Steve Nash. Is that a name you haven’t heard in a while? Not surprising, as he’s been out of the spotlight ever since 2012 when he left Phoenix for LA and was quickly sidelined due to a back injury. But as this two-time NBA MVP’s career winds down, his loyal fans and basketball fanatics have more to remember him by than no-look passes and a stellar pick-and-roll offense. For as influential he was on the court, Nash is making waves off it as well, bringing attention to the environmental movement in a way that is just his own.
For starters, Nash has produced two commercials for Nike to advertise the brand’s Trash Talk shoe – the first high performance shoe made completely from recycled materials. The shoe was put into production at Nash’s behest, and he has worn it since 2008. The upper sole is stitched together from leather and synthetic leather waste from the Nike factory floor, the midsole uses scrap ground foam from factory production, and the outsole is made of rubber manufactured in a way that reduces toxins.
From http://inhabitat.com/ sustainable-style-nikes-recycled-scrap-sneaks/
The basketball star’s attempts to make a difference don’t stop there. He has opened almost 20 fitness clubs across the nation that do their part to eliminate waste and excess carbon output. For example, the stationary bikes generate electricity to help power the clubs, the flooring is made from recycled car tires, the rugs are made from recycled shoelaces, and the lighting and appliances are all energy-efficient and up to LEED standards. All of these aspects and more add up to environmentally conscious and sustainable athletic facilities.
Yet Nash’s dream doesn’t end there. He has said that he hopes his clubs open people’s eyes to the availability of sustainable construction and energy practices that are not commonly used. At minimum, this is a lesson that all major sporting facilities could learn from, as even changing flooring material and adding windows for natural lighting can have a huge environmental impact. So, as the basketball world begins to move past the Nash era, perhaps the environmental world is entering it.
“SUSTAINABLE STYLE: Nike’s Recycled Scrap Sneaks.” Inhabitat, n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2015. http://inhabitat.com/sustainable-style-nikes-recycled-scrap-sneaks/
Ng6, Taya. “Steve Nash Fitness World.” Vancouver YOGA Review RSS. N.p., 6 Apr. 2010. Web. 02 Feb. 2015. http://www.vancouveryogareview.com/yoga-studios/steve-nash-fitness-world/
Richter, Allan. “Steve Nash Scores.” Energy Times – Health, Vitamins, Supplements and Nutrition. Energy Times, Feb. 2011. Web. 02 Feb. 2015. http://www.energytimes.com/pages/features/1102/nash.html
“The Shoe Fits Steve Nash’s Concern for Environment.” Canada.com. Canada.com, 29 Mar. 2008. Web. 02 Feb. 2015. http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/features/going_green/story.html?id=f0cea94d-fbca-4d05-b5a4-235cd15ca660