Evotri Project

Part of the latest Evotri team contest is to think of an event or project for Evotri. My idea is for Evotri to propose and adopt standards for becoming more environmentally friendly. As triathletes, we need a clean environment for swimming, biking and running and since we often compete in other people’s neighborhoods, we need to be aware of and minimize our impact. We have the opportunity to race in some beautiful locations and we should strive to protect those areas.

By reviewing the Council for Responsible Sport (CRS) event guidelines, I have developed a set of guidelines for individuals and teams to adopt. CRS has organized their metrics into five categories: Waste, Climate, Materials and Equipment, Community and Outreach, and Health Promotion. While my guidelines aren’t the same, they can be grouped into the same categories.

Waste – How much waste is recycled or reduced? Do you mix your own sport drink or do you buy premixed? What about gels? Do you buy the individual packets or do you use a gel flask and buy the larger gel bottles? Do you recycle your water bottles, shoes, tires, tubes and clothing?

Climate – Do you drive alone to races or do you ride your bike or car pool? If carbon offsets are available, do you purchase them?

Materials and Equipment – When you upgrade or replace old equipment, do you give away or sell your old equipment? Do you buy clothing made with recycled materials?

Community and Outreach – When racing, do you pick up all your trash and dispose of it appropriately? Do you only drop supplies in designated areas? Do you pick up trash during your training rides and runs?

I think if we all make a couple changes we can have a positive impact.