Green running gear: What to wear that helps you and our planet

Running gear is going green.  Apparel and gear are using recycled materials and cutting manufacturing methods to produce items that are eco-friendly but still maintain the original purpose of providing runners with light, comfortable and wicking products. Major companies and up and coming companies alike are trying to appeal to the new trend of going green. Most packaging and sales tag are made of recycled materials as well.

Brooks Green Silence-Warning: wearing these shoes will cause a lot of envy!  Runner's will look at you in awe as you sport your ultra-lite and ultra-brite racing flats at your next 5K.  The Green Silence is made of 75% post-consumer recycled materials and is biodegradable. By utilizing recycled materials—such as polyester leisure suits, broken down sofas, discarded CDs and other earth-friendly components, Brooks was able to construct a shoe with half as many parts as traditional running shoes, requiring less energy and resources to make.  This shoe weighs a mere 6.5 oz as opposed to a regular running shoe that can easily weigh 12 oz or more with special inserts. men and women sizes. More on this shoe.

Go Lite Dakota Wind Pullover $80-Go Lite uses a report card on each product that measures the impact manufacturing makes on the environment-the higher the score the more eco-conscious the product.  The Wind pullover is made of 88% recycled polyester. The virtually weightless feel of the material provides light coverage with maximum elemental protection.  Ventalation panels are placed along the sides and at the sholder blades in the rear to provide breathablity. A large zipper pocket in the rear is secure enough to stow all your running needs.  Also comes in a vest with similiar features vent panel runs along the back. ($70) Available in men and womens.

 Moving Comfort Sprint Short $32 Wow!  Very comfortable, very light.  Moving Comfort lives up to its name of providing running shorts that won't disrupt your stride.  This short is made of DriLayer® Eco Stretch 86% recycled polyester. There are two side pockets for easy gel storage and a hidden interior key pocket.  Reflective details run along the front and back of the shorts for visibility.  May be on the shorter side for those who prefer a more conservative fit in their running shorts.  

Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts $59-A more conservative fit for those who like to show less leg.  Men's shorts have an 6-inch inseam. Available int men and womens, this short is made of 91% recycled polyester.  Patagonia products feature a 'product footprint'.  Each item has a tab that lists out the carbon footprint the item made from creation to retailer's shelf.  This short has two zippered side pockets and is water-repellant. A lightweight interior brief provides support and superior breathabillity along with reflective logo to keep you visible.

Under Armour Catalyst Tee $30-A popular choice for race shirts.  This shirt is made of 100% recycled polyester from recycled plastic bottles.  This cutting edge material is sleek, lighweight and just a breathable as similiar shirts.  The shirt comes in mens and womens specfic to each gender and their preferences.  Semi-fitted and provides 50 spf sun protection. Look for the green interior trim in all UA products to find the Green Technology.

For more running gear reviews see:

Recovery Sandals: What to wear after you run

iPod 3G Shuffle review: Smaller is not better

Long distance runner approved sports bras

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For all your running news see our Running Examiner and Marathon Examiner.

Green gear provided by: Maloney&Fox-Brooks, Outside PR-GoLite, Jam Collective-Moving Comfort, and Patagonia-Thank you!