Plastic-Free Sportswear for the Eco-Conscious Athlete
We’re continuing our Earth Month celebration by shining a spotlight on our sustainable athletic apparel and how one eco-athlete uses our gear to help him stay in his sustainability lane.
Why We Steer Clear of Synthetics
Most athletic apparel is made using synthetic fibers touting features like “fast-drying” and “moisture-wicking” properties. In reality, these fabrics make your body work harder to keep you cool. Sweat is your body’s natural defense against overheating. When your clothing wicks it away, your system goes into overdrive to produce more and cool you down. Not to mention, synthetic fibers are often treated with chemicals throughout the manufacturing process, as well as after they have been made into garments, to achieve certain effects. The chemicals used can be harmful to your skin, causing rashes, inflammation, irritation, or acne. Additionally, they enter our water system once the garment is laundered. For all of the above reasons, some athletic wear is far from ideal for folks trying to lead an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Sustainability is in the Fabric of our Brand
Our sportswear is designed with the planet in mind. Utilizing our one-of-a-kind Filium technology, we transform natural fibers into long-lasting, lightweight, and breathable athletic apparel that resists stains, repels moisture, and works with your body to keep you cool throughout your workout. No chemicals, and no synthetic fibers hanging out in a landfill for years and years after you can’t use them anymore. And, our clothes are odor-resistant because the fabric repels rather than absorbs sweat! This means you can wear Zenkai garments several times before needing to toss it in the wash.
But don’t take it from us! Read our Q&A with eco-athlete Ellis Spiezia and learn why he loves wearing his Zenkai gear.
Q: What’s your sport?
A: I’m an electric racing driver. I raced electric karts for two seasons, then moved to cars. This season I’m driving an electric Mini Cooper, electric formula and some combustion TCR. But being a racing driver means that behind the scenes, fitness is a very important aspect of my life, mainly focusing on neck training to help with the G-forces I experience in the car.
Q: Supporting the planet and maintaining an active lifestyle don’t always go hand-in-hand. Have you ever found it difficult to maintain a commitment to earth-friendly living while also prioritizing your health and fitness?
A: Especially when we are living on the road, being earth friendly is definitely a challenge. We do simple things like use reusable water bottles whenever at the gym or the track, minimize how much waste we create especially when it comes to meals on the road. The other big way we can have an impact is to drive rather than fly. Now, I use my awesome new Zenkai Gear! And I'm always down to grab some used tires from another team before they throw them away.
Q: What are your favorite eco-friendly tips for an active lifestyle?
A: My favorite eco-friendly tip is just do what you can even if it feels small. You don't need to turn your life upside down to have an impact. As a team we try to be as informed as possible about every choice we make. Knowledge is power. Choosing brands like Zenkai that prioritize being eco-friendly is a great first step into making that impact.
Q: What drew you to Zenkai Sports as a brand?
A: Being an athlete trying to help push sustainability, it was a no-brainer to partner up with Zenkai. Having a brand that not only makes great products, but also aligns with our [team’s] commitment to sustainability is a match made in heaven. Often you feel like you have to choose style or sustainability, but Zenkai has both.
Q: What’s your favorite Zenkai product, and why?
A: My favorite product so far is the Pathfinder Full Zip Hoodie. I'm a diehard fan of sweatshirts and this one is super comfortable and great for my late night gym runs in the cold. Also, the fact that I can wear my gear more than once without being stinky is amazing for life on the road.
» Shop Men’s Pathfinder Full Zip Hoodie
Q: Are there any organizations or causes you’re supporting for Earth Month?
A: I’m a member of High Impact Athletes, and contribute monthly to two of their charity organizations, the Humane League and Clean Air Task Force. Humane League focuses on agricultural animal welfare, and Clean Air Task Force works on reducing carbon impact. Also, we just partnered up with Carbify— they’re using blockchain technology for carbon compensation and focusing on reforestation. I’m really excited to work with them.
Try Zenkai
Founded upon principles of sustainability and eco-consciousness, Zenkai is celebrating this Earth Day with 50% off our whole store. Take advantage of this sale to stock up on planet-friendly performance clothing and help us fight the plastic problem! You’ll automatically receive 50% off your purchase when you make a purchase on April 22nd.
