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The 5K Run for Clean Air has made the pledge of sustainability, committed to paperless registration, organic materials, recyclable chips, and making this event zero-waste.

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The 2011 5K Run for Clean Air has been certified as a green run by 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. The Council has planned to go above and beyond the required practices and four elective practices and take ALL the recommend actions listed below:

Required eco-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 eco-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.