Run for the Ocean : Adidas Pledge

The sportswear company plans to only use recycled plastic by 2024, saving 40 tons of plastic annually by estimates.

We all enjoy the convenience of plastic products, but it’s 2018 already—it’s time to move from awareness about the huge environmental burden of single-use plastic products to taking action. Two years ago, Adidas started taking action, teaming up with environmental group Parley for the Oceans to mass-produce shoes made from recycled plastic bottles.

Adidas, the second-largest sportswear company in the world, is the latest company to announce plans to reduce plastic usage. Polyester, which can be made from recycled plastic bottles, currently makes up about 50 percent of the material in Adidas’ products. The material is popular among athleisure and sports clothing because it has sweat-resisting properties. The company plans to stop using newly manufactured plastic in its clothing, offices, retail outlets, warehouses and distribution centers beginning this year, pledging to use only recycled plastics by 2024.