Natalie Spilger's Green Laces

by Fit Community 1

Check out what FitSugar reader gidgie posted in our new soccer community, The Beautiful Game. In celebration of Earth Day, she'll be lacing up her GreenLaces. What will you be doing?

My good friend (and professional Women's Soccer player for the Chicago Red Stars), Natalie Spilger, founded a nonprofit called GreenLaces.

GreenLaces unites the environmental community with the athletic community by encouraging athletes to make a promise to the planet and show their support by wearing GreenLaces — the green shoelaces are made from 100 percent recycled plastic material.

To find out why hundreds of athletes support Green Laces and where to get your own pair, read more.

The promise to the planet is easy. It's simply a pledge to do something for the environment. I made a pledge (pledge #470) "to live a more eco-friendly life." Natalie pledged, "to never purchase a non-re-usable plastic water bottle, unless in an emergency situation." The promise can be anything at any level. The point is to create environmental awareness and make changes.

Beyond the pledge, you can purchase the GreenLaces. They are only $5 a pair, are super cute, and the funds generated by the purchase go to established environmental organizations.

Not only do I wear GreenLaces but so do a number of professional athletes and Olympians. At the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games there were over 100 Winter Olympians from five different countries supporting Team GreenLaces.

I couldn't be more proud of my friend. Not only is she an incredible athlete, but she is working to create environmental change through athletics.

I encourage all athletes to wear GreenLaces and make a pledge. What would your pledge be?

If you play or are a fan of soccer, then make sure to join the FitSugar Community group The Beautiful Game. Or start a group of your own — maybe your posts will end up on the homepage of FitSugar!