and great for cool-
weather running, this long-
sleeved base-layer is made in
the UK from responsibly
sourced merino wool.
£95, iffleyroad.com
14. Vaude TVL Easy trainers
Fairtrade-certified and PVC-
free with a recycled single-
piece upper, 50 per cent
recycled polyester lining,
30 per cent recycled outsole
and bluesign-certified laces.
£75, vaude.com
15. Howies Active Merino
Sorona Zip Top
Sorona fibres are made from
extracted plant glucose. In
this wicking top, they have
been mixed with responsibly
sourced merino wool.
£49, howies.co.uk
being made with recycled content
using waste such as plastic bottles.
From Adidas’ partnership with
Parley for the Oceans, which turns
ocean-waste plastics into clothing
and footwear, to smaller producers
such as Sundried, brands are now
offering high-quality options with a
much smaller footprint.WOOL: Unlike synthetic fabrics,
natural fabrics are biodegradable,
come from renewable sources and
don’t shed microplastics. They
usually cost more than synthetic,
particularly if they’re responsibly
sourced. Merino wool is soft,
comfortable, breathable and dries
much faster than cotton, but make
sure it’s responsibly sourced and
from non-mulesed sheep. Mulesing,
illegal in New Zealand since 2018,TREADING LIGHT
What other steps can you take to
reduce your running footprint?- Only wash
clothing when
necessary. Use
detergents
designed to
maintain the
performance of
technical fabrics,
such as Basewash
from Nikwax. - Wash water-
proof clothing
with a specialist
detergent such as
Techwash, then
reproof with TX
Direct (both
Nikwax) to
renew the water-
repellent finish. - Wash synthetic
kit in Guppyfriend
washing bags
(£29.99, amazon.
co.uk), which
catch plastic
microfibres
before they enter
the waterways.- Wash and dry
shoes after use
to maximise
their lifespan. - Repair,
reuse, recycle.
Patagonia’s Worn
Wear programme
gives you credits
towards new
purchases when
you trade in old
kit, and provides
repair guides. - Give gear at
giftyourgear.com,
which provides
donated outdoor
clothing and
equipment to UK
community
organisations,
youth groups
and charities.
151413ETHICAL KIT