In a world where climate change is wreaking havoc, it’s refreshing to see a brand stepping up and taking action. adidas, the iconic sportswear company, has invited the global sporting community to move their bodies and make a difference through their groundbreaking initiative called Move For The Planet. And boy, did they hit the ground running!
Between 1 June and 12 June, adidas gave sports enthusiasts around the world the opportunity to turn their passion for physical activity into a force for good. For every 10 minutes of activity logged across an impressive array of 34 sports in the adidas Running app, the company donated €1 to Common Goal, a fantastic organization that supports projects focusing on sustainability through sport.
Ashley Czarnowski, the Senior Director of Global Purpose Marketing at adidas, encapsulated the spirit of Move For The Planet perfectly when she said, “The impact of the climate crisis is being felt more severely in some places than others, however, the one thing that unites us all is our love for sports.” And indeed, it was this love for sports that galvanised people from all walks of life to lace up their sneakers, grab their gear, and get moving for the places we play.
The beauty of Move For The Planet lies in its simplicity. It didn’t matter how people moved; what mattered was that they moved. Whether it was running, walking, cycling, or even engaging in unique activities like plogging (a combination of jogging and picking up litter), every single step contributed to the cause. The result? A whopping €1.5 million in donations raised to support projects that educate and engage communities on sustainability through sport.
And let’s talk about the projects that Common Goal will be directing these contributions towards. From Colombia to Greece, South Africa to Pakistan, the selected initiatives will make a real impact on the ground. Think renewing community sports pitches using recycled materials or providing training on reducing plastic waste in sports facilities. It’s a game-changer, literally and metaphorically.
Move For The Planet isn’t just a one-off publicity stunt for adidas; it’s part of their wider sustainability initiatives. The company has been committed to making what’s best for the athlete better for the planet, and they’ve been making significant strides towards that goal. By replacing virgin polyester with recycled polyester in their products, adidas is reducing its environmental footprint. In fact, in 2022, an impressive 96% of all the polyester used by adidas was recycled. Now, that’s a win-win situation!
But let’s not stop there. Move For The Planet represents a broader commitment from adidas, a commitment to go beyond their 2024 recycled polyester goal. They understand that using recycled materials is just one piece of the puzzle. By engaging the sporting community worldwide and empowering them to take action, adidas is creating a movement that goes far beyond the boundaries of the brand.
In Malaysia, adidas has taken Move For The Planet to the next level with a series of exciting activations. From walking at Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall to spinning sessions and indoor golf lessons, they’ve catered to a diverse range of interests. And let’s not forget the grand finale, the adidas Runners Kuala Lumpur run under the stunning Kuala Lumpur skyline. It’s events like these that inspire camaraderie, unity, and a shared determination to tackle climate change head-on.
If you’re eager to join the movement, adidas Malaysia has made it easy for you. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner, there’s something for everyone. And as an added bonus, purchasing any apparel or footwear from the Parlay collection will get you a complimentary Move For The Planet Own the Run t-shirt. It’s fashion with a conscience!
