It was a warm day for this year’s Epic Races Ann Arbor Tri at Halfmoon Lake. With the water temperature at 76 degrees, the swim portion was near perfect. By the time the Olympic distance finishers starting coming in, however, our canopy was up for shade and the Green Team was grateful to be under there instead of out running!
Sure, you’re happy now…
We set up the main Zero Waste Station near the food tents. Additional All Waste boxes were placed at the transition exits, food prep area, in the beer area, and next to the Water Monsters. In addition, three park trash cans in the parking lot were periodically checked and race-related waste was captured.
Big contributors to the Zero Waste effort included compostable plates, cups, and utensils, and two Water Monsters with cups in the finish area, reducing both total waste volume and use of disposable plastic bottles.
Post-race food choices included pancakes with blueberry topping, egg wraps, bananas, popcorn, and ice cream. Beer and sparkling water were also available, with donations going to Lost Voices, which benefits children who have experienced trauma.
Standard waste streams included food waste, compostable plates and cups, cans, cardboard, and boxboard. We also had a smattering of specialty items like race bibs and ankle tags, small plastics like zip ties, and Gu wrappers, which all go to TerraCycle.
Our Green Team consisted of Jeff, Emma, Liz, and two volunteers, Katie and Patrick. Thanks to their hard work, we kept on top of all the various All Waste boxes posted throughout the area and had everything sorted, weighed, and packed up before 1:00, when things really got hot out there.
Total waste was similar to last year’s with 108 lbs. vs. 106 lbs. and slightly higher landfill (5.4 lbs. vs. 3.7 lbs.). This year the aid station bags did show up and we processed them at the station. No lost cups – yay!
We had no “rogue trash cans” like last year, which was great. However, the transition area had an annoying amount of litter on the ground after the athletes left. To improve this next time, we could announce a “please clean up your station” message during the pre-race briefing, add signs to the bike racks, and add more All Waste bins in the area instead of just at the exits.
If you want to see more of the inside scoop of what we do at events, also check out our TikTok where we have videos posted describing what we do best at @happy.planet.running!
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