The Green Ostrich

A little bonus post this week. Well, really a shameless plea. Earth Day is on Saturday, April 22. Earth Day also marks the one year anniversary of The Green Runners. When the group was founded, I simply admired them from afar via their Instagram, but in August I joined as a member and shortly after that as a volunteer. And I have learned so much! 

The Green Runners are committed to “running without the footprint.” We do this through 4 pillars: 

1. How we kit up – my favorite pillar, of course!
2. How we move – e.g., reducing cars and flights to runs and races
3. How we eat – e.g., reducing animal products and food waste
4. How we speak out – arguably the most important of the 4

Who are we? 

In the simplest terms, we are a supportive community of runners eager to learn from each other, to challenge the industry, and to reduce our footprint on the planet as we take part in the sport we all love so much. 

We are not all elite (some of us, ahem, Jasmin and Damian, are among the best in the world) but most of us (ahem, me) are mere mortals. 

Some of us run on beautiful trails while others prefer pounding the pavement. Some of us run to work while others keep work and pleasure separate. Some of us are up to run before the sun rises while others run during lunch. Some of us run 10 times per week while others are lucky to get out 2 or 3 times. 

We are not all Brits. OK, right now most of our membership is in the UK and they use cool words like “ace” and “cheeky” and “gutted” but our influence and membership is growing across the globe and I’m hoping to expand our ranks on my side of the pond.  

Who can join us? 

Anyone! If you run – a lot or a little, short or far, roads or trails – then you are a runner and you can be a Green Runner. 

All we ask is that you make an action based pledge addressing at least one of our four pillars. Your pledge can be extreme or it can be baby steps. We hope that all of our members fulfill all of their pledges, but we know that everyone is human. If you falter, we’ll support you. If you need help, we have resources for you. If you succeed, even a little bit, we’ll be there to celebrate with you. 

How do I join? 

So easy! Start thinking about your pledge, and then you can join us here! 

Oh, you won’t get a t-shirt when you join (duh!), but you will get a badge printed on old race t-shirts.