Eco-Run the Oxfam Trailwalker in Sydney, AUS

Eco-Runner was recently contacted by the organizers of the Oxfam Trailwalker - Sydney to help recruit participants to run with the Eco-Runner ethos in this years event, taking place August 28-30, 2009.

The Oxfam Trailwalker is "the world's greatest team challenge...and it's also one of the toughest." The challenge is to get your team of four across 100km of Australian bush in less than 48 hours - and collectively, to raise at least $1000 to help to overcome poverty and suffering around the world.

In addition, Oxfam Sydney has gone to great lengths to make the race as ecologically-friendly as possible. They incorporate some key green race ideals: e-registration, alternative energy where possible, printing on the greenest paper/printing sources available, and providing recyclable cups. Also, their cutlery/plates for feeding volunteers is made from cornstarch, all event clothing is ethically produced (i.e. no sweat shops), and they attempt to source things locally to minimise transportation costs. This year's event also is working to eliminate the use of disposable batteries, source green energy for their office, use green transportation for the event instead of normal hire cars (eg. Hybrid cars), and for the first time they will be using a generator hire company that is prepared to supply the event with BIODIESEL (a BIODIESEL that has been sourced from animal fat and is a by-product from meat processing). Each of these additions should be applauded.

The 2009 Oxfam Trailwalker Sydney will see 500 teams (that's 2,000 individual participants!) walk 100km on the weekend of 28-30 August, principally on the Great North Walk and the Harbour to Hawkesbury Walking Track in the bushland of northern Sydney. And...of those 2,000 individuals, we are hoping to see Eco-Runners abound!

To find out more information about the event, visit the Oxfam Trailwalker Sydney website. Best of luck to all participants. I hope for a successful and green outcome for all. Many thanks to Oxfam Sydney, and Dylan Jones, for your contact, interest, and support.

Cheers, Sam.

Eco-Runner Awarded as the Greenest Fitness Trend

Eco-Runner received a Greenie Award as the Greenest Fitness Trend in Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine's July 2009 issue. The Greenies: BRO’S Fourth Annual Eco-Awards are given to those individuals/organizations leading the ecological revolution. It is quite an honor to be surrounded by such amazing people who are dedicating their lives for the betterment of our shared environment.

Please take a little time to check out the Greenie Award page and read about some of the winners. In addition, search Blue Ridge Outdoor's site as the definitive guide to outdoor sports, health, and adventure travel in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Many thanks to BRO for this accolade!

Keep it clean, Sam.

Eco-Runner Teams Up with Sierra-Cascade Adventure Racing in 2009

Eco-Runner is now an official sponser of the 2009 Sierra-Cascade Adventure Racing Sports (SCAR Sports for short) trail running and ultra-marathon series.

Here is what SCAR SPORTS is all about:

SCAR Sports is dedicated to providing safe, competitive and high-quality trail racing events on scenic and diverse off-road courses, while simultaneously promoting awareness, respect and concern for the environment. We are always finding ways to reduce our ecological footprint. We purchase carbon offsets and use green products at our events that are renewable, recyclable and/or biodegradable. Our courses take racers across many terrains; you may encounter rocks, sand and mud; roots, stumps and logs; snow, puddles and creeks in and around the beautiful Sierra and Cascade Mountain Ranges. Most events provide several course lengths that are inclusive for athletes of all levels. Trail courses take racers over some of the most scenic and rugged terrain found in the Great American West.

The perfect race philosophy: safe and environmentally friendly races.

SCAR Sports holds trail runs all over Northern California, several of which will be this Fall.

SCAR Sports 2009 Trail Races:

• Tough As Granite - 5K, 10K and ½ Marathon Trail Run September 19, 2009 Granite Bay, CA Estimated Participants: 350


• Napa Valley Stomp - 5K, 10K and 10 Miler Trail Run October 3, 2009 Napa, CA Estimated Participants: 350


• Run the River - 10K, ½ Marathon, Marathon and Ultra Marathon Trail Run November 14, 2009 Folsom, CA to Sacramento, CA Estimated Participants: 1000

Please visit their website at http://www.scarsports.com/. In addition, check out the other great sponsers involves with SCAR Sports at http://www.scarsports.com/sponsors.html. Many thanks to Jenn Bauer, the SCAR Sports Team, and the participants of the events for your energy, spirit, and your dedication to the betterment of our shared environment. Stay tuned to Eco-Runner for the latest in trash running.

Cheers, Sam.

Eco-Runner Kids Winners Announced at Rexford Elementary

The Eco-Runner Kids Program just finished at Rexford Elementary School in Clintonville, Wisconsin. Students completed 35 days of living clean and green, and within that time period, collected close to 300 bags of garbage. Incredible!

In addition, the local Pamida store provided the students with reusable bags, eliminating the use of those pesky plastic bags we see all TOO often. All prizes from the Eco-Runner Kids Program were given away in the reusable bags.

Just as a reminder, in case you are wondering what the Eco-Runner Kids Program is all about, here are some details:

Eco-Runner Kids incorporates kid-friendly activities and Eco-Runner clean-ups in participating schools. Eco-Runner Kids is not just running (although children do love to run!), Eco-Runner Kids run, walk, skip, hop, jump, shuffle, etc while they collect the rubbish, the garbage, the trash that they find along pathways, roads, trails, and playgrounds. Whether these activities take place at school or at home, constant supervision is a must, and sanitary measures, such as gloves, may be a good idea. However, children thrive in either setting/situation – working with friends or spending quality time with their family members. The most important aspect is to make the experience fun!

So here’s how it works: For 35 days, your goal is to keep the earth “Green and Clean.” *Why 35 days? Well, I hate to limit green living to just one month, so if we go a little bit over a month, maybe we will go a little bit over 35 days, and a little over that. Heck, why not 365?* You may exercise as usual, but during your exercise/play sessions, do an eco walk/run with someone in your family, or with a friend.

• Please take a bag with you to pick up litter. *BioBags are biodegradable and compostable trash bags available online or in some stores. Find out more at http://www.biogroupusa.com/*
• Record the # of trash bags you collected in the circle of each calendar day.
• Remember: EVERYTHING YOU DO DOES MAKE DIFFERENCE!!!
• All calendars must be signed by a parent/guardian after the 35 days is completed, for those taking part in the Eco-Runner Kids theme.
• The top three students collecting the most bags will receive the GRAND prizes. A drawing will be held for all participating students for a chance to win other great rewards. (Prizes are administered according to your schools vision and local sponsering individuals/businesses. If you would like to have an "Eco-Runner" prize, please contact me for further details).

The 35 Days of Living Green and Clean Calendar is available in Adobe PDF, and can be provided to you by writing Sam at ecorunner13@gmail.com.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to those participating in the program at Rexford. And, as always, please visit the Eco-Runner website at http://www.ecologyrunner.com/ for your go-to source for green fitness. Keep it clean!

Winner's of the 2009 Eco-Runner Kids Fitness Program at Rexford Elementary

Eco-Runner in Runner's World UK

Eco-Runner recently appeared in an article about "Running Green" in Runner's World UK. The article focuses on the top eco tips to help you become a greener runner. Lots of neat ideas! Here's the Eco-Runner mention:

"Litter picker: If, despite your best efforts, your favourite routes are still scattered with other people's litter, try eco-running. It's a new craze direct from the US, combining running and helping the environment, and don't worry - you won't need pricey new kit. All you need to call yourself an eco-runner is a rubbish bag (biodegradable, of course). Just take a bag on your runs and pick up all the litter you see along the way."

Sounds simple and effective to me. Many thanks to all those folks attempting to run greener and make a difference. Cheers, Sam.

The Commercial That Always Got to Me...

Remember watching TV Land or PBS and seeing the PSAs (Public Service Announcements)? I sure do. And there was always one that hit a soft spot in my tiny little heart. In the late 70's, early 80's, the Keep America Beautiful aired a PSA featuring the Crying Indian.

As he stoically paddles down the river, he encounters polluting industries, trashed shorelines, and finally, the appalling act of tossing litter from a vehicle. Ultimately, landing at his feet. Yup, enough to make anyone cry.

Even to this day, this commercial sends such a powerful message and vibe. Truth be told: to this day, I am a collector of Indian artifacts and memorabilia, and obviously, litter. That's how much this commercial hit home!

Check it out below. Let me know if you feel the chill. Cheers, Sam.

Somedays, You Just Need an Eco-Walk in the Park...

It's true. There are somedays (or multiple days) I feel like my muscles are toast, my mind is fried (this is not a recipe), and my entire spiritual state needs a bit of "nothingness." Well, this past weekend was one of those, as described, days.

With the warm weather FINALLY peaking here in Wisco, I'm non-stop in the urge to be outdoors. Let's face it, 6 months of staring at four walls...God help me. But with the nice weather, for some reason, came the desire to just chill out. So, that's what I did. Or, I should say, we did.

Melissa and I decided to JUST stroll and ride. With BioBags in hand of course. Such an excellent change of pace. Trash is still getting picked up, but not in that same old fast-paced manner.

Tonight, I think another eco-ride might be in the cards. They always say, diversity keeps you sane. Who are "they?" I don't know, maybe it's just me. In any case, I'm diggin' it. Cheers, Sam.

Kickin' back at Milwaukee's Military Park

More Pictures From the Earth Day Eco-Walk

As pictures start rolling in from my fellow coworkers, I can't help but post them. The Earth Day Eco-Walk was such a success, I want to make sure there is a great photo record of the experience. Thanks to all Kennedy Elementary students and staff for your participation. Let's keep on keepin' it clean! Cheers, Sam.

Strolling with BioBags in tow (the green bag).

Who said picking up trash didn't promote camraderie?

Ah, the infamous paper plate, a shame both in use and on the ground.

Maybe You Didn't Want an Eco-Runner T-Shirt Then...

...but...how about now?!

These fine lookin' folk are a few of my co-teachers at Kennedy Elementary. All, of course, sporting the fresh and fine look of an Eco-Runner T-Shirt (available in both green and black). If you are interested, just look over at the sidebar to order yours today. Cheers, Sam.

A group photo after our Eco-Walk on Earth Day (pictured left to right):

yours truly, Christine Fujinaka, Susie Baade, Jessica Jacobson, Pam Meske

Eco-Run? Why Not Eco-Ride For a Greener Tomorrow?

Students at Clintonville High School in Clintonville, Wisconsin turned a simple bike ride into a ride for change. The change? A healther, cleaner, more beautiful world for all of us to enjoy.

Under the direction and inspiration of Michelle Krueger, Clintonville High School's Physical Education teacher, students participated in an Eco-Ride in recognition of Earth Day. During the bike ride, students carried their plastic bags in tow - they biked for awhile, then stop to pick up trash for awhile, then biked some more, then picked up some more - overall, the effort was astounding.

The beautiful thing about this Eco-Ride is the understanding that Eco-Runner is more than about "running" and litter clean-up. Eco-Runner acquired its title from my love of running, but any fitness activity you choose to participate in, while at the same time performing environmental clean-up is "Eco-Running," or whatever title you so choose. Eco-conscious behavior can involve so much more than just running. Try eco-walking, eco-hiking, eco-cycling, eco-kayaking, or even eco-golfing, the list goes on. The Eco-Runner concept can be applied to any activity you love. It's all about raising awareness...and, leaving nothing but footprints. That is what eco-running/eco-fitness is all about!

A giant thank you goes out to Michelle Krueger and all the students taking part in the Eco-Ride. The pictures below capture the day. Enjoy. Cheers, Sam.

Eco-Runner and Eco-Runner Kids Featured on Fox 6 News - Milwaukee

Ecology Runner Expands Efforts at Milwaukee Elementary School

WITI-TV, MILWAUKEE - About a year ago, FOX 6 introduced you to Sam Huber, an elementary school teacher passionate about the environment. He calls himself an "Eco-Runner," someone who combines endurance workouts with cleaning up the community. Jen Lada catches up with Huber and the young people following in his carbon-free footprint.

Find out more about the Eco-Runner Kids Fitness Program! Thanks to Fox 6 Milwaukee, Jen Lada, and the support of all the believers out there. Cheers, Sam.

Running With the Change Agents

Eco-Runner was recently the featured Change Agent on Changents.com for the month of April. Check out the story below:

Finally, a month centered on Mother Earth. It's about time we gave her some T.L.C., don't ya think? All over the world there are great celebrations going on for our planet! As for Changents, we've got a gift bag for you with everything from one cool Eco-Runner to a sweet film festival featuring two of our very own Change Agents to a couple of rockin' Change Agent songs. Let the spring-times roll!

Featured Change Agent: Samuel Huber

Hooked on Rubbish Running!

Lemme set a scene for ya: you're taking a lovely walk through a lush forest in a state park. Birds are chirping, leaves are rustling - you are exercising and feelin' good. But wait! What's that? Aw man, it's yet another discarded water bottle next to a candy wrapper with a cigarette butt garnish. GROSS!

This visual is probably something most of us have experienced - nasty trash that mucks up the natural beauty of our parks and forests. Well, Change Agent Samuel Huber is on the case! He's an "eco-runner," which is exactly what the name implies: running for the environment. That bag in his hand isn't full of Powerbars (see photo). He's pickin' up the trash while he runs. A pretty perfect marriage of human and environmental health, eh?

Samuel's eco-running obsession started a while ago when he got to thinkin' about how dirty, messy and polluted the environment is - especially in places where we expect to bond with nature. Cue light bulb-over-head and eco-running was born! Samuel wants to inspire others to follow in his footsteps and his site, Eco-Runner, is dedicated to physical fitness and environmental sustainability. Check out his story on Changents for updated blog posts, cool pics from eco-runs, and more! Gettin' out there and making a difference is as easy as taking a run!

Many thanks to Changents for this amazing honor! Cheers to our earth and those making a change for its betterment. Keep it clean, Sam.