I have a vision. I see a better world. A cleaner nature. How much can one person accomplish? I guess I'll see? But I want to inspire/invoke others. I want to create a phenomenon. I believe in this cause. I believe "we" can make a difference. While we run...while we "Eco-Run." 

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 that I am passionate about, so my ultimate decision to combine the two made complete sense. Eco-Runner is the outcome of this combination. In simplest terms, Eco-Running is the variation of recreational running in which the participant collects the litter that is found along the path travelled. Simple, right? Well, read on and find out why something so simple could have such a profound impact on your life, as well as the well-being of the world.

Running is my passion. It gives me time to reflect. Time to think. It makes me feel good. I will run in all conditions. All settings. Road. Trail. Sand. Snow. Water. Dirt. Etc. I have run in many parts of the world. 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 agree, all of the aforementioned are rather self-indulgent? I've realized this. I run 60-90 miles a week...and that's a lot of 'me' time! Therefore, I've thought about what "I" can do to change this. To combine the 'I' with the bigger picture. I am always in training...for my next marathon or ultramarathon, so I never consider a few stops along the way detrimental to my fitness. I consider those stops a pleasure.

Would you also agree, the environment around us makes running what it is? Makes it enjoyable. Makes it memorable. Inspires us to keep running. Keeps us thinking. And wondering. Inventing and reinventing. However, I've noticed that the same environment that is responsible for our happiness is also in need of our help. It's dirty. Polluted. Messy. By our own doing. I want to clean it up. And what better time to do this than while we're on the move!

Now...I completely understand that some of us are on route. To a PR. Or, we're pacing our miles. We're in training. We're focused. We only have so much time. True - life also gets in the way. That's fine. I get it. But...just think. About your favorite route, or trail, or pass. You see garbage. It's there. Now think about running and not seeing that garbage. I like that thought. How about setting a run aside. Even if it starts at one run a week. Make that run a run for internal and external goodness. Trust me. It's a wonderful feeling!

I'm not just on the pulpit preaching. I'm doing this. I'm "Eco-Running." And I'm hooked. The central purpose is to pick up rubbish while you are on the run. Simple. But Eco-Running involves so much more! It is just part of living green. As an Eco-Runner, we promote camaraderie; alternative methods of transportation; carpooling and/or public transportation; buying local; using our own bags at the grocery store; and, recycling our waste, to name a few. More than anything, I love seeing my favorite routes clean. Others respect what your doing as well. So, I'm satisfying my "I" and so much more!

I have grandiose visions. But it starts small. And that's great! Because I'm excited about where this could go. If you do this, I would love to hear from you! If you don't, and you would like to start, plan to start, or have just started, let me know! There's no better time than right now...to 'combine your passion with a purpose!'

  But...There is more to it!

• Environment over Ego: Eco-Runners look beyond their watch, their pace, their PR, and their 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. Now, let me make this clear, I am not suggesting that if you do not Eco-Run you do not care about the environment. Nor am I saying that you must Eco-Run every time you run in order to label yourself an Eco-Runner. Obviously, the choice is yours, as well as your commitment to the process. You may choose to set aside one training day of your week to Eco-Run. What, when, and how often is up to you, but you can take solace in the fact that you are making this world a cleaner, more beautiful place to live (and run!).
• Volunteerism: Eco-Running is a volunteer effort for a greener tomorrow! Similar to roadside/highway clean-up, park clean-up, habitat restoration projects, and community coops, to name a few, Eco-Running is a 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 definitely produces a positive effect on the natural environment. And...it should make you feel great! You are contributing to the betterment of Mother Nature! 
• 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, I also attempt to promote alternative transportation by cycling/walking/running to most destinations; buy locally grown fruits and vegetables and organic food brands from my local neighborhood Coop in Milwaukee; maintain a vegetarian diet (aside from my occasional sushi indulgence); bring my own bags to the grocery store; and, recycle all my waste and eco-run waste, to name a few. Also, as a teacher, I attempt to promote these same kinds of green activities to my students through education and example. Together, as Eco-Runners, we live green, through education and action!

Run 4 more! Cheers!