Our latest Get Involved post comes from our mate Jamie Rycroft, who tells us all about how to get an adrenaline rush eco-style…
When people think about extreme sports, they’re often drawn to zooming around in fast cars, or launching themselves out of planes. But there are plenty of other ways that you can get your adrenaline rush without having to worry about harming the planet…
Taking the plunge
People often forget that bungee jumping is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to get your kicks. It’s easy to do this thrill-seeking sport off pretty much anything: from a cliff face in Europe to a bridge in the UK; and because very little equipment is needed, there is very little waste. Bungee ropes are increasingly being made of eco-friendly materials like recycled nylon and cotton, which are re-used rather than instantly disposed of. I’ve heard (from other people, I’m a little too afraid to try myself) that the adrenaline rush can match nothing else…
Whizzing around in an air-powered go-kart
Whilst quad bikes and go-karts are usually very harmful to the environment, scientists in Canada are set to change this. Researchers in Dalhouise University have developed a go-kart which runs entirely on compressed air rather than your standard fossil fuels. The go-kart, which actually has an engine adapted from a snowmobile, can reach speeds of 43km/h (27mph). May not sound massively fast but try thinking that when you’re whizzing round around a mud circuit with your body only several inches above the ground. And until this invention reaches the UK, why not check out Britain’s first electric go-kart track in London at Team Sport.
Keep on rolling in an eco-friendly Zorb
Who says that you need an engine in order to go fast? All a land zorb needs to give you a thrill is a hill and a bit of gravity. Zorbing, which has become insanely popular over the last few years, involves getting inside a large inflatable ball and rolling down a hill. Really, that’s it. There are several variations of the sport, one of which involves having a bucket of cold water being chucked in with you as you roll down (more fun than it sounds!). The zorb itself is made from synthetic materials, which are increasingly coming from renewable sources. There are plenty of zorbing centres all around the UK, meaning that you can have a quick, fun thrill ride without worrying about harming the planet.
I hope that I’ve inspired you in thinking of some ways in which you can have an adrenaline rush without feeling guilty afterwards. So ditch the quad bike for a bungee cord, a zorb, or even an air-powered go-kart! And no matter what you do, stay safe and have fun!
Tell us your thoughts in the comments box below or if you’d like to contribute a story, photo, video or some tips on green living simply email getinvolved@globalcool.org…
Pics: Damien Cugley and PA Images
Related posts:
- The future of air travel (and a plane we can get on board with)
- Baby you can drive my car… Go-karting goes green
- How to get over your Tom Cruise short-man syndrome without ever having to jump on a sofa
- How to get the ‘ultimate high’ in Rotterdam
- APPS: Step aside Angry Birds… Doodle Jump is making us miss our stop on the Tube now
