Weightlifting Wales is proud to mark Earth Day with the launch of Replay, an exciting new campaign that encourages clubs, athletes, and the wider community to rethink how we use, reuse, and extend the life of our sports apparel and equipment. The campaign highlights a simple but powerful idea: small changes in our environments can make a big difference to the planet. As part of our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability as indicated on our new strategic plan, we are proud to announce our alliance with Replay.

By embracing reuse, repair, and recycling, we want to tackle the stigma around second-hand gear, cutting waste, and slashing the carbon impact of sport kit through the use of the Replay campaign.

Replay is a national campaign developed by the West Wales Sports Partnership in collaboration with Loopeto - a sustainable reuse platform. The initiative aims to tackle a growing issue across all sports where the vast amount of usable kit that is discarded each year. Each year 454 tonnes of sports kit is thrown away each year.

This important campaign is set to be a vital tool for Weightlifting Wales to focus on sustainability within weightlifting by promoting:

• Reusing and repairing training equipment
• Recycling old kit and clothing
• Reducing waste in gyms and competitions
• Making more environmentally conscious choices

From chalk containers to lifting shoes, Replay encourages everyone involved in the sport to consider how items can be reused or repurposed before being replaced. While some of our population facing barriers to participation due to cost, Replay bridges that gap by creating a circular system where pre-loved sports kit can be donated, sold, and reused within local communities.

Through Loopeto, clubs and individuals can easily upload items, connect with others, and give their kit a second life — making sustainable sports kit recycling accessible to everyone.
 

Through the sustainable reuse platform Loopeto, there is a more simple way for our sporting communities to give kit a second life.

You can now donate, sell, or buy pre-loved sports kit through the dedicated store on Loopeto.

• Clubs can sign up and create their own shop on Loopeto
• Members can upload pre-loved cycling kit and link it to their club
• Items can be donated, sold, or exchanged locally
• Transactions are typically peer-to-peer, with optional postage if needed

Whether it’s a weightlifting singlet that no longer fits, spare gloves, or kit your child has outgrown, every item has the potential to support another lifter.

Upload your items individually or connect directly with the club store to pass on good-quality kit to someone who needs it. Find out how to upload your items here.

Weightlifting/Para Powerlifting is built on discipline, consistency, and long-term progress - values that align closely with environmental responsibility. By extending the lifespan of gym equipment and clothing, licensed clubs across Wales will help contribute to a more sustainable sporting future. The Replay campaign aims to build on this by sharing ideas, success stories, and practical tips from across the community.

We’re proud to be part of a movement that’s helping Wales become an active nation, one where everyone can enjoy participating in sport without the planet paying the price. 

By embedding environmentally responsible practices into everyday training and events, Weightlifting Wales aims to inspire lasting change across the community. We are hoping Replay acts as an encouragement our members to give their pre-loved kit a second lease of life, we are breaking the stigma and encouraging change.