All the News That’s Fit

As we prepare for the holiday season, one of the favorite gifts we give and receive is electronics. Be it a new flat-panel TV, laptop, phone, GSP, game station, or whatever, smiles appear when the wrapping paper comes off. We just can’t get enough of this stuff.
And when we do get a new piece of electronics, we typically throw out last-year’s model to make room – and if you’re responsible you recycle that e-waste. You should feel good about recycling these items because many contain lead, cadmium, PVCs and other toxin substances.
But there are a few issues with the process after you drop that gadget off at the recycling center. Some recyclers don’t always do the ethical thing, as 60 Minutes alleged in a report on e-waste November. A vast amount of e-waste actually ends up in China and other countries where it is disassembled in primitive ways that result in serious consequences for the health of the land, air, water, and people. If you haven’t seen this 60 Minutes report yet, then check it out here.
One way to ensure your e-waste is being recycled ethically and responsibly is to use this national directory, provided by the Electronics TakeBack Coalition. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of recyclers in the US that have signed up for the Coalition’s program… at least not yet.
Want to get involved ? Click here for more information.

FitPlanet is thrilled to announce that the inaugural Marin County Triathlon, a Sustainable Sports Foundation event, has been certified as an “Evergreen” event, the highest level of certification awarded by theCouncil 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. “We’re 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 Planet’s 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.

Here are a few of the Marin County Triathlon’s eco-initiatives:
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. Green Swag. 100% organic cotton shirts, reusable race bags, reusable water bottles, and recycled and locally-made finishers medals were provided to all athletes.

5. Green Paper. All paper products were printed on post-consumer recycled material.

6. Local and Organic Food. 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. Giving back to the Community. All net proceeds from the race were donated to charity.

The Council for Responsible Sport’s environmental standard includes five categories for a total of 36 credits plus three additional ‘innovation’ credits, for a total of 39. To receive Evergreen status, an event needs to earn at least 36 credits. The Marin County Triathlon received 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.

Whether you like it or not, this time of year marks the frenzied pinnacle of our culture’s commitment to consumerism. Many of us find the buying of gifts stressful and headache inducing, especially if you are trying to think of a gift for that athlete friend who already has everything. The typical response is to just throw up our hands in exasperation and head to the nearest bike shop to purchase yet another item that will sit, barely used, in their overstuffed garage or closet.

Magazine articles dealing with ‘green’ gifting are hardly helpful, as their suggestions still promote the consumption of yet more products, albeit manufactured in a more sustainable way. While it may be made from bamboo, is that Chinese-made jacket really that eco-friendly?

After giving this subject some thought, I wanted to share some of my suggestions for holiday gifts you might want to consider for your athlete friends.

Turn a race photo into something special. With digital photos, you can now take that great picture of you hugging your spouse after she finishes her first Ironman and transform it into pretty much anything you can imagine (mug, dog leash, mouse pad, snow globe etc.).
Make your own energy bars. On long rides and after workouts, I prefer “real” food over pre-packaged, bomb shelter-worthy energy bars. Well-wrapped, they keep nicely in the freezer. I prefer Moosewood Restaurant’s nut butter granola bars (from their Dessert cookbook). You can search for other recipes worth trying online or make up your own.
Blade their ride. I recently stumbled across the BLADE, a tailpipe attachment that greatly reduces CO2 emissions and increases fuel efficiency. If your athlete friend drives quite a bit to swim practices or races, this might be well appreciated! (Yes, this is on my own list to Santa.)
One-on-one technique sessions. Improved form can make a world of difference in your speed and it sometimes takes a practiced eye to catch necessary changes. If there’s a running or swimming technique guru in your area, buy your athlete friends an individual session. I’d recommend they bring a video camera, as you can absorb only so many suggestions while you’re above lactate threshold!
Massage package. Ahhhhh… massage – so wonderful for recovery. Just make sure you find a good sports or deep-tissue massage therapist. If you’re athlete friends already see a massage therapist, I’d recommend an acupuncture, yoga or pilates package.
Help them eat locally. Buy your athlete friends a share of a local community farm through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project. Every week, they’ll receive a crate chock full of delicious, more nutritious, less CO2-producting produce. Another great option is to buy a yearly membership to your local Cooperative market. Yum… bulk bins.
Carbon offsets. Did your friend do the Laguna Phuket Triathlon? Why not calculate the tons of CO2 they produced to get there and offset their travel by donating to a worthy project?
Make a donation to a worthy organization. For the person who has everything, think about giving a donation in their name to an environmental cause, or a charity that serves the less fortunate. Think about their sporting interests when choosing a worthy cause, such as the Right to Play or Girls on the Run.

While this is by no means an extensive list, hopefully there are a couple of suggestions that might be useful. When thinking of a gift, try to keep the following three characteristics in mind: Sustainability, Practicality and Proximity (buy local!).

Happy Holidays!
Sarah