Rent, borrow or buy smart: tips for sustainable sports equipment.
Sporting events are great for inspiring us to get active, but all too often the enthusiasm is short-lived.
Remember all those bikes bought during lockdown? Many of those bikes are now likely to be gathering rust in sheds across the country.
While official figures are hard to find, a study by one organisation found that over a quarter (27%) of people in the UK have around £180 worth of unused gym equipment at home.
Not only that, 8% have an average of £727 worth of unused gym equipment, while 4% have unused gym equipment worth £1,480 (source). And that’s just gym equipment – what about those unused bikes, skateboards, or canoes?
We don’t want to discourage anyone’s good intentions, but we do want to help save you money and help the planet. Here are some ideas to try!
Renting or borrowing equipment
This is a great option for trying out a new activity without the upfront investment. If you don’t enjoy the sport, you haven’t wasted a large amount of money and won’t be stuck with sorting or selling the equipment.
Or you might find you do enjoy your new sport, but only occasionally. Renting allows you to access the equipment as and when you need it – saving storage costs and ongoing maintenance costs (think bike repairs!).
Sports and outdoor equipment libraries are beginning to pop up across Scotland, including an Adventure Library in Oban and the Stirling Library of Things.
If you can’t find somewhere to rent an item, you can always try borrowing. Social media is great for these sorts of requests – either through your own networks or on local sales and wanted sites.
Buying second-hand
If you can’t rent or borrow, you may be able to buy second-hand. Again, online platforms like local sales and wanted sites are great for sourcing used equipment at a fraction of the retail price.
Search Circular Communities Scotland’s Map of Reuse Organisations to find preloved stores in your area. Filter results by category to find projects offering second-hand or bike rental.
You never know when you might be able to bag a freebie. Explore Freecycle and Freegle to see what free fitness equipment might be out there.
Making the most of equipment when buying new
If none of the options above work, you may need to buy a new item. Even then, we’d suggest you make the most of that item by remembering these tips:
- Use it as much as possible
- Take care of your equipment to extend its lifespan and make it more likely to be able to be resold once you’ve finished with it
- Once you’re finished with the equipment, consider donating or selling it so that someone else can get enjoyment out of it
