FitPlanet groups the eco-Practices into required and optional
practices for sustainability. To achieve the Pledge of Sustainability,
you pledge to perform all four (4) of the required practices, and a
minimum of six (6) elective practices.
| E1 | 100% online registration |
| E2 | Provide athletes the option of offsetting their travel to and from Event. |
| E3 | No standard cotton t-shirts for athletes. Offer t-shirts made from organic cotton, recycled polyester, bamboo, or other environmentally friendly material. (We recommend screen printing with non-toxic inks.) |
| E4 | Offer a clothing and/or shoe recycling/reuse program (old running shoes and apparel can be recycled and/or contributed to charity organizations) |
| E5 | All paper used to promote the event is at least 20% post-consumer recycled stock. (We recommend using non-toxic inks.) |
| E6 | Replace traditional race bags (AKA swag or goodie bags) with an online or virtual version. It eliminates the need and expense of printing, paper not to mention the plastic bags. |
| E7 | If you are not quite ready to get rid of the race bag (AKA swag or goodie bags) then replace it with a recyclable and/or reusable bag. (We recommend the bags also be made from recycled materials.) |
| E8 | No single-use disposable plastic bottles for water or sports drink distributed at the finish line. (We recommend you hand out reusable plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel bottles.) |
| E9 | Provide green portable toilets that use non-toxic deodorizer and recycled toilet paper and paper towels. |
| E10 | At least 80% of all marketing and participant communications facilitated through email or website updates instead of paper mail. |
| E11 | Reuse at least 80% of all signage for the event. |
| E12 | For new signage, purchase recyclable or biodegradable materials for signs and banners. (We recommend you use non-toxic inks.) |
| E13 | At least 25% of all power used during the event is supplied from renewable sources such as solar, wind or bio-fuels either directly or indirectly through renewable energy credits or carbon offsets. |
| E14 | Utilize bicycles, electric scooters, electric motorcycles, or electric/hybrid cars for pace and lead vehicles. |
| E15 | For events that are point to point, provide shuttle buses for athletes that are powered by bio-fuel or another form of renewable energy or offset the vehicle emissions through carbon offsets. |
| E16 | Provide environmental education as part of expo and/or race-day presentations (e.g. speakers, booth space for environmental organizations, and green product and service companies) |
| E17 | Source sustainable finisher medals such as recycled/recyclable lanyards and metal and/or locally made medals from recycled materials . |
| E18 | Provide composting for pre- and post-event meals. (we recommend using biodegradable/compostable tableware as well, such as plates, cups, knives and forks made from PLA.) |
| E19 | Donate unused food to a charity such as a homeless shelter or soup kitchen. |
| E20 | Offset at least 10% of the greenhouse gas emissions from the race through sponsorships, a percent of the race fee, voluntary contributions from athletes, or other means. |
| E21 | Encourage athletes to support an environmental initiative important to the Event by either volunteering time or donating money. This could be a local environmental project or cause or a national or international environmental charity. |
| E22 | Serve at least some locally grown, fresh food at pre- and/or post-race meals. (We recommend offering organic food as well.) |
| E23 | Provide VIP parking for carpoolers and bicycles. |
| E24 | Get creative. e.g. give an award for the 'greenest' athlete or team; require athletes come to the event only by public transportation; make the race 'carbon neutral', etc. |
| E25 | Introduce one practice that helps conserve water and reduce water waste on the race course. For instance, ask athletes to bring their own bottles and provide water dispensers instead of tables of cups. |
| E26 | Create a category of volunteers that are dedicated to environmental practices, such as recycling and/or composting at the finish. |
