6 ideas for eco-friendly sports activities to practice in the great outdoors.
With the arrival of summer comes the desire to rediscover the great outdoors. It's also the perfect time to combine the pleasure of breathing in fresh air with the opportunity to take care of your health through outdoor sports activities.
Nordic walking, swimming, via ferrata, canyoning trips; needless to say, there is no shortage of activities.
But in case you're short on ideas, in this article we offer 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, brisk walking, walking: walking, an ecological activity for everyone.
Hiking, the quintessential and iconic mountain activity (the term "trekking" refers to longer distances), allows you to discover exceptional natural landscapes, each more diverse than the last. Lush forests, majestic mountains, lakes, valleys; every trail offers a unique experience, where flora and fauna reveal themselves in all their splendor. If you enjoy history and heritage, hiking also provides the opportunity to pass through picturesque villages, discover local architecture, sample regional products, and interact with the inhabitants.
Accessible to all, regardless of age and fitness level, the hiking trails are classified according to their difficulty, allowing everyone to find a trail suited to their abilities and expectations.
Short walks are perfect for families with children, or for those seeking a leisurely stroll. Moderate hikes, or Nordic walking, offer a good balance between physical exertion and exploration. Challenging hikes, on the other hand, are best suited to experienced walkers accustomed to significant elevation changes and more rugged terrain. The reward? Beautiful summits and breathtaking views.
From an environmental perspective, hiking is a low-emission sport, as it requires very little equipment. The carbon footprint of hiking activities is primarily linked to the means of transport used to access mountain trails. To reduce this impact, it is important to prioritize... eco-friendly means of transport and low-emission options, such as buses, trains, bicycles, or carpooling.
In terms of equipment, to remain consistent with an eco-friendly approach, we prefer to choose European or French brands that offer durable, high-quality items made according to a responsible production charter. The ethical recommendation of COG to protect life: turn to vegan products ; )
As for shoes, if our
As for accessories, we're focusing on lightweight items, with a backpack suitable for carrying the items we're taking along, and walking sticks.
For bivouacking, opt for a lightweight tent, a waterproof sleeping mat, and a sleeping bag suited to the weather conditions—preferably synthetic for better moisture retention, and vegan (without goose down) for animal welfare. Remember to pack recycled, breathable technical clothing appropriate for the weather, as well as a first-aid kit, a reusable water bottle, and dry food supplies, and you're all set.
Cycling, a green alternative to motorized vehicles and an eco-responsible sport.
An excellent eco-friendly alternative to motorized vehicles for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (for more information on this, please refer to our article dedicated to reducing one's CO2 footprint), cycling has gained popularity in many countries for daily commutes but also for leisure.
Indeed, cycling is an eco-friendly sporting activity, but it is also very entertaining and physical.
Cycling, or biking for purists, is practiced in a multitude of forms to suit everyone's tastes, from the adrenaline-seeking athlete to the Sunday cyclist.
Mountain biking, BMX, road cycling, trial 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 enjoy outings that are both pleasant and safe. Outside urban areas, mountain bike trails offer the opportunity to discover natural landscapes far from the noise and pollution of cities.
Investing in a quality bicycle, regularly maintained, and prioritizing durable accessories will offer you a comfortable and enjoyable riding experience. eco-friendly.
For a more eco-friendly approach, we recommend opting for a second-hand bike through a used bike exchange rather than a new one. Better for the planet, this option is also better for your wallet.
For extraordinary getaways, such as holidays, choosing to rent from a shop reduces greenhouse gas emissions related to bicycle production. It also offers the advantage of enjoying superior quality equipment, in addition to supporting local businesses, such as equipment rental shops in resorts for downhill mountain biking.
Put on your helmets and have a great ride!
Running: a natural and minimalist activity.
While running on a track or in a park is good for your health, running in nature, enjoying the birdsong surrounded by greenery, is also very pleasant.
Marathon and half-marathon, trail running, Sunday jog, with or without music in your ears, to chacun.e his way of enjoying his jog.
Aside from sporting competitions, which raise the issue of transportation and CO2 emissions, particularly due to supplies (for example, plastic water bottles for runners' rehydration), 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 almost anywhere, requiring even less equipment.
As with walking, as responsible athletes, we will opt for eco-friendly running shoes made in Europe, preferably composed of European recycled materials, without forgetting a deep wash regular to extend their lifespan.
In this regard, we are regularly asked if our retro running sneakers
Although not technically suitable for regular and intense running, these are nevertheless suitable for gentle and relatively short jogging.
For more advanced use, it is preferable to choose a reinforced model with a sole that provides greater cushioning.
Eco-friendly citizen tip:
Are you familiar with plogging? A practice originating in Sweden, it combines running and litter picking 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 bring your loved ones along for a run and a good workout in nature?
Rock climbing, Via ferrata: sport as a direct connection with the environment.
Outdoor climbing, such as on cliffs, offers a unique interaction with the environment. Requiring certain physical and mental abilities, discovering climbing alongside a guide or experienced climbers to familiarize yourself with route markings and the practice of this discipline is highly recommended.
If climbing doesn't appeal to you, climbing outings are still an opportunity to enjoy natural landscapes, while refining your knowledge of ecosystems.
Another sport in this category, somewhere between high-altitude hiking/mountaineering and rock climbing, is via ferrata. It involves traversing a specially prepared route along the edge of a rock face, attached to a lifeline using progression carabiners. Guaranteed thrills and excitement, but this activity is recommended only for experienced climbers due to the risk of vertigo.
Like hiking, climbing and via ferrata are low carbon sports activities as long as their place of practice 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 local rental shop in order to get advice, support the local tourism economy, and reduce your carbon footprint.
Swimming and snorkeling in natural environments: respecting and discovering aquatic ecosystems.
After focusing on mountain sports, let's take a closer look at water sports. Boating, scuba diving, surfing, land sailing – there's no shortage of aquatic activities.
Let's focus here on swimming and snorkeling, which require few accessories to practice and are examples of eco-responsible water activities. protect aquatic fauna and flora.
Whether you prefer lakes, rivers, the sea, or the ocean, swimming is a perfectly eco-friendly activity since it requires no motorized equipment, and the only carbon emissions it generates are those from the production of our swimsuits and the potential transportation footprint to reach the swimming spot. Swimming allows you to connect with nature while taking care of your health at your own pace.
Snorkeling, on the other hand, offers the opportunity to observe marine life in a non-intrusive way while swimming and working on your breathing.
The golden rule here in order to preserve this fragile world and its biodiversity: only caress marine animals and corals with your eyes.
Finally, for ecological reasons, in order not to degrade water quality and harm these delicate natural habitats, it is preferable to use eco-responsible sunscreens, without chemicals harmful to the planet.
Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding: Navigating in Harmony with Nature
If you enjoy water sports but are not a big fan of swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) might appeal to you.
These activities, which can be practiced on lakes, rivers, and even at the seaside, are perfectly ecological as long as equipment is rented near the body of water, thus avoiding carbon emissions from the production of the boats, as well as those related to transporting the kayak or board to the swimming spot. to a motorized vehicle such as a car or van.
Paddle or simply relax and enjoy the peace and charm of the natural landscapes, for guaranteed relaxation and rejuvenation.
We hope that this article has given you new ideas and sparked your curiosity to explore new natural spaces, while also allowing you to enjoy an eco-responsible outdoor sporting activity.
Thank you for helping us restore consideration and respect to nature and the living species it shelters by talking about our brand vegan and our values to those around you.
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