All the News That’s Fit

In my advertising days, I wanted new stuff all the time– I’d turn my nose up to “used stuff”– I’d spend the extra money on something brand-spanking new, use it/wear it for MAYBE a year and be onto the next new thing. My old stuff…well, I’d throw it out or store it away (packrat anyone??). When I moved to Boulder in 2006 and since then, I’ve been more conservative with my money- understanding where it went and how it was spent. The new, new, newness of items seemed almost foolish. When I became more aware of the environmental costs of making products…buying new ALL the time wastes so much energy. If knowledge combined with action equals wisdom…I am a wiser consumer…SECONDHAND is the way to go.

Next time you’re in the market for something new, consider secondhand stuff! Remember- if it is new to you, it’s still new! And by buying used merchandise, you are helping reduce the environmental costs associated with the manufacturing and distribution of new products.

Check out your local consignment, thrift, and secondhand retailers to find all kinds of treasures: furniture, housewares, clothing, artwork, jewelry. For those of you into triathlon– THE PROs CLOSET (theproscloset.com) is an awesome resource for used triathlon gear (and it’s quality stuff people).

Make the rounds at community tag sales, or find used items for sale online at places like eBay and craigslist. Better yet- register online at Freecycle and items for free!!

Enjoy your day!! Have fun shopping!!

This release was sent out to our friends in the media June 4 at 2:30 pm EST…

June 4, 2010 – Athletes for a Fit Planet LLC, a leading provider of environmental services to athletic events, is excited to announce that the Special Olympics Connecticut 2010 Summer Games is the first event to take the Multiday Event Pledge of Sustainability. Details of the Games’ Pledge can be found on the FitPlanet Green Events Calendar.

“Up until now, we have provided event organizers of road races, triathlons, and other mass-participation events with a single-day Pledge of Sustainability so they can publically commit to and communicate their intentions for greening their events,” said Bruce Rayner, Chief Green Officer, Athletes for a Fit Planet. “The Multiday Pledge expands on our single-day Pledge to include the environmental impact of accommodations, food service, and event transportation that address the complexities of multiday events such as the Special Olympics.”

The Special Olympics Connecticut 2010 Summer Games takes place June 11-13 at Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT. The University will provide room and board for over 2,000 athletes over the three-day event. Special Olympics and the university will provide transportation for athletes, family members and spectators between the event venues.

“Special Olympics Connecticut is committed to being environmentally responsible and FitPlanet’s Pledge of Sustainability provides us with a way to formalize and communicate that commitment. Our hope is that more and more individuals will take note and become more aware of what we are trying to accomplish.” said Laurie-Jean Hannon, Vice President of Games & Sports Development.

FitPlanet’s Multiday Pledge of Sustainability includes nine required items in three categories: event operations, accommodation and food services, and transportation. It was created for tournaments, games, camps, stage races and any type of event that last more than one day, according to Rayner.

The Pledge includes a commitment to measure the event’s environmental impact in these three areas and to implement specific initiatives to reduce the waste, carbon and water footprints. Events have the option to do more than the nine required items by adding electives to their Pledge.

The Special Olympics Connecticut Summer Games has pledged to the nine required items plus an additional 10 electives.

ABOUT ATHLETES FOR A FIT PLANET
Athletes for a Fit Planet LLC is a leading provider of environmental services to organizers of athletic events, including running, multisport, cycling and walking events. Fit Planet’s Pledge of Sustainability and Green Events Calendar provide a cost-effective way for event organizers to communicate their environmental practices to athletes. The Green Events Calendar is a tool for athletes to help them make informed decisions about the events they participate in. FitPlanet also offers environmentally-responsible companies creative marketing solutions for reaching the athlete community.

ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS CONNECTICUT
Since 1969, Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) has been changing attitudes and changing lives through year-round sports training and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. SOCT currently serves 12,514 athletes (with intellectual disabilities) and partners (without intellectual disabilities) from across the state. Athletes and partners compete in 22 different Olympic-type sports thanks to over 100 local coordinators, 900 coaches and 10,000 additional volunteers.

Weblinks
www.afitplanet.com
www.soct.org

Media Contacts
FitPlanet Contact: Bruce Rayner, 508-429-0976 or bruce@afitplanet.com
Special Olympics Connecticut Contact: Laura Gremelsbacker, 203-230-1201 x240 or LauraG@soct.org

Click the link below to see live footage from one of the 12 video cameras BP has placed around the Deepwater Horizon wellhead.
While it’s hard to endure, FitPlanet suggests you take a few moments to watch the worst environmental disaster in American history unfolding and to think about one action you might take to reduce your dependence on oil.

Compelling TV from 5,000 feet under the Gulf of Mexico, courtecy of BP