6 ideas for eco-responsible sports activities to practice in the great outdoors.
With the arrival of summer comes the desire to set off again to conquer the great outdoors. It is also the perfect time to combine the pleasure of taking a breath of fresh air with the opportunity to take care of your health by practicing an outdoor sporting activity.
Nordic walking, swimming, via ferrata, canyoning outings; there is no shortage of activities.
But in case you are short of ideas, in this article, we offer you a small selection of different low-carbon sports activities to practice outdoors to spend an invigorating summer and reconnect with the charms of nature.
Trekking, hiking, Nordic walking, fast walking, hiking: walking, an ecological activity for everyone.
The queen and emblematic activity of the mountains, hiking, or hiking in English (the term trekking designates the route of longer distances), allows you to discover exceptional natural places more varied than the others. Lush forests, majestic mountains, lakes, valleys; each trail offers a unique experience, where the fauna and flora are revealed in all their splendor. If you like history and heritage, hiking is also an opportunity to cross picturesque villages, to discover the local architecture, taste local products, and chat with the inhabitants.
Accessible to all, regardless of age and level of physical condition, the hiking trails are classified according to their difficulty, which allows everyone to find a path suited to their abilities and expectations.
Short walks are perfect for families with children, or for people looking for quiet walks. Moderate hikes, or Nordic walking, are a good compromise between physical effort and discovery. Difficult hikes are intended for seasoned walkers, used to significant differences in altitude and more uneven terrain. The key is beautiful peaks and breathtaking views.
Ecologically speaking, hiking is a low-emission sport, as it requires little equipment. The carbon footprint of hiking activities is mainly linked to the means of transport used to access mountain trails. To reduce this impact, it is important to favor eco-responsible and low-emission means of transport , such as the bus, train, bicycle, or carpooling.
On the material side, to stay in line with an ecological approach, we prefer to turn to European or French brands, offering durable and quality items, made according to a responsible production charter. COG 's ethical recommendation to protect living things: turn to vegan products ;)
As for shoes, while our Winton , Topsy or Wallace may be suitable for walks on relatively uneven terrain, they are not designed for technical sports. In this case, opt for a pair of running shoes or high-top hiking shoes that provide protection and support, with a cleated sole.
As for accessories, we're going for something light, with a backpack suitable for transporting the items you're carrying, and walking sticks.
For bivouacking, you will opt for a light tent, a waterproof groundsheet, a sleeping bag adapted to the weather conditions, preferably synthetic for less moisture retention, and without goose feathers (vegan) for animal welfare. We think about bringing recycled, breathable technical clothing adapted to the weather conditions, as well as a first aid kit, a reusable water bottle, dry provisions, and that's it.
Cycling, a green alternative to motorized vehicles and an eco-responsible sport.
An excellent ecological alternative to motor vehicles for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (for more information on this subject, refer to our article dedicated to reducing your CO2 footprint ), the bicycle has gained popularity in many countries for daily journeys but also for leisure.
Indeed, cycling is an eco-responsible sporting activity, but it is also very entertaining and physical.
Cycling, or bicycle for purists, is practiced in a variety of forms to suit everyone's tastes, from the sportsman looking for adrenaline to the Sunday cyclist.
Mountain biking, BMX, road cycling, trials biking, etc.; everyone has their own way of pedaling, and even more so with the democratization of electric bikes, which really make the effort easier.
The proliferation of cycle paths has made it possible to go on outings that are both pleasant and safe. Outside of urban areas, mountain bike trails allow you to discover natural landscapes far from the noise of cities and pollution.
Investing in a quality bike, regularly maintained, and choosing durable accessories will offer you a comfortable and eco-responsible experience.
For a more eco-friendly practice, we recommend turning to a second-hand bike via a second-hand bike exchange rather than a new bike. Better for the planet, this option is also beneficial for your wallet.
For extraordinary getaways such as on vacation, renting from a store reduces greenhouse gas emissions related to the production of bikes. It also has the advantage of benefiting from superior quality equipment, in addition to supporting local businesses such as equipment rental companies in resorts for downhill mountain biking.
Put on your helmets and have a good outing!
Running: a natural and minimalist activity.
If running on a track or in a park is good for your health, running in the great outdoors, enjoying the sound of birdsong surrounded by greenery, is also very nice.
Marathon and half-marathon, trail, Sunday jog, with or without music in your ears, everyone has their own way of enjoying their run.
Apart from sports competitions which raise the issue of transport and CO2 expenditure, particularly due to supplies (for example, plastic water bottles for rehydrating runners), running is in itself a sporting activity very much in line with respect for the environment. Unlike mountain hiking, running has the advantage of being able to be practiced anywhere, requiring even less equipment than the latter.
As with walking, as responsible athletes, we will opt for eco-responsible running shoes made in Europe , preferably made from European recycled materials , without forgetting a regular deep wash to extend their lifespan.
On this subject, we are regularly asked if our Raven retro running sneakers are suitable for running?
Although not technically suitable for regular and intense running, they are nevertheless suitable for gentle and relatively short jogging.
For more advanced practice, it is preferable to opt for a reinforced model with a sole that offers greater cushioning.
Eco-friendly citizen tip:
Have you heard of plogging? A practice that comes from Sweden, which combines running and picking up waste to clean up natural spaces using a bag. Increasingly popular, it allows you to combine business with pleasure while taking care of the planet and your figure.
Tempted by the experience? Why not take your loved ones for a run and a good nature cleanse?
Climbing, Via ferrata: sport as a direct connection with the environment.
Climbing outdoors and on cliffs offers a unique interaction with the environment. Requiring certain physical and mental abilities, discovering climbing alongside a guide or experienced people to get to know the marking of climbing routes and the practice of this discipline is more than recommended.
If climbing doesn't tempt you, climbing outings are nevertheless an opportunity to enjoy natural landscapes, while refining your knowledge of ecosystems.
Another sporting discipline in this register halfway between high mountain hiking/mountaineering and climbing, the via ferrata consists of following a route laid out on the edge of a rock face, attached to a lifeline using progression carabiners. Guaranteed wonder and sensations but recommended for an informed public due to the risk of vertigo.
Like hiking, climbing and via ferrata are low-carbon sporting activities as long as the place where they are practiced is reached via an ecological means of transport.
As with any activity involving the use of equipment, it is recommended to rent accessories such as climbing shoes, helmets, ropes, harnesses, etc., from a rental store on site, in order to obtain advice, support the local tourist economy, and reduce your carbon footprint.
Swimming and snorkeling in a natural environment: respect and discovery of aquatic ecosystems.
After focusing on mountain sports activities, let's zoom in on water sports. Boats, scuba diving, sea surfing, sand yachting, there is no shortage of water activities.
Let's focus here on swimming and snorkeling, which require few accessories to be practiced, and are examples in terms of eco-responsible nautical activities to protect aquatic fauna and flora .
Whether you prefer lakes, rivers, the sea or the ocean, swimming is a perfectly eco-responsible activity since it does not require any motorized equipment, and the only carbon emissions it causes are those of the production of our swimsuits, and the potential transport footprint to reach the swimming area. Swimming allows you to connect with nature while taking care of your health at your own pace.
Snorkeling offers the opportunity to observe marine life in a non-intrusive way while swimming and working on your breath.
The golden rule here in order to preserve this fragile universe and its biodiversity: only caress marine animals and corals with your eyes.
Finally, for ecological reasons, to avoid degrading the quality of the water and harming these delicate natural habitats, it is preferable to use eco-responsible sun creams, without chemicals that are harmful to the planet.
Kayak and Stand Up Paddle: Navigate in Harmony with Nature
If you enjoy water activities but aren't a big fan of swimming, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding (SUP) might be for you.
Practicable on lakes, rivers, as well as by the sea, these activities are perfectly ecological as long as the rental of equipment close to the water point is preferred, in order to avoid carbon emissions due to the production of the boats, but also those linked to the transport of the kayak or board to the bathing point by a motorized vehicle such as a car or van.
Paddle or let yourself go while fully enjoying the calm and charm of the natural landscapes, for guaranteed relaxation and rejuvenation.
We hope that this article has brought you new ideas and aroused your curiosity to explore new natural spaces, while enjoying yourself through the practice of an eco-responsible outdoor sporting activity.
Please help us show consideration and respect for nature and the living species it supports by telling those around you about our vegan brand and our values .
Also, don't hesitate to share our articles with them, and see you soon to offer you other ethical and responsible readings.
