I may just be a highly observant person, but I can’t help but notice that every fall, Auburn’s student-athletes are decked out in all new, top-notch gear.
I’ve witnessed the athletes cycle through three different backpacks and sneakers and countless Auburn clothes in my time here.
I think deep down the student body loves the gear — our athletes look super cool, and we get to see our favorite family logo all year long — but I see some core issues with it.
As a society and an institution, we create and consume a lot of waste by driving a linear product cycle instead of a loop. When new stuff arrives, the old set of uniforms or casual clothes is often banished to the bottom of a closet or drawer, despite still being in usable condition.
Athletes I’ve talked to express a passion and recognition that their old clothes and bags could be put to a better use and are united in wishing donation was an option.
As I have dug deeper into the topic, I’ve found barriers that lock the system into operating the way it does, but there are still open paths to share the gear. Donating seems like it would be the simplest way to share the blessings of the athletic programs with those in need in the community and world around us.
The NCAA bylaws outline rules for equipment donation to bona fide programs such as the YMCA, Boy Scouts and rec leagues, within a 30-mile radius. Additionally, nonprofit organizations are allowed to reach out to a university to collect old equipment and uniforms for high schools. However, the university cannot donate on its own initiative to a school because of recruiting biases.
Auburn does not currently run a program for the student-athletes to donate their school-provided gear, and sharing is discouraged because of the risk of rule violation.
Yes, the NCAA’s rules may be discouraging, but they don’t block all the options to do good with the excess gear.
A step beyond donating could stem from the corporate level of our contracted apparel provider, Under Armour.
Many big-name athletic companies including Nike, Adidas and Puma have product take-back programs that allow for recycling of old shoes and clothes. The products can be disposed of in a sustainable manner or can be repurposed into playing surfaces or courts.
Under Armour doesn’t have a collection program like this, but if one were instituted, I would feel more comfortable justifying the frequent clothing bundles the athletes receive. Athletes could give back their shoes and gear each year, allowing them to be transformed into the ground that the next generation of kids and athletes can train on.
I hope Auburn Athletics can express interest in or suggest a corporate or donation program, encouraging a step in this direction. Auburn’s core focus on sustainability and positivity gives us an ideal playing field on which to initiate a better athletic sharing system.
Rachel can be reached at intrigue@ThePlainsman.com.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
