Marin County Triathlon Earns Highest Environmental Certification
Posted Monday, 8 December, 2008
The inaugural Marin County Triathlon, a Sustainable Sports Foundation event, has been certified as an Evergreen event, the highest level of certification awarded by the Council for Responsible Sport (ReSport).
From the outset, we made environmental responsibility a central mission of our triathlon, said Mark Liebert, Sustainable Sports Foundation President and organizer of the Marin County Triathlon. Were honored to have earned Evergreen status.
The Sustainable Sports Foundation worked with Athletes for a Fit Planet to plan and implement a variety of eco-initiatives for the race. Fit Planets Chief Green Officer Bruce Rayner provided expert advice and support throughout the planning of the triathlon as well as on-the-ground support during the race to make it an environmental success, said Liebert.
The Marin County Triathlon eco-initiatives included:
1. Carbon neutrality. The race used solar power and a bio-diesel generator run on peanut oil to power all race-day operations. Spectators were transported to and from the parking lot on bio-diesel shuttle vans. The Sustainable Sports Foundation offset all emissions of athlete travel to and from the race, which totaled 75 metric tons. The Foundation purchased independently verified carbon credits to support the Van Eck Forest in Humboldt County, CA, a Pacific Forest Trust project registered with the California Climate Action Registry. Offsetting 75 tons of
carbon emissions is equivalent to removing fourteen cars from the U.S. roadways for one year.
2. Recycling and composting of virtually all waste. In total, the race produced less than 40 lbs of landfill waste. With over 500 triathletes participating in the race, that translates into less than 1.2 ounces of landfill waste per athlete.
3. Green portable toilets. The units used an earth-friendly chemical that is 100% biodegradable, non toxic, and formaldehyde and alcohol free. Toilet tissue, soap, and paper towels were biodegradable.
4. 100% organic cotton shirts, reusable race bags, reusable water bottles, and recycled and locally-made finishers medals were provided to all athletes.
5. All paper products were printed on post-consumer recycled material.
6. Post-race food was organic and sourced locally, coffees, teas and other beverages were organic and fair trade, and all food-related materials were compostable.
7. All net proceeds from the race were donated to charity.
The Council for Responsible Sports environmental standard includes five categories for a total of 36 credits. Events can submit three additional innovation credits for a total of 39 credits. To receive Evergreen status, an event needs to earn at least 36 credits. The Marin County Triathlon earned 37 credits.
The Marin County Triathlon, an Olympic-distance triathlon, took place October 26 in San Rafael, California, in and around scenic China Camp State Park on the north side of the San Francisco Bay. The race included a 1.5 kilometer swim, 40 kilometer bike, and 10 kilometer run. Over 500 triathletes participated and at least as many spectators watched the race.
The second-annual Marin County Triathlon will take place November 1, 2009 and is now open for registration. For information visit www.marintriathlon.com.
About Sustainable Sports Foundation
Sustainable Sports Foundation was created by coffee and tea entrepreneur, avid triathlete, and philanthropist Mark Liebert by blending together his passions for life. As a way of giving back to the community the Marin County Triathlon gave all net proceeds to charity. The Sustainable Sports Foundation will produce the Marin County Marathon on April 19, 2009. Both the Marin County Triathlon and Marathon highlight the beauty of Marin County and how we need to take care of our world in a sustainable manner, and to keep it that way for many years to come. For more information, please visit www.marintriathlon.com and www.marinmarathon.com.
About Athletes for a Fit Planet
FitPlanet works with organizers of multisport, running, and walking events in the United States, Canada, Europe and Africa to implement environmentally responsible practices. We focus on helping events reduce, recycle and compost waste, reduce and offset greenhouse gas emissions, and minimize the environmental impact of the event at the race site. We also work with sponsors and vendors to
improve their own environmental practices. FitPlanet provides athletes with environmental information and news, including a Green Events
Directory so they can make informed choices about how to spend their money. Visit us at www.afitplanet.com or contact Bruce Rayner, Chief Green Officer, at bruce@afitplanet.com and 508.429.0976.
About the Council for Responsible Sport
ReSport was founded in 2007 to administer a sustainability certification for sporting events. Founders include Jeff Henderson, a USA Triathlon-certified race director (Musselman Triathlon, City of Portland Triathlon, Fly by Night Duathlon), official, journalist, and former pro triathlete, and Jonathan Eng, a USAT-certified coach, personal fitness trainer, and triathlete. Visit the Council for Responsible Sport at www.ReSport.org.
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