prevention

As triathletes, we go to great lengths to take care of our health. We eat wholesome meals, avoid processed food, take our vitamins, hydrate properly (with a BPA free bottle of course), monitor our heart rate, and make sure we get a solid 8+ hours of rest (well, we try to). We’re active in the outdoors, and never take for granted the fresh air, clean water, and blue sky.
So how could our “healthy” lifestyle actually be hurting the environment? Think of your typical swim-bike-run. From the petrochemicals in a wetsuit, to the toxic bike cleaning chemicals, to the millions of paper cups thrown out at aid stations, our sport needs to green up. The tri-boom is in full swing, race participation is up almost 300% in the last 5 years. This is great news, but the time is right to reflect on what can be done to ensure the health of our planet.
The Council for Responsible Sport (resporting.org) cautions that race promoters often neglect to consider the environmental impact of a triathlon. CRS works with race promoters to promote sustainable practices and to minimize a race’s environmental impact. A growing number of promoters have come aboard, and you can show your support by signing their online petition. (resporting.org/participate/athletes.php)
Vineman is one race that is stepping up in a big way. How, you ask? For starters they’re no longer snail mailing race programs; instead racers can save trees and do everything electronically. In a move inspired by an old ESPN commercial, the one with Lance Armstrong riding the trainer to power ESPN’s office, The Green Athlete himself, Chris Lieto, will provide 100% of the energy need for the expo area and finish line, via a generator attached to his bike. Kidding aside, solar energy, courtesy of Akeena Solar, will be used to power the expo area. Additionally, all waste will be recycled or composted at the venue, and reusable signage will be marking the course. But don’t worry - Vineman isn’t skimping on the food and fun: plates, napkins, bowls, and “goodie bags” will all be made from recycled and reusable materials. Also the very cool Clif Bar “wrapper brigade” will be out in force collecting and recycling energy bar wrappers.
Speaking of The Green Athlete, Lieto is trying to get the word out to people about going green. Chris started an international campaign to help athletes in their effort to live green. (thegreenathlete.typepad.com) Chris is also involved with “Soles for Souls” (soles4souls.org). A campaign to send lightly used running shoes to areas around the world that are in need. Chances are, if you’ve been to a race in recent months where Lieto was competing, you’ve seen the Green Machine. At first glance, this looks like a burly 4 wheel drive, fuel guzzling van. In reality, it’s just the opposite – this van is fueled on biodiesel, and the inside doubles as a camper for Chris to stay in at various races. All amenities in the van other than the engine are 100% solar-powered. It’s a reality for pro triathletes that their careers require them to travel extensively to compete in the big races – Lieto is doing his part to reduce his own carbon footprint by driving, rather than flying, to most events, and then living in his own green hotel on wheels. Next race you see him, stop by and he’ll give you a tour! Check out his Van Cribs videos at www.chrislieto.com. USAT is also getting in on the act. Recently they announced the creation of the four-member Sustainability Task Force to assess USAT’s plan for supporting sustainable racing. The Task Force will be under the guidance of Athletes for a Fit Planet, (afitplanet.com) a great organization dedicated to sustainable racing. Besides racing in a green triathlon what else can you, as an individual, do? While Birkenstocks might shave a few seconds off of your T2, they make lousy racing flats. Fear not! Going green doesn’t require nearly as much sacrifice as you might think. In fact, the new generation of eco-conscious gear will have you wondering how you ever got along before the green revolution.
For starters, check out Art of Tri (artoftri.com), makers of 100% organic casual clothing that “captures the spirit, passion, and dedication of Ironman triathletes and triathlon enthusiasts the world over.” It also looks pretty good too. Their direct aid program guarantees that 5% of all sales are put toward helping kids from less fortunate backgrounds by helping them experience sports. The organic hoodie you buy might help Art of Tri discover the next Little Lieto. They’re truly a company that makes you feel good, inside and out. (Check out our interview with Art of Tri founder, Toby Jones here.)
One of the most eye-catching and innovative green products out there is the Calfee Bamboo Bike. Calfee’s radical bike certainly has the smallest carbon foot- errr, tread print. It’s no gimmick - bamboo has been used in construction for thousands of years and is known for amazing vibration dampening and extreme strength to weight ratio. Bamboo is a lot tougher than most people realize. Calfee backs it up with a 10 year warranty. While there is no Tri-specific model just yet, Patagonia has designed the first eco-conscious wetsuit. While other suits are made from non-renewable, dangerous petrochemicals like polyvinyl chloride. Patagonia’s R series suits (patagonia.com) are made of a patented blend of recycled polyester and lined with bleach-free merino wool; these suits will keep you warm in any conditions. Hopefully the tri-wetsuit manufactures will take notice of the growing demand for greener products.
Brooks has also seen the light, their new BioMoGo takes the long-lasting cushioning of the original MoGo midsole and makes it environmentally friendly with the addition of non-toxic, natural additives. These microbes ensure their shoe is biodegradable in regular landfills, and of course your new shoes arrive in a fully biodegradable, 100% recycled paperboard box that uses non-toxic, soy-based inks. (Brooks.com)
While you’re out training, why not quench your thirst with an environmentally friendly beverage. The U.S. Green Building Council recently named Gatorade the largest "green" food and beverage facility in the world. At 950,000 square feet, the Wytheville, Virginia facility is the largest food and beverage site in the world to be recognized with a LEED Gold Environmental Certification. The award spotlights Gatorade’s continued commitment to water management, respecting the local habitat, and educating employees. Increase your green quotient by drinking Gatorade Endurance from partner company Fuel Belt's BPA-free bottles. Their 8oz size is made for exactly one serving of GEF, and of course the bottles are reusable!
Or perhaps your motivation to train has been lagging. Check out the all new and entirely digital version of Triathlete Magazine. (triathlete-digital.com) Not only does it save paper, but now you can get your Triathlete fix from anywhere you have internet access. You can also download and share articles with just a click.
Finally, proving that you can enjoy high fashion without sacrificing sustainability, Nau clothing makers is back in business! Last May, to the great disappointment of fashion fans and outdoor adventures everywhere, Nau announced that it was closing shop. For a moment it seemed that the world wasn’t ready for a high fashion company that dedicated so much time and effort to sustainability and social responsibility. But after an outpouring of support, Horny Toad Activewear Inc. announced they were acquiring the Portland Oregon based company. Nau 2.0 is gearing up for the Fall/Holliday collection. Check it out! (Nau.com)
Now that you’ve cleaned up the world, it’s time to clean up your hardworking body with the only organic and natural skin care line designed specifically for athletes. Tri-Body Products (skincareforathletes.com) is specially formulated for the needs of athletes who punish their skin with wind, sun, and chlorine. Heather Gollnick is a fan, and if their products are tough enough for her, they’re tough enough for the rest of us.
Remember, green products make for a green planet, and a green planet sure makes a great triathlon course!Evan Piche is spending his summer as an intern at Fuel Belt and Xtri.com. When he isn’t daydreaming about being outside he is outside.


Triathletes: It's EASY Being Green by Evan Piche
As triathletes, we go to great lengths to take care of our health. We eat wholesome meals, avoid processed food, take our vitamins, hydrate properly (with a BPA free bottle of course), monitor our heart rate, and make sure we get a solid 8+ hours of rest (well, we try to). We’re active in the outdoors, and never take for granted the fresh air, clean water, and blue sky. So how could our “healthy” lifestyle actually be hurting the environment? Think of your typical swim-bike-run. From the petrochemicals in a wetsuit, to the toxic bike cleaning chemicals, to the millions of paper cups thrown out at aid stations, our sport needs to green up. The tri-boom is in full swing, race participation is up almost 300% in the last 5 years. This is great news, but the time is right to reflect on what can be done to ensure the health of our planet. The Council for Responsible Sport (resporting.org) cautions that race promoters often neglect to consider the environmental impact of a triathlon. CRS works with race promoters to promote sustainable practices and to minimize a race’s environmental impact. A growing number of promoters have come aboard, and you can show your support by signing their online petition. (resporting.org/participate/athletes.php) Vineman is one race that is stepping up in a big way. How, you ask? For starters they’re no longer snail mailing race programs; instead racers can save trees and do everything electronically. In a move inspired by an old ESPN commercial, the one with Lance Armstrong riding the trainer to power ESPN’s office, The Green Athlete himself, Chris Lieto, will provide 100% of the energy need for the expo area and finish line, via a generator attached to his bike. Kidding aside, solar energy, courtesy of Akeena Solar, will be used to power the expo area. Additionally, all waste will be recycled or composted at the venue, and reusable signage will be marking the course. But don’t worry - Vineman isn’t skimping on the food and fun: plates, napkins, bowls, and “goodie bags” will all be made from recycled and reusable materials. Also the very cool Clif Bar “wrapper brigade” will be out in force collecting and recycling energy bar wrappers. Speaking of The Green Athlete, Lieto is trying to get the word out to people about going green. Chris started an international campaign to help athletes in their effort to live green. (thegreenathlete.typepad.com) Chris is also involved with “Soles for Souls” (soles4souls.org). A campaign to send lightly used running shoes to areas around the world that are in need. Chances are, if you’ve been to a race in recent months where Lieto was competing, you’ve seen the Green Machine. At first glance, this looks like a burly 4 wheel drive, fuel guzzling van. In reality, it’s just the opposite – this van is fueled on biodiesel, and the inside doubles as a camper for Chris to stay in at various races. All amenities in the van other than the engine are 100% solar-powered. It’s a reality for pro triathletes that their careers require them to travel extensively to compete in the big races – Lieto is doing his part to reduce his own carbon footprint by driving, rather than flying, to most events, and then living in his own green hotel on wheels. Next race you see him, stop by and he’ll give you a tour! Check out his Van Cribs videos at www.chrislieto.com. USAT is also getting in on the act. Recently they announced the creation of the four-member Sustainability Task Force to assess USAT’s plan for supporting sustainable racing. The Task Force will be under the guidance of Athletes for a Fit Planet, (afitplanet.com) a great organization dedicated to sustainable racing. Besides racing in a green triathlon what else can you, as an individual, do? While Birkenstocks might shave a few seconds off of your T2, they make lousy racing flats. Fear not! Going green doesn’t require nearly as much sacrifice as you might think. In fact, the new generation of eco-conscious gear will have you wondering how you ever got along before the green revolution. For starters, check out Art of Tri (artoftri.com), makers of 100% organic casual clothing that “captures the spirit, passion, and dedication of Ironman triathletes and triathlon enthusiasts the world over.” It also looks pretty good too. Their direct aid program guarantees that 5% of all sales are put toward helping kids from less fortunate backgrounds by helping them experience sports. The organic hoodie you buy might help Art of Tri discover the next Little Lieto. They’re truly a company that makes you feel good, inside and out. (Check out our interview with Art of Tri founder, Toby Jones here.) One of the most eye-catching and innovative green products out there is the Calfee Bamboo Bike. Calfee’s radical bike certainly has the smallest carbon foot- errr, tread print. It’s no gimmick - bamboo has been used in construction for thousands of years and is known for amazing vibration dampening and extreme strength to weight ratio. Bamboo is a lot tougher than most people realize. Calfee backs it up with a 10 year warranty. While there is no Tri-specific model just yet, Patagonia has designed the first eco-conscious wetsuit. While other suits are made from non-renewable, dangerous petrochemicals like polyvinyl chloride. Patagonia’s R series suits (patagonia.com) are made of a patented blend of recycled polyester and lined with bleach-free merino wool; these suits will keep you warm in any conditions. Hopefully the tri-wetsuit manufactures will take notice of the growing demand for greener products. Brooks has also seen the light, their new BioMoGo takes the long-lasting cushioning of the original MoGo midsole and makes it environmentally friendly with the addition of non-toxic, natural additives. These microbes ensure their shoe is biodegradable in regular landfills, and of course your new shoes arrive in a fully biodegradable, 100% recycled paperboard box that uses non-toxic, soy-based inks. (Brooks.com) While you’re out training, why not quench your thirst with an environmentally friendly beverage. The U.S. Green Building Council recently named Gatorade the largest "green" food and beverage facility in the world. At 950,000 square feet, the Wytheville, Virginia facility is the largest food and beverage site in the world to be recognized with a LEED Gold Environmental Certification. The award spotlights Gatorade’s continued commitment to water management, respecting the local habitat, and educating employees. Increase your green quotient by drinking Gatorade Endurance from partner company Fuel Belt's BPA-free bottles. Their 8oz size is made for exactly one serving of GEF, and of course the bottles are reusable! Or perhaps your motivation to train has been lagging. Check out the all new and entirely digital version of Triathlete Magazine. (triathlete-digital.com) Not only does it save paper, but now you can get your Triathlete fix from anywhere you have internet access. You can also download and share articles with just a click. Finally, proving that you can enjoy high fashion without sacrificing sustainability, Nau clothing makers is back in business! Last May, to the great disappointment of fashion fans and outdoor adventures everywhere, Nau announced that it was closing shop. For a moment it seemed that the world wasn’t ready for a high fashion company that dedicated so much time and effort to sustainability and social responsibility. But after an outpouring of support, Horny Toad Activewear Inc. announced they were acquiring the Portland Oregon based company. Nau 2.0 is gearing up for the Fall/Holliday collection. Check it out! (Nau.com) Now that you’ve cleaned up the world, it’s time to clean up your hardworking body with the only organic and natural skin care line designed specifically for athletes. Tri-Body Products (skincareforathletes.com) is specially formulated for the needs of athletes who punish their skin with wind, sun, and chlorine. Heather Gollnick is a fan, and if their products are tough enough for her, they’re tough enough for the rest of us. Remember, green products make for a green planet, and a green planet sure makes a great triathlon course!Evan Piche is spending his summer as an intern at Fuel Belt and Xtri.com. When he isn’t daydreaming about being outside he is outside.