ARE SHOES REALLY GETTING GREENER?
Runner's World SA|May/June 2023
How to sidestep the greenwashing and identify the meaningful steps being taken to reduce the colossal footprint of our running shoes.
LILY CANTER
ARE SHOES REALLY GETTING GREENER?

The running shoe industry is awash with sustainable messaging, net zero targets and innovative material developments that seek to assure us our running footsteps are treading lighter on the planet; but the uncomfortable truth is, these incremental changes in manufacturing are only scratching the surface. And if the current unsustainable manufacturing practices and consumption patterns continue, the planet will face irreversible ecological consequences, warn scientists.

A panel of industrial engineers from Loughborough University's Centre for Sustainable Manufacturing and Recycling Technologies (SMART) has warned that the current initiatives, investments and regulations to mitigate the impact of manufacturing on climate change are at best slowing down the rate of growth, rather than eliminating or reversing the damage caused.

Scientists agree that to have any hope of limiting global warming to a maximum increase of 2%, greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions need to be reduced by 80% by 2050. Yet the current targets fall far short of this level. The latest estimate is that by 2050, ghg emissions will have increased by only over 50%, even with all the current policies and targets in place. "It is the grossest kind of simplification and understatement to say we are not taking enough meaningful action," warns Shahin Rahimifard, professor of sustainable engineering at SMART. And the global trainer industry is a huge part of the problem - if it were a country, it would be the world's 17th largest polluter, emitting as much CO, as the whole of the UK.

WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY, ANYWAY? 

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May/June 2023-Ausgabe von Runner's World SA.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May/June 2023-Ausgabe von Runner's World SA.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS RUNNER'S WORLD SAAlle anzeigen
LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET
Runner's World SA

LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET

In the last decade, the running singlet once reserved for amateur competitors and professional athletes - has gone mainstream, not only on race day but also on everyday runs.

time-read
9 Minuten  |
May/June 2024
RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES
Runner's World SA

RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES

Banned shoes emerged at a basketball court long before they found their way onto a marathon course.

time-read
9 Minuten  |
May/June 2024
CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE
Runner's World SA

CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Perhaps you've assigned yourself another animal after completing an internet quiz. Research is shedding light on the link between well-being and circadian predisposition, but there's no need to rewire yourself. Learn to lean into your biology with our guide.

time-read
6 Minuten  |
May/June 2024
THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD
Runner's World SA

THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD

Some of the world's best runners credit this unorthodox Norwegian training method for their success. Is it right for you?

time-read
9 Minuten  |
May/June 2024
THE MIND OF MASSYN
Runner's World SA

THE MIND OF MASSYN

IN 2024, LOUIS MASSYN WILL ATTEMPT HIS 49TH COMRADES MARATHON AND HE'S LEARNT PLENTY OF LESSONS ALONG THE WAY. HERE'S THE STORY OF HIS AMAZING JOURNEY.

time-read
10 Minuten  |
May/June 2024
TAKING CHARGE
Runner's World SA

TAKING CHARGE

OUTSPOKEN AND AMBITIOUS, NEW COMRADES RACE MANAGER (AND FORMER WINNER) ANN ASHWORTH IS LOOKING TO TAKE THE RACE INTO THE FUTURE.

time-read
5 Minuten  |
May/June 2024
A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES
Runner's World SA

A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES

THIS YEAR, BARRY HOLLAND WILL BE AIMING TO FINISH HIS 50TH CONSECUTIVE COMRADES MARATHON. THIS IS WHAT HAS INSPIRED HIM.

time-read
6 Minuten  |
May/June 2024
MY RUNNING LIFE
Runner's World SA

MY RUNNING LIFE

ORDINARY RUNNERS doing EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

time-read
3 Minuten  |
May/June 2024
Ageing In The Age Of Strava
Runner's World SA

Ageing In The Age Of Strava

RECENTLY MY BUDDY Sean sent a text message that said, “Been running a lot of 5:30–6:00 kays early. It feels pretty nice at that pace.”

time-read
4 Minuten  |
May/June 2024
How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It
Runner's World SA

How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It

I'VE ALWAYS FELT validation when reading a story about writers and their love of procrastination.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
May/June 2024