FreshAirSports has committed to our athletes, our community and the Council for Responsible Sporting to create events that are more environmentally responsible. Our events are part of a handful of "seedling" events across the United States that have taken the lead to test and give feedback to standards created that will culminate in a "Green Responsible Sporting" certification. We are focused on five areas of sustainability:
- Waste
- Climate
- Materials and equipment usage
- Community outreach and education
- Health promotion
Here are some examples of what FreshAirSports is doing thus far in each of these categories at our two main events, Deschutes Dash and Haulin' Aspen:
- Waste: Eliminating single use, plastic water bottles at all events in favor of water/hydration drink in coolers with paper cups. Any food served using paper or plastic products will be done so with recycled and biodegradable sources (e.g., utensils made from corn). Registration for all events is 100% online - no paper registration forms.
- Climate: We will work with local stores such as Whole Foods, Nancy P's Bakery and Cascade Lakes Brewing Company to serve organic and locally grown and/or made food to reduce transportation costs.
- Materials and equipment usage: Patagonia is providing our technical tees and not only are they made from 100% recycled material, but they are also recyclable through the Patagonia "common threads" program. The cotton tees are 100% organic and are printed on soy-based inks. Even our lanyards on our finisher's medals are made from environmentally friendly bamboo! Bike racks and fencing are borrowed from a local sports foundation. While power usage at our events is minimal, we will work with the Blue Sky Program through Pacific Power to provide a renewable energy source.
- Community outreach and education: we will work with REI to provide education to kids during the Deschutes Dash in July. We are also working with organizations such as the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council to provide information to event participants on the health of our local, cherished water resource.
- Health promotion: Deschutes Dash offers a "tri a try" swim wave (sponsored by The Center) to encourage beginner triathletes. We are also hosting a kid's "splash 'n dash" event in connection with our event beneficiary, Working Wonders Children's Museum to encourage kids of all ages to get outside and become active. As part of Haulin' Aspen, we support and encourage walkers to participate in the half marathon.
This is just a beginning. We welcome your input on how to make our events more environmentally sustainable. Please email us with any thoughts and suggestions!
