All the News That’s Fit

By Pro Triathlete Sarah Groff

Soon after moving to Boulder, Colorado, in 2005, I was fortunate enough to meet Barry and Jodee Siff, the 5430 Sports race organizers. In addition to hosting some of the most popular running races and triathlons in the US, Barry and Jodee are well-known throughout Boulder as being among the most energetic, friendly people you will ever meet, as well as having a strong environmental ethic in both their professional and personal lives.
They apply this green mindset to the 5430 race series, leading to the formation of Tri Sustainability, with the goal of minimizing the environmental impact of their events. As I am only familiar with their events from the racer’s perspective, I interviewed Barry to provide a better understanding of what it takes to create a sustainable event.

Sarah: Other than for reasons of your own commitment to being environmentally responsible, why would a race organizer take on the additional responsibilities associated with hosting a green race?

Barry: First and foremost, it is the right thing to do. I truly believe that any race director (RD) who lives by this philosophy will benefit in the long run. Aside from that, though, “going green” reflects a higher quality event, in general, and will resonate with a large segment of the triathlon world. Our efforts have been greeted with great excitement and support from our athletes; and, for some races, this could mean increased revenues. Also, “going green” can provide a basis for races to receive additional media exposure, which is good for any event.

Sarah: What do you think is the biggest, highest-impact change that a race organizer can make for the least energy and cost?

Barry: I always suggest to RD’s just starting this type of endeavor to start with small steps; but, I feel the most important – and most obvious – is basic recycling. Our triathlons generate a great deal of paper and cardboard, as well as cups, water bottles, etc. It’s a sin to have this end up in a landfill!

Sarah: As a race organizer in Boulder, you are fortunate to work with an environmentally aware community. Do you think that there is a similar level of interest in the triathlon community in other parts of the country? Have you received positive feedback from race organizers in less-environmentally aware communities?

Barry: You’re right – Boulder is super attentive to this type of effort, as are places like Portland, Oregon, and New England, where lots of similar initiatives are occurring. However, this is not, and should not be, a “Red State-Blue State” matter as one RD at a recent Symposium suggested. Our country can no longer afford to do things the old way. Triathlons and triathletes can take the lead in this area, and be influencers, no matter where they are.

Sarah: Many people seem to suffer a bit from eco-fatigue these days and feel a bit bombarded by green reminders. Why do you think that someone should care about the environmental impact of their athletic pursuits in particular?

Barry: Again, it’s the right thing to do. I agree that “eco-fatigue” can be overwhelming. The above-referenced RD Symposium went on and on about going green, to the point where even those in the crowd who were true believers were turned off. This should not be a preaching type gospel. People need to look at this as a sound business practice. I am currently reading “Green to Gold,” a book that shows clearly how and why we should tie “going green” to a cost benefit. That is, it makes financial sense to a business. Just as races are seeing now that cotton t-shirts are no longer acceptable, that chip timing is the norm, so too will be the greening of events someday – it will be the norm.

Sarah: What kind of positive and negative feedback, in regards to the “greening” of your events, do you get from athletes who do your races? For example: Do athletes feel inconvenienced? Are they more inclined to do the race because of the zero waste goal?

Barry: I can’t honestly say people do our races because we are a leader in sustainability; however, I will tell you that a lot of people tell us how awesome it is. As far as athletes being inconvenienced, we look at a lot of this as education – stuff that our athletes can learn, can experience, and then take home and to work with them. That is why we call our program “Tri Sustainability.” We want people to “try” it, and then take it with them.

Sarah: As athletes, what kind of changes have you made in your own life to live more sustainably?

Barry: Jodee and I recycle and compost to the “t.” We will also do things like recycle baggies, look for ways to lower our water usage. We have fully solar paneled/powered our house, as well as our hot water heater. We use a scooter and our bikes 90% of the time in the warmer months. And, most important, we spread the word and get others involved. We collect bike tubes, energy bar wrappers, and used running shoes at our home/office from our community of athletes, and we help recycle those to companies and people who will use and reuse them.

Sarah: Anything else you’d like to add?

Barry: Yes – SARAH GROFF ROCKS!!!!

Check out Sarah’s Page for Sarah Groff’s racing and environmental blogs.

BarrY Siff (center) and the 5430Sports green team with award

Event Power, Long Island’s premier race organization, is working with Athletes for a Fit Planet to green its nine triathlons, duathlons, and youth events this year, with a special focus on the Mighty Hamptons Triathlon and Mightman

“We are excited to be working with FitPlanet,” said Victoria Belegrinos, Event Power’s Race Director. “Our races are in some of the most scenic places on Long Island. We owe it to our athletes, the local communities, and the planet to be more eco-friendly, and will strive to be in 2009.”

The green focus in 2009 will be on Event Power’s two marquee events: The Mighty Hamptons Triathlon in Sag Harbor, NY, on September 13 and the Mightyman in Montauk, NY, on October 4. The Mighty Hamptons is one of the oldest and most prestigious triathlons in the country and frequently sited as a “must-do” race.

“FitPlanet is proud to be supporting Event Power’s efforts to go green,” said Bruce Rayner, Founder and Chief Green Officer of FitPlanet. “There are a number of eco-friendly practices we’ll be introducing in 2009 with the plan to add more in 2010 and beyond.”

This year, Event Power will focus on reducing the amount of waste going to landfill by implementing a comprehensive recycling program. In addition, Event Power will begin to address the carbon footprint of its races by reducing and offsetting its carbon emissions. Options include encouraging athletes to ride share and to purchase carbon credits to offset the emissions of their travel.

“Each mile you drive produces about one pound of CO2,” said Rayner. “The eco-impact of hundreds of people traveling hundreds of miles quickly adds up. “Ride sharing can cut an event’s carbon footprint nearly in half.”

If you’re an event organizer and want to get up to speed quickly on how to green your event, FitPlanet invites you to view our 60-minute webinar, The Green Racing Revolution – Strategies for Creating Cost Effective Environmentally Responsible Events.

The Webcast was produced in partnership with Active Endurance, which hosts a monthly webinar series for event organizers.

If you’d like a free 30-minute consultation after you’ve viewed the webinar, please contact FitPlanet’s Bruce Rayner to schedule a time at bruce@afitplanet.com or 508-429-0976.

Athletes for a Fit Planet is pleased to announce we’ll be at the Multisport World Conference and Expo at MIT in Cambridge, MA the weekend of March 21-22. In addition to exhibiting, we are also helping the Expo go green.

So come by and check out the FitPlanet technical apparel from Greenlayer and Joneswares made from bamboo, Merino wool, and recycled polyester. Not only is this clothing eco-friendly and great for training, it’s also extremely comfortable.

We’ll also have super lightweight 30 oz. eco-friendly FitPlanet aluminum water bottles from ecoSportsBottle that fit snugly in your bike’s bottle cage. They are a great alternative to plastic bottles.

And we’ll be demoing the Pedal-a-Watt bike trainer that enables you to generate power – and save money on your electric bill – while you workout. Imagine that!

In addition to exhibiting, FitPlanet is supporting the Multisport World Conference and Expo’s efforts to go green. This includes a comprehensive recycling initiative and a plan to reduce and offset the carbon emissions from the event. You’ll even have the opportunity to learn about and purchase FitPlanet NativeEnergy Green Tags to offset the emissions of your travel to and from the Expo. They’re just $2.50 and help fight global warming.

So stop by the booth, say hello, check out the eco-friendly gear, and sign the EcoPledge.

The Multisport World Conference and Expo is your chance to get a jump on the competition this season. There will be demos of the latest tri gear, an indoor bike time trial, and a world-class seminar series. Speakers include Ironman legend and author Scott Tinley, USAT Hall of Famer and Ironman Champion Karen Smyers, famed swim coach Terry Laughlin, and many more valuable sessions.

So mark your calendar now for the Multisport World Conference and Expo, March 21-22, 2009 at the Zesiger Sports & Fitness Center at MIT in Cambridge, MA.

We’ll see you there!

USAT announced on January 7 the partnership with FitPlanet to green its four National Championship events in 2009 plus the launch of the USAT Green Events Directory. Here’s the USAT press release.

01.07.09 — COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Triathlon has expanded its “GoGreen” Initiative and its efforts to offer members access to environmentally friendly events by partnering with Athletes for a Fit Planet in 2009.
As an official supplier and USAT “GoGreen” partner, FitPlanet will be consulting USAT on the sustainability initiative behind its four owned National Championship events in 2009. Also, triathletes interested in racing environmentally conscious events can find races with the Athletes for a Fit Planet Green Events designation on the online USAT sanctioned events calendar.
“USA Triathlon has always taken seriously the responsibility of offering events that are fun, safe and fair for all participants,” said USAT CEO Skip Gilbert. “Our GoGreen Initiative and our partnership with FitPlanet take our responsibility to the next level by offering race directors the resources they need to minimize the environmental impact of their events and educating our members on where to find eco-friendly races in their area. We also want to ensure that our own championship events are conducted in a way that preserves the natural resources in the communities in which we race.”
FitPlanet works with organizers of multisport, running, cycling, and walking events in the United States, Canada, Europe and Africa to implement environmentally responsible practices. They 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. They also work with sponsors and vendors to improve their environmental practices.
“Athletes for a Fit Planet is excited to be working with USA Triathlon,” said Bruce Rayner, the company’s Chief Green Officer. “USA Triathlon’s commitment to communicating the importance of environmental responsibility to its membership is vitally important to the health of the sport and the health of the planet. FitPlanet shares this mission and is looking forward to supporting USAT’s efforts, including helping to green the four USAT owned National Championship events in 2009.”

About Athletes for a Fit Planet
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.
For event organizers we focus on the following:
• Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse: FitPlanet works with you to reduce landfill waste, maximize recycling and composting, and reuse materials and equipment.
• Minimize your Carbon Footprint: FitPlanet provides comprehensive solutions to reduce and offset your event’s greenhouse gas emissions and the emissions from athlete travel.
• Leave No Trace: FitPlanet works with the race organizers and local communities to ensure the race site is left cleaner and healthier than it was found.
• Greening the Supply Chain: FitPlanet helps race directors identify and select eco-friendly sponsors and vendors. We help sponsors and vendors adopt cost-saving, environmentally responsible practices.
• Eco-Certification: In a world where everyone says they are green, the only way to stand out is through certification. We provide a strategic framework and consulting services to help event organizers achieve certification as quickly and as economically as possible.

Learn more about Athletes for a Fit Planet. Contact:
Bruce Rayner
Founder and Chief Green Officer
Tel. 508.429.0976
Cell. 508.380.0868
Email. bruce@afitplanet.com

About USA Triathlon
|USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the national governing body for triathlon – the fastest growing sport in the world – as well as duathlon, aquathlon and winter triathlon in the United States. USAT sanctions 2,500 races and connects with more than 110,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work with athletes, coaches, and race directors on the grassroots level, USAT provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including World Championships, Pan American Games, and the Olympic Games.
About the USAT GoGreen Initiative
USA Triathlon is committed to implementing programs that preserve natural resources and protect the environment via its GoGreen initiative. This commitment is evidenced in USAT’s use of recycled paper in printing projects, offering educational programs to its members, coaches and race directors, in addition to pursuing recycling and environmentally responsible efforts at its national office and championship events. Partnerships with organizations such as Athletes for a Fit Planet, Greenlayer Sports Apparel, and Eco-Sports Bottle ensure that USAT supports and promotes eco-friendly products and services in a manner consistent with the USAT GoGreen initiative.

USA Triathlon Media Contact:
Jason Mucher
Communications & Media Relations Manager
PH: 719-597-9090 ext. 105
FAX: 719-597-2121

FitPlanet hopes you had a Happy Holiday.
Click here if you missed our Holiday Newsletter.

And here’s to a healthy 2009 – for you and the planet!

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

11.9.08 – In the last race of her 2008 season and on the last leg of the race, Sarah Groff took the lead at the San Francisco Triathlon at Treasure Island and never looked back. Beating Beijing Olympian Julie Ertel by almost a minute in the ITU Elite Women's Pan American Cup race, Sarah had the day's strongest 10K run of 37:41 and crossed the finish line in 2:05:49. Ertel took second in 2:06:44 and Rachel McBride of Canada took third in 2:07:16.
The win puts Sarah in 4th place overall in the ITU World Cup standings and 2nd place inthe USAT’s 2008 Haul for the Wall race series.
Athletes for a Fit Planet is proud to be sponsoring Sarah. We are offsetting the carbon emissions from her travels to all the ITU World Cup races she competes in. Like all ITU elite triathletes, Sarah typically travels once or twice a month to races around the world. A committed environmentalist, she recognizes that we all need to do our part to reduce and offset global warming.
Sarah has some much deserved downtime for the next few weeks before starting her training for the 2009 season. Her long-term triathlon goal? The 2012 London Olympics.
Congratulations Sarah on a great win! Here’s to a stellar season in 2009.

09.18.08 Athletes for a Fit Planet is pleased to announce it has teamed up with NativeEnergy, Inc. to offer high quality carbon offsets that will help mitigate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from athletes’ travel to and from races and events.

FitPlanet will debut the offset program at two events this weekend: USA Triathlon’s Age Group National Championship on Saturday, September 20, in Portland, Oregon, and at the Jarden Westchester Triathlon on Sunday, September 21 in Rye, New York. FitPlanet Offset stickers will be available for sale for only $3 each, which offsets 300 lbs of GHG emissions.

By purchasing FitPlanet stickers athletes can help NativeEnergy’s new renewable energy and emissions reductions projects get to the finish line. NativeEnergy focuses on new Native American, farmer-owned, and community based renewable energy projects that create social, economic and environmental benefits to counteract carbon pollution and energy use.

“FitPlanet is pleased to be working with NativeEnergy because of the integrity of the company’s business practices and its social mission of supporting local communities,” said Bruce Rayner, FitPlanet’s Chief Green Officer.

Money raised from selling FitPlanet Offset stickers at the Westchester Triathlon will go to fund a landfill gas-to-energy project in Colonie, New York. Proceeds from FitPlanet Offset stickers sold at the USAT Triathlon Age Group National Championship will go to support the Cascade Sierra Solutions trucking efficiency project in Oregon, which helps truck drivers improve the efficiency of their vehicles thus reducing CO2 emissions.

“When done right, as NativeEnergy has, offsets are an important tool to help reduce global emissions and can encourage sustainable economic development,” said Rayner.

About NativeEnergy
NativeEnergy leverages market demand for carbon offsets to bring on line new Native American, family farmer and community-owned renewable energy projects, NativeEnergy offers third party verified and certified renewable energy credits and offsets from a variety of operating projects across America and internationally. Through its novel approach of bringing upfront payment to renewable projects for the estimated future carbon offsets, NativeEnergy enables its clients to help directly finance the construction of specific new wind farms and other renewable energy projects. NativeEnergy continues to focus on real, additional offsets that provide both an environmental and a social benefit, for both people and planet. More information is available at www.nativeenergy.com.