In recent years, sustainability has become a buzzword. The urgency dictated by the rapid onset of climate change and other environmental issues has got more and more of us thinking about the impact of our habits on the planet.
From press articles to documentaries on streaming services and discussions on online forums, there’s an ongoing conversation about how we could adopt more sustainable habits to ensure a better future. This question relates to many different areas of our lives, like energy consumption, transportation, water, food or shopping.
We at the Running Republic welcome this shift. Finally! It’s about time we started talking about all the issues that our planet is facing. And beyond that, it’s time we actually did something about it.
Here’s why we think it’s important for brands to make sustainability a part of their DNA - and how we’re doing it at The Running Republic with our sustainable running clothes made from 100% recycled plastic.
Sustainability as added value
The growing concern for the health of our planet and our society is increasingly reflected in consumer expectations.
We’ve known for a while that consumers are no longer satisfied with just buying products. They want to buy from brands that offer them something more: an experience, a mood, a memory, a lifestyle. But lately, it has also become evident that there’s a new generation of conscious consumers who won’t settle for only that.
Research shows that 63% of consumers prefer to purchase from purpose-driven brands whose products reflect their own beliefs.
They’re looking for brands with values, brands that care about the environment, brands that promote sustainability. In other words, brands that want to change the world.
We want to change the world
Our mission is clear and simple. The Running Republic wants to change to world - or at least, do our part in changing it. That’s why we are committed to sustainability and have chosen it as our core value.
We are a new brand of sustainable running apparel that was created with the aim of offering sustainable running clothes without compromising on any aesthetic or technical attributes. Let us explain why we’ve chosen this path.
Each year, 8 million tons of plastic waste ends up in the oceans. Plastic is very slow to break down - it could take up to 450 years for a plastic bottle to decompose! - and it acts as a strong pollutant, adversely affecting wildlife as well as humans.
The textile industry is one of the most contaminating industries in the world. We want to make sure that we don’t contribute to the harm that’s already being done, so we refuse to introduce new contaminating materials into the environment. What’s more, we want to help clean up our oceans and reduce the amount of plastic waste that plagues our planet.
So what’s our solution?
Our sustainable running apparel
To manufacture our sustainable running clothes, we use recycled ocean plastic. All our products are made from plastic obtained from post-consumer plastic bottles and fishnets. For every kilo of recycled material, we are able to remove one kilo of plastic from the ocean. That means over 1 litre less of new crude oil in the environment and over 5 kilos less of CO2 emissions!
We built our company on sustainability. We don’t do any greenwashing - we’re not trying to use sustainability as a guise to wash our image of years of environmental and social damage. We wholeheartedly believe in our ability to affect change through sustainable production practices.
For us, sustainability is not only a means but also a purpose. And we invite you to join us on our journey.
Trend or reality?
We believe that sustainability is much more than just a trend. We are fighting against plastic pollution and labour exploitation, that’s why we only use recycled fabrics and ethical production in factories where people are respected and receive a fair salary.
By wearing our recycled running tees or any of our other products, you’ll be sending a loud and clear message to the world that a more fair and sustainable future is possible. You can find our selection of 100% recycled and sustainable sports garments here.
Our planet and its people need once and for all a real commitment from all industries and the companies within those industries to guarantee truly sustainable development.
It won't be easy and it won’t happen fast, but change is underway.
The new generation no longer accepts the status quo and is seeking alternatives. The Running Republic was born to provide one. If you’re looking for sustainable sportswear, look no further.
Sustainability is here to stay - and The Running Republic too.
Photo: Richard Carey