How Runners Can Support Recycling

Americans will be reminded of the importance of recycling this Sunday, which is America Recycles Day. Celebrating its 12th year, the day has grown to include millions of Americans pledging to increase their recycling habits at home and work and to buy products made with recycled materials.

Of course, it's important to think about recycling every day of the year. Here are some ways that runners can promote the social, environmental and economic benefits of recycling:

Recycle your used running shoes. There are lots of shoe recycling or donation programs that will put your used shoes to good use. 

Find races that are environmentally-friendly. Many races throughout the country are trying to become more green by doing things such as recycling paper and plastic and offering used shoe collection. Check out the Greenteam, a group of races that are making environmentally-friendly changes to their races.

Don't throw away plastic bottles. Use refillable water bottles instead of throwaway plastic bottles during runs and races.

Give your running clothes new life. If you have piles of running clothes that no longer fit you (thanks to weight loss - congrats!), you can sell your used running clothes at a local consignment shop or on sites like eBay or Craiglist. Or, if you have a stack of race T-shirts that you know you'll never wear, donate them to charities such as Goodwill or Salvation Army, or list them on Freecycle.com.

Recycle your electronic gadgets. Runners are known for loving their gadgets and frequently replacing them. Check out Earth 911's website for information on how you can recycle electronic goods such as MP3 players and cell phones.

More:

•  Be an Eco-Runner
• More Ways Runners Can Be Green