Philosophy

Hello, my name is Samuel Huber, founder, editor, and on-the-move promoter of Eco-Runner. Eco-Runner is a site dedicated to physical fitness and environmental sustainability. These are two values I am passionate about, so my ultimate decision to combine the two made complete sense. Eco-Runner is the outcome of this union. In simplest terms, Eco-Running is the variation of recreational running in which the participant collects the litter that is found along the path traveled. Simple, right? Of course it is, but essentially, Eco-Runner is about so much more.

Eco-Runner is about personal responsibility and raising awareness. I strongly believe that awareness often serves as the best deterrent. If we become aware of the litter surrounding us while we exercise, we might also think about doing something about it. Sure, it's a simple act given a label and a logo. Like it or not, call it what you will, but honestly, if that label/logo is all it takes to raise awareness, then goal accomplished. Now litter pickup has a "coolness" factor...AWESOME, and totally worth it! Or, if folks (and this may be YOU right now) run across the Eco-Runner website while surfing and say to themselves, "Oh, I never thought of that, maybe I will try it the next time I run (or walk, cycle, etc)." Again, it's the awareness, and the awareness brings about a change in behavior. Read below, and explore the website, to find out why something so simple will have a profound impact on your life, as well as the well-being of our world.

Why I Eco-Run

It’s dirty, polluted, and messy by our own doing. I want to clean it up.

I love to run. It gives me time to reflect, think, and be at one with my surroundings. Its simplicity in form provides escape from a complex world. It makes me feel alive. And if you run, you know what I’m talking about. Would you also agree the environment around us makes running what it is? It makes running enjoyable and memorable. It inspires us to keep moving, thinking, and pondering. Inventing and reinventing. However, I’ve noticed the same environment responsible for our happiness is also in need of our help. It’s dirty, polluted, and messy by our own doing. I want to clean it up. What better time to do this than while we’re on the move.

Environment Over Ego

Think about your weekly running routine. Whether it’s 20, 50, or more than 80 miles per week, those hours add up to a lot of “me” time. Therefore, I’ve thought about what I can do to change this; combining this “me” time with the bigger picture. I am always in training, so I never consider a few stops along the way detrimental to my fitness. I consider those stops a pleasure. Eco-Runners look beyond their watch, pace, PR, and internal goals. They run in awe of the natural beauty that surrounds them. As much as they appreciate nature, they also realize its delicacy. Furthermore, Eco-Runners know they can make a difference. They add environmental awareness and sustainability to their list of running goals. They beautify our world while they run.

Still wary about your seemingly "small, insignificant" impact, think about this: I average 5 BioBags per run ≡ 25 bags per week ≡ 100 bags per month ≡ 1200 bags a year! One person ≡ HUGE "positive, significant" impact! Imagine if each of us took just a little time to pick up.

Volunteerism

Eco-Running is a volunteer effort for a greener tomorrow. Similar to roadside clean-up, habitat restoration projects, and community coops, to name a few; Eco-Running is an environmental-related volunteer opportunity. You are offering your time and effort towards a positive cause. Moreover, keeping in mind the fact that most people aren’t willing to compromise their current lifestyle in order to improve our shared environment, Eco-Running also fits perfectly into your active lifestyle. You are able to continue your weekly training, maintain or improve your running quality, as well as your quality of life, all the while reducing harmful impacts on the earth. Eco-Running is certainly not a complete solution, but the behavioral change among its participants produces a positive effect on the natural environment.

Together, as Eco-Runners, we live green, through education and action!

Other than picking up trash...

Of course, there can always be more to living green. Your lifestyle is a representation of your beliefs. Your enthusiastic, upbeat outlook for living green is a motivating force for those around you. Eco-Running can be an extension and/or addition to that motivating force. As an Eco-Runner, promote alternative transportation by cycling/walking/running to most destinations; buy locally grown fruits and vegetables and organic food brands; bring your own bags to the grocery store; and, recycle all waste and eco-run waste. Also, share these same kinds of green activities with your family and friends. Together, as Eco-Runners, we live green, through education and action!

follow the eco-runner