Our Environmental Commitment

Here's why we're your environmentally green running and walking store!

• We buy 100% green power from Puget Sound Energy.
• Whatcom Watersheds pledge member.
• "Think Local First" sponsor.
• Alternative transportation incentives for staff and customers (SmartTrips card, etc.).
• We pass along good used shoes to athletic teams, thrift stores, non-profits, and shelters for teens and the homeless.
• Buying from other local independent businesses when possible.
• Use of cfl lighting where possible.
• Carpooling for events.
• Buy more sustainable shoes, as available from our vendors, for our customers.
• Ongoing discussion with most every shoe vendor in support of green initiatives/progress
• Our small environmental footprint = good planet-health. Inspiring many footprints = good people-health.
• We continue to work toward zero waste (TZW).
• Reuse envelopes, packing materials and boxes.
• Recycle all plastic film/bags.
• Employ Foodplus for all compostable items.
• Recycle bottles, cans, paper, cardboard, plastic containers.
• Give “Oldie but Goodie” shoes to local shelters or non-profits.
• Recycled paper used in store and for newsletter.
• Sorting of all recyclable and compostable materials at each of our races.
• Eliminated use of plastic throwaway bottles at all races.
• Eliminated plastic goodie bags and other potentially wasted bag items.
• Distributed unpackaged refreshments at the races and sourced food locally.
• Member and sponsor of Bellingham’s Sustainable Connections: A non-profit membership organization of nearly 700 NW Washington business and community leaders working to transform and model an economy built on sustainable practices. Practices that lead to Strong Community, Healthy Environment, Meaningful Employment, and Buying Local First as commonplace in our region and a model for the rest of the world.

Community Giving - 2009

We believe that independent, locally owned businesses can be stewards of community health. We strive to be sustainable, responsible, and charitable. We so appreciate getting to be a part of this amazing community and do our best to give back. Our giving focuses mostly on health and fitness, youth and environmental causes in our community.

In 2009 we contributed to roughly 100 non-profits, school groups and other organizations in need. Additionally, we donated $1,000 to four near and dear local non-profits as part of our 10th Anniversary sale: Girls on the Run, Whatcom Land Trust, Maple Alley Inn & Alex Pempe Youth Running Fund.

Warmth and Help: Operation School Bell, Maple Alley Inn

In December 2008, we provided 577 hats, socks and gloves to Opportunity Council's Maple Alley Inn to help warm the homeless and needy. This was due, in part, to our store’s charity promotion during our Customer Appreciation Days in December.

Additionally, we donated $375 to Assistance League of Bellingham's Operation School Bell -- all put toward shoes for local children in need.

Green Race Results!

At the 2008 Fairhaven Runners Waterfront 15K, thanks to our partnership with Bellingham's Sanitary Service Co and the enthusiastic support of participants, we generated less than one pound of garbage and approximately 100 pounds of material that could be composted. That comes pretty close to our goal of a zero-waste event, a "zeewee!" Nice job!

Free Shipping Boxes & Shoe Boxes!

Do you need sturdy, clean boxes and/or packing material for shipping or moving? How about shoe boxes for school or crafts? We've got them for you.

• Come to the store counter and ask any staff member.
• Boxes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis - we cannot reserve boxes for you.
• When asking about boxes, please respect time of staff, who work hard to make sure all customers are served.