Another tremendous Zero Waste year at Happy Planet Running has come to an end, and here’s the summary scoop on it!
We performed Zero Waste services for 39 events in 2023, tying the record with 2019 for the most events served. We diverted 11,383 pounds of waste – nearly six tons – from landfill, with only 472 lbs. actually going to landfill, for a diversion rate of 96 percent.
Many thanks to our clients RF Events, Epic Races, Tris4Health, the Ann Arbor Track Club, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Kurtis Sports Management, and myTEAM TRIUMPH for choosing to go sustainable at their events, and hiring Happy Planet Running to get them there.
Many thanks also to staffer Debbie, and the interns from Program in the Environment (PitE) at the University of Michigan (Charlie, Connor, Kaylee, Emma, Alex, Becca, and Rachael) who not only helped out at events, but helped revamp the HPR website, documented our model for sustainable events for others to use, worked on an upcoming newsletter, and boosted our presence on social media. Couldn’t have done it without you all!
Here’s Charlie finishing third overall at the Grand Rapids Triathlon this year! Great work, and good luck at your new job in sustainability in California!
We were also thrilled to be part of supporting some great charities, among them North Star Reach (at Swim to the Moon), which gives kids with medical issues a summer camp experience, myTEAM TRIUMPH, which gives disabled athletes the support they need to participate in triathlons, and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.
Below are the charts with the data, because everyone loves data on Zero Waste. They reflect continued recovery from the pandemic in terms of events held, and attendance, with a corresponding increase in total waste per event. Waste per attendee also increased slightly, due to a few new large events this year that provide a lot of great swag and post-race refreshments.
First, a breakdown by event this year, followed by the seven year trend charts. (Yep, seven years! How about that?) Run Woodstock, as always, took the crown for most event waste processed (although not a record for it), to as low as 57 lbs. total for a two-day event (The Legend). Details on all of these races are posted on this website, if you’d like more information on any of them.
And things will pick right back up at the end of January, with the Bigfoot Snowshoe 5K/10K in Traverse City, with at least one event per month for all of 2024. Happy New Year, and see you all at the races!
All the best for 2024 and beyond,
Jeff & the HPR team
Happy Planet Running 