3 Ways Athletes Can Reduce Their Carbon Footprint

We’re all looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint, but a lot of us don’t know how to go about simple ways of doing this.

Those of us who love and are involved in sports, have a bigger opportunity and more ways than most to do this too!

Reducing our carbon footprint is not just a global challenge, it trickles down to each person on earth and the small changes we can make in our day-to-day lives.

This blog will delve into some simple, impactful steps we can all do to teach us how to reduce our carbon footprint.

And look, we know that these aren’t always practical.

We’re not saying they are.

But the key to having an impact is making incremental changes here and there when the opportunity is afforded to you.

Eco-Friendlier Travel for Athletes

Travelling to cometitions and training

Travel is a major aspect of an athlete’s lifestyle, but it also has a significant impact on carbon emissions.

Choosing environmentally-friendly travel options, like taking trains instead of planes for long-distance trips or carpooling to local events, can have a significant impact on reducing our carbon footprint.

In addition, opting for accommodations and travel providers that prioritise sustainability can have a significant impact.

If you’re living in the city, why not walk or cycle to the gym next time you’re going?

Encouraging carpooling and promoting the use of public transport

When it comes to local training sessions or competitions, it’s worth considering carpooling with fellow athletes or making use of public transport.

By reducing emissions, it not only contributes to a cleaner environment but also promotes a strong sense of community and teamwork, which are essential in the sports industry.

The Transportation Sustainability Research Centre highlights that carpooling has a positive impact on society by reducing the number of vehicles required by travellers.

These measures encompass decreased energy consumption and emissions, alleviating congestion, and reducing the need for parking infrastructure. By encouraging carpooling and reducing the number of vehicles on the road, we can significantly decrease the total emissions produced.

Selecting Environmentally-Friendly Sports Gear

Our clothes carry a meaningful story that leaves a lasting impact on our planet.

Through the selection of eco-friendly equipment and apparel, we actively contribute to reducing the demand for new resources and promoting the reuse of materials.

There is a growing availability of brands that prioritise eco-friendly manufacturing processes, which allows athletes to easily make responsible choices, and we partner with the biggest in the world.

Check out the critera that make your products IMPACT CHOICE right here.

Or if you’d like to browse our full range of IMPACT products, click HERE.

The Journey of Sports Products

Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond the lifespan of our sports gear.

By implementing effective maintenance practices, we can significantly prolong the lifespan of our equipment too.

Additionally, when the time comes to replace it, we prioritise donating or recycling the old gear to prevent it from ending up in landfills.

This commitment to a circular economy aligns with our values in the sports retail industry.

We have a great resource for Product Repair in this blog, which has guides on fixing almost everything!

Training Facilities with a Focus on Energy Efficiency

Environmentally-Friendly Fitness Facilities and Outdoor Workouts
Engaging in outdoor activities not only decreases the need for energy-intensive indoor facilities, but also fosters a deep connection between athletes and the natural environment, resulting in an enhanced training experience.

So, instead of doing your running on a treadmill this week, why not get out and about in nature and do it there?

You will feel great both mentally and physically afterwards.

A trail run is always an amazing experience.

Utilising Solar Energy for Sporting Facilities

The future of sports infrastructure is being shaped by innovations such as solar-powered stadiums and training facilities.

These environmentally conscious alternatives not only help to decrease carbon emissions but also establish a model for sustainable practices within the sports industry.

The Aviva Stadium is a remarkable testament to sustainable engineering, with a strong emphasis on harnessing solar power.

The stadium features a solar-panel-covered canopy that serves a dual purpose – providing shade for fans and generating renewable energy. This initiative is a reflection of the growing movement within sports venues to embrace sustainable technologies and minimise their ecological footprint.

Utilising solar power in these expansive facilities not only cuts down on energy expenses, but also enhances sustainability ratings, lessens ecological footprint, and has the potential to generate additional income by selling surplus energy to the grid.

As proud and official Retail Partners of the FAI, we’re are delighted to work alongside Irish Football to help reduce our impact on the planet.

Intersport Elverys’ Commitment to Sustainability

Intersport Elverys is not only promoting a sustainable way of living and taking part in sport, we are also actively engaging in it.

Through various initiatives, we hope to be continually reducing our IMPACT on the environment until we become fully circular in our business.

Check out our efforts are our award-winning Distribution Centre in Castlear.

Conclusion

As athletes and sports enthusiasts, our journey aligns with the larger goal of protecting the environment.

By embracing eco-friendly travel, selecting sustainable sports equipment, and supporting green training facilities, we all play a part in creating a healthier planet.