Does your athleisure make a statement?
Not necessarily a fashion statement — but do these garments align with your values and morals for creating a more eco-friendly planet? If you’re committed to using less plastic, purchasing sustainably sourced shoes and clothes for your next run can be a great way to give back to the planet and your body.
But you don’t need to look far to find sustainable sportswear. One of the world’s largest athleisure brands, Puma, has partnered with First Mile to create a line of shoes made from recycled plastic to help make sustainable fashion accessible to people everywhere.
Our World’s Problem With Plastic
Produce is encased in plastic. Our Amazon packages are wrapped and shipped in plastic. Our toothpaste, deodorant, and shampoo bottles are all sold in — you guessed it — plastic.
It’s hard to avoid if you’re trying to reduce the amount of waste you produce. Many people turn to the three R’s of sustainability when they wish to see a positive shift in their lifestyle, which are excellent courses of action for creating less waste, especially with such a harmful and polluting substance like plastic. Plastic not only compromises our health, but it also puts animals living on the land and sea in danger. For starters, plastic cannot properly decompose into the ground. Last week’s grande latte didn’t just magically disappear. And odds are, it never will. It will continue to take up space underneath piles of trash in a landfill or end up floating in our precious oceans for many years to come.
These plastic goods also inevitably end up inside of our marine life, killing fishes and sea turtles. But how does this impact us as a human species? When a human consumes the contaminated fish, they are also absorbing microplastics along with it. Therefore, this matter ties back to both environmental and health concerns.
Now, going back to those three R’s, Puma has implemented each practice into their newest line of gym attire to create clothing that is comfortable, stylish, and environmentally friendly for both men and women.
Puma’s Stylish Solution
The development of synthetic polymers exploded in the decades following 1940, thus making plastic a viable material for storing and transporting food, drinks, and cosmetic products. However, we rely on plastic so heavily, especially single-use plastics, that our world is overrun with them. Now, Puma is taking that discarded plastic and putting it to good use in its new collection. The line’s main source? Water bottles!
No, wearing these shoes won’t feel like you’re walking on a bed of plastic while barefoot. Their clothes won’t scratch up your skin and make lifting weights impossible. This line was made with comfort in mind. Anytime a garment is created by utilizing recycled plastic, the original fibers are handspun to create a soft, almost wool-like consistency. It then serves as the perfect base for creating running shoes and clothing.
However, this concept isn’t completely new to the consumer marketplace. Several brands sell shoes made from recycled materials. What makes this collaboration unique is that Puma plans to release an entire athletic apparel line made from the reused plastic. This line will include shorts, t-shirts, joggers, leggings, sports bras, and running shoes. The clothing also comes in bright, eye-catching colors such as tangerine and teal. Furthermore, since Puma is available at most major retailers, anyone can have easy access to their new sustainable line. Those interested in purchasing these clothes can also order online through their website.
Puma’s Collaboration With First Mile
While you may have heard of Puma, First Mile — Puma’s collaborative partner for this project — may not ring a bell. First Mile is a network that helps strengthen the economies of counties such as Haiti, Honduras, and Taiwan. The company works by wandering the streets of these countries, collecting discarded water bottles and jugs. Once bundled, these goods are transported to the nearest recycling center. The plastic is shredded down and then spun into yarn.
First Mile is doing the world a huge favor by cleaning up the roads of these countries and communities by helping to create something productive, artistic, and beneficial. As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
The Beneficial Impact
Nothing gets your blood flowing like physical activity. Even something as enjoyable as playing tennis can burn anywhere from 169 calories to 208 calories in 30 minutes. However, your athleticwear can make or break your workout, which is why Puma exists. The Puma brand is noted for its commitment to athleticism and performance, but the company is also making it known that they’re devoted to sustainability and comfort. Along with First Mile, this collaboration has diverted 44 tons of plastic away from our oceans and landfills.
Whether you’re an all-star athlete, devoted runner, or just your average joe looking to blow off steam, exercise is the way to do it. This can be something as simple as walking to work over driving. In fact, about 82% of telecommuters reported lower stress levels, according to one study.
Another way to lower stress levels is to exercise regularly. And if you’re looking for some new gear to wear to the gym, Puma has you covered. Buy apparel that can help you accomplish your fitness goals this year — and while you’re at it, support a brand that makes your sustainability efforts a priority.
