sustainability
Be the
change
By Bruce Rayner
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1. I resolve to support green races.
More and more triathlon race directors are “going green.” This is a very
encouraging trend considering there are about 2,500 USA Triathlon sanctioned
events in the U.S. every year. Look for a “green page” on each event’s website
or better yet, the FitPlanet Pledge of Sustainability logo or the ReSport logo.
These two emblems mean the race has formally committed to take specific
actions toward sustainability. The pledge is a first step while ReSport is the
gold standard – the former leads to the latter. If the event doesn’t display the
Pledge of Sustainability or ReSport logos, and they don’t have a green page,
then email the race director and ask what they are doing to be environmentally
responsible. If they don’t reply or say “nothing,” then look for another race.
Life’s too short to race dirty races.
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2. I resolve to conserve water.
Water is the new carbon. Check out
liveearth.org/en/therunforwater to learn
why. There are the obvious things you can do to save water, such as turning the
water off when you brush your teeth and taking shorter showers. But there are
some not-so-obvious changes you can make as well. While you’re waiting for the
shower water to warm up, catch the water in a bucket and use it for the dog or
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to water your plants. Replace your old washer with a front-loader that uses less
water. Replace your old toilet with a low-flow unit. Don’t water your lawn.
3. I resolve to reduce my carbon footprint.
Commit to share a ride to at least one race in 2010. But don’t stop there. If you
train with a club or team, share a ride to the workouts. Share a ride to work
or take public transport. Better still, ride or run to work. If you’re flying to a
destination race, then commit to offset your carbon emissions for the flight – it’s
typically no more than $10 or $15 dollars. And if you’re renting a car, offset the
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emissions from your rental. It’s typically less than $2.
4. I resolve to do at least one trash run.
No, I don’t mean drive your trash to the local dump. I mean designate at least
one – preferably more than one – training run in 2010 as a ‘trash run’ where you
pick up garbage along the side of the road. Stop looking in disgust at all those
empty bottles and cans and do something about it. Carry a plastic bag or use
a converted baby stroller as a mobile trash can. Be sure to wear gloves. You’ll
T
his is the time of year when we resolve to notice a big difference the next time you go for a run. You can take satisfaction
improve ourselves in the coming year. As in the knowledge that it was all because of you.
triathletes, that resolution usually revolves 5. I resolve to support sustainable companies.
around health and performance. So, we try things A lot of companies say they are green, but few really are. You know who they
like losing a few pounds, setting a new PR or
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are by how they treat their employees, how they treat their business partners
attempting a new distance such as 70.3 or 140.6. and how they treat their customers. Sustainability is core to their identity
Let’s add another resolution to the list – to do our and because of that, they deserve our patronage. There is a growing set of
part to improve the health and performance of companies in the athletic equipment, apparel and nutrition markets that are
the planet. making sustainability a core part of their business. Support them because they
It’s in our best interest as triathletes since are the future.
we need clean air, clean water and clean land to
enjoy our sport. Increasingly, though, we find our The above ideas are just a sample of ways you can “be the change.” Come up with
natural environment compromised by poor air your own. And if you’re inspired, email your resolution for the planet to me, and I’ll
quality from pollutants and water contamination post it to the 2010 FitPlanet Resolution List on our website.
from algae blooms, to name two increasingly
common problems. Instead of shrugging our Bruce Rayner is Chief Green Officer of Athletes for a Fit Planet and can be reached
shoulders and lamenting the problem, make a at
bruce@afitplanet.com. Visit his website to take the Athletes EcoPledge at www.
resolution to “be the change” in 2010.
afitplanet.com/pledge. Athletes for a Fit Planet is a USAT Go Green partner company,
Here are five resolutions for the planet you and provides environmental services to event organizers and information for athletes
might consider adding to your list for the 2010 including the Green Events Directory.
season.
82 USA TriAThlon winter 10
USATTriWinter10pgs50-90.indd 82 12/9/09 3:46:04 PM
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