Everything that is produced anywhere in the world impacts the environment somehow, and consumers are becoming aware of these impacts. People worldwide are more receptive to finding alternative processes and products that leave a smaller carbon footprint, even if they spend more on the purchase. Sports and the associated equipment are one of the areas rapidly changing to incorporate sustainable products. With over sixteen million people each year, from age 6 up playing baseball, many pieces of equipment are being produced. Players need balls, bats, hats, mouth guards, and other specialized equipment to play the sport.  If you want to have the least amount of impact when purchasing your baseball gear, consider these factors to help guide your decisions to a more environmentally friendly process.

Equipment

The materials chosen in the manufacturing of equipment and clothing can make a huge impact on the environment. Consider baseball bats. Bats are made from various materials, with the most popular being made from aluminum or wood. Each has benefits and disadvantages and an environmental impact.  When thinking about sustainable gear, many factors need to be considered. Aluminum bats are durable and highly recyclable, but they are energy-intensive to produce. Wooden bats don’t last as long and require more ash, maple, and other hardwoods.  A popular bat in Japan is one made from the Adamo tree. It takes 70 years to produce 4 baseball bats from Adamo wood.

The same holds true for baseballs and baseball gloves. The materials used in manufacturing are mostly environmentally friendly such as cork, wool, and leather, but the production process is energy-intensive. With each material used in construction, performance is always considered, and trade-offs are necessary. Certainly, better manufacturing is needed. As a consumer, you can help drive the company's decisions by demanding more sustainable plant-based materials. 

Clothing

Clothing has come a long way. There are many sustainable options, and most major sporting brands offer these new products.  Select clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton, wool, and hemp blends. Some manufacturers have developed environmentally friendly sports clothing that is breathable and can be worn up to seven times before washing. This helps with water conservation and lessens pollution in the water from detergents. 

Country Of Origin

The country where the items are manufactured can cause environmental damage. If the product is manufactured in the United States, you can be assured that the products were created in facilities with strict pollution control methods regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Air and water pollution are a problem in some countries since they don’t have the same regulations. This affects the local populations and the global society because air circulates and contaminates the ocean travel all across the globe. Also, some countries are involved in worker exploitation and human rights violations. Whenever purchasing a product, consider the country where the product was manufactured.

Conclusion 

Baseball is a wonderful way to get outside and enjoy the weather. The exercise obtained from running around the bases and in the outfield raises your heart rate and helps keep you in shape. Choose your gear wisely and consider the effects each piece has on the health of the environment. You and the planet will be happier for it.