Connection

An article by Elis Parry

Over a year ago, I joined the Green Runners due to my concerns for the environment crossing paths with my love for running. Having ran for a couple of years, I started slowly seeing myself falling into the trap of consumerism and metrics. This pushed me away from the true reasons as to why I ran, but luckily, I began to question whether all this fancy kit, and stats, were needed.

In an attempt to find a running club that was focused on making running a greener sport, I came across the Green Runners, who's motto of 'a community making changes for a fitter planet' seemed cool! So, having looked into their mission a bit more, I decided to become a member.

When joining the Green Runners, each member is required to put forward at least one pledge that aligns with one of the four pillars, these being how you move, how you kit-up, how you fuel, and how you speak out. These pledges aim to give individuals an opportunity to help to create a fitter planet, by making small, personal changes, which help to catalyse greater systemic change. A lot of these changes are low hanging fruit - things that we can change in our day to day lives to try to create a better world. But the last pillar, how we speak out, is the most important.

I like the saying, “if you can’t be part of the solution, at least don’t be part of the problem”. But here’s the truth - I don’t believe that what is needed, nor what will appear, is a story of individualism and ‘solutions’. Instead, I feel an overwhelming sense of urgency for us to act together to help shift the narrative towards a more equal society. A society where people realise that material possessions and financial wealth do not constitute a fulfilling life, one in which people work together, as part of a community, to help mobilise greater change.

What we need are steps in the right direction, and to be happy accepting the unknown. It’s a time for questions not answers.

For me, how I feel is not only related to the climate emergency that we currently face, but also deeply relates to showing that the outdoors are not out of reach for anyone. We do not need all this new kit to get outside and have fun. Aggressive marketing by the outdoor companies creates a sense of need, which only causes a greater discontentment and disconnect to the things that matter. Connection to nature, to ourselves, and to others.

Everything is interconnected and, without communities, individual ideas often go under the rug. This is why I love groups such as The Green Runners and the Re-Action Collective. They allow humans to connect, to share, and to co-create a better society. It’s about being resourceful and responsible as a collective, appreciating the little things around us - connecting, not chasing.

This year, I pledge to increase my work with the Green Runners and wear my badge more often! People are often very busy and find excuses to push various things to the side and ignore them - myself included. However, as other Green Runners keep saying, we are running out of time. Ignore the statistics. Just picture the next generation - your children - not being able to experience the outdoors as you are. The facts are scary, however, we should not let this stop us from acting.

It is vital that we communicate and vocalise our opinions and spread the message about systemic issues that are destroying the world that we live in.

As I wrote this article, I couldn't help but realise that all of the Green Runners’ pledges are strongly linked to the word 'connection'. With how I move, using my body instead of a car allows me to be more connected to nature. With how I kit up, I am becoming more connected to the gear that I use, appreciating its true origin and impact. With how I eat, I wish to be more connected to the food that I buy, I’d love to be involved in growing it. And finally, with speaking out, I wish to form a connection with others with a similar drive to create a fitter, greener, and more just world.

Community. Connection. That’s where it starts.