EDF Energy and Birmingham City council started a half marathon last year, the run billed as “race against climate change” uses engergy saving and other energy efficient saving method as its theme, even the race preparation advice is built around engergy efficientcy.

In the build up to the race, Birmingham city council has been sending out training tips and advice which does not consist of just the usualy how fast you should run a certain amount of mile but mostly how to be a environment friendly runner. Here is the first training tip and advice sent out:

1. Washing your running kit regularly is obviously essential. Washing your clothing at low temperatures (30 degrees centigrade) can be just as effective as high temperature (and higher energy consumption) wash cycles if you use certain modern washing detergents, and some of these are even eco-friendly too! Washing full loads can also help save energy and conserve water too, just make sure you check your user manual to make sure you don’t over fill your washing machine.

2. Rather than using the drier, try to dry your clothes on an outside line, taking advantage of the warmer summer weather, or a drying rack. This could help make a big difference to your domestic energy consumption.

3. Technical running kit is usually made from synthetic based products such as nylon, lycra and polyester. Some cutting edge fabrics are now available which have increased renewable content to them – cotton singlets and tees can be organic or blended with bamboo to reduce environmentally-harmful effects of the crops, and are breathable, and absorbent.

4. Recycle – it’s good for your soles: As your training progresses, the wear on your running shoes adds up and you may need to replace them regularly. But don’t just throw away your old pair – recycle them at your local recycling centre. Many shoes are now reused in sports courts, tracks and flooring.

5. Turn down the heat at home. Turn the thermostat down a degree or two and wear a jumper in the house on cooler evenings instead to cut domestic energy use. With the extra training, your metabolism will likely be higher helping you to feel warmer a lot of the time anyway. For more useful tips on how to reduce your energy consumption around the home, check out the Team Energy section of www.teamgreenbritain.org