That's a great idea about bringing a small trash bag on long runs! I've been trying to reduce my use of single-use plastics too. For eco-friendly running shoes, I've heard good things about Brooks and Patagonia. They're making an effort to use recycled materials and reduce waste in their manufacturing process. Worth checking out!
I'm with you on that. A good pair of shoes and hydration are must-haves for me too. While fitness trackers and other accessories can be useful, they're not essential. I've also run with and without them, and it doesn't make a huge difference to my performance. Shoes and water, on the other hand, are non-negotiable.
I've had success with longer intervals at a slightly slower pace than my 10k goal time. Try 3-4x 2k at 10:15 pace, with 400m active recovery. It's helped me build endurance and mental toughness.