2019-05-01_Runners_World_UK

(Jacob Rumans) #1
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


  1. 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



  1. 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?


  1. Only wash
    clothing when
    necessary. Use
    detergents
    designed to
    maintain the
    performance of
    technical fabrics,
    such as Basewash
    from Nikwax.

  2. Wash water-
    proof clothing
    with a specialist
    detergent such as
    Techwash, then
    reproof with TX
    Direct (both
    Nikwax) to
    renew the water-
    repellent finish.

  3. Wash synthetic
    kit in Guppyfriend
    washing bags
    (£29.99, amazon.
    co.uk), which
    catch plastic
    microfibres


before they enter
the waterways.


  1. Wash and dry
    shoes after use
    to maximise
    their lifespan.

  2. Repair,
    reuse, recycle.
    Patagonia’s Worn
    Wear programme
    gives you credits
    towards new
    purchases when
    you trade in old
    kit, and provides
    repair guides.

  3. Give gear at
    giftyourgear.com,
    which provides
    donated outdoor
    clothing and
    equipment to UK
    community
    organisations,
    youth groups
    and charities.


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ETHICAL KIT

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