FROM MOUNTAINS TO OCEANS: CONTINUING PARTNERSHIP WITH PARLEY IN LATEST MISSION TO END PLASTIC WASTE

Today, with our long-term eco innovation partner, Parley for the Oceans, we are announcing our latest mission to address the specific and far-reaching impact plastic waste is having on the earth’s water systems.

With 350 million tons of virgin plastic produced every year, plastics have now made their way into every part of earth’s ecosystems. From improperly discarded plastic waste to microplastics which migrate through rainwater, the material is polluting some of the most remote places on earth – from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains.

And with all plastic waste eventually making its way to the oceans, the actions people take in the mountains have an impact on the ocean, and vice versa – forming a cycle of plastic that reaches all corners of the planet.

To raise awareness of the issue and inspire people to take action – whether by reducing plastic consumption or actively removing it from nature – adidas Ultramarathon athlete and climate activist, Timothy Olson, will attempt to run the entire 2,653-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in record time. With the current record set at 53 days, 6 hours, and 37 minutes, he will aim to run over 50 miles a day for 50 days.

Taking him from Mexico to Canada via the California coastline, Olson will endure temperatures ranging from below freezing to above 30 degrees Celsius, experiencing weather conditions from all four seasons as the route takes him from mountains to the ocean and everything in between.

I think a lot of people don’t realize how bad the problem has gotten. My training takes me to some seriously remote places, and I’m always shocked to find plastic waste even in the smallest of corners. 

But what’s even more alarming is how plastic is now being found in glacier water at the tops of mountains thanks to microplastics which are carried there from the ocean via rainwater. I want to use my PCT record attempt as a platform to help educate people about this new problem and inspire them to start making small steps towards the solution which can make a big difference – if we all work together.

Timothy Olson, adidas Ultramarathon athlete

Taking action against the spread of plastics in the environment and offering high-performance choices to those who are trying to reduce plastic consumption in their daily lives – something that collectively will have a major impact – adidas and Parley introduce a new collection of weather-resistant Outdoor clothing.

Made in part with Parley Ocean Plastic – recycled marine plastic waste that is intercepted from remote islands, beaches and coastal communities before it reaches the ocean, each piece in the collection is crafted with specific Outdoor performance function, equipping hikers with the latest technology to go further, explore more, and reduce their plastic consumption. Key pieces from the collection include the FreeHiker Parley developed for long distance hiking on trails with gradual elevation whilst wearing a backpack and the MyShelter Parley that is lightweight, breathable and fully waterproof ideal for a fast-paces environment where the weather moves as fast at the wearer.

The full adidas x Parley Outdoor collection is available worldwide via adidas.com from 15 April. Join Timothy on his record-breaking attempt in June via @adidasterrex on Instagram.

For more information on the Parley Missions please visit adidas.com/parley