The 2013 5K Run for Clean Air has pledged to a green run through Active.com partner FitPlanet. In order to obtain certification and achieve the Pledge of Sustainability, the Council has to pledge to perform all of the required practices, and a minimum of four of the elective practices.
REQUIRED PRACTICES
- Reduce paper waste by requiring at least 95% of total pre-registered race field to register online - only option for paper registration is at the event.
- Event website cannot include a downloadable entry form option. (Takes effect within 24 hours of signing the Pledge)
- No mailing of paper registration forms. (Takes effect within 24 hours of signing the Pledge)
- Provide recycling bins at the event and recycle cardboard, paper, plastic and other materials
- Provide information to athletes about public transportation options and/or provide them with ride-share options on your website.
- Provide athletes the option of offsetting their travel to and from event.
ELECTIVE PRACTICES
- Offer a clothing and/or shoe recycling/reuse program (old running shoes and apparel can be recycled and/or contributed to charity organizations)
- All paper used to promote the event is at least 20% post-consumer recycled stock. (We recommend using non-toxic inks.)
- Provide race bags (AKA swag or goodie bags) that are recyclable and/or reusable. (We recommend the bags also be made from recycled materials.)
- No single-use disposable plastic bottles for water or sports drink distributed at the finish line. (We recommend you hand out reusable plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel bottles.)
- Provide green portable toilets that use non-toxic deodorizer and recycled toilet paper and paper towels.
- At least 80% of all marketing and participant communications facilitated through email or website updates instead of paper mail.
- Reuse at least 80% of all signage for the event.
- For new signage, purchase recyclable or biodegradable materials for signs and banners. (We recommend you use non-toxic inks.)
- At least 25% of all power used during the event is supplied from renewable sources such as solar, wind or bio-fuels either directly or indirectly through renewable energy credits or carbon offsets.
- Utilize bicycles, electric scooters, electric motorcycles, or electric/hybrid cars for pace and lead vehicles.
- Provide environmental education as part of expo and/or race-day presentations (e.g. speakers, booth space for environmental organizations, and green product and service companies)
- Provide composting for pre- and post-event meals. (we recommend using biodegradable/compostable tableware as well, such as plates, cups, knives and forks made from PLA.)
- Offset at least 10% of the greenhouse gas emissions from the race through sponsorships, a percent of the race fee, voluntary contributions from athletes, or other means.
- Encourage athletes to support an environmental initiative important to the Event by either volunteering time or donating money. This could be a local environmental project or cause or a national or international environmental charity.
- Serve at least some locally grown, fresh food at pre- and/or post-race meals. (We recommend offering organic food as well.)
- Provide VIP parking for carpoolers and bicycles.