It’s been awhile since I wrote a post with a green focus. With St. Patrick’s Day fast approaching, I thought it was time for another and was inspired during Denver’s Running of the Green 7K yesterday.
While tying my timing chip to my shoe laces, I was reminded of how technology has changed the racing world. Stop watches have been replaced with digital clocks and timing chips so you know your true race time (sad to say I did not break any records – so much for the luck of the Irish). I give props to the racing community for “going green” and recycling chips for future races.
However, while pinning my bib to my t-shirt I could not help but ask the question, “Why do races still have bibs?” Yes, it identifies you have paid for the race (so do timing chips) and helps race photographers earn money on race photos (Do people really buy race photos?), but you must admit that given most bibs end up in the trash bins, they are not included in the green process. If bibs are a necessary evil, race promoters should print them on recycled paper or have bib recycling bins next to the chip recycling bins.
Bibs may be tradition, but I say it is time for the racing community to take the next green step to reduce the racing carbon footprint. Eliminate bibs, save paper. What else could we do to eliminate waste with racing bibs? Let me know your thoughts and keep on running.
We are always striving for a greener tomorrow and will continue to periodically have green themed posts.
Additional Green Posts:
The Green Inauguration
Should the USDA Certify Electronics
