Green Daily

According to estimations, more than one million people take part in U.S. road races, triathlons, and marathons each year (not to mention smaller races, community fun-runs, and the like). This is great - it means that tons of people are getting active, meeting new people, and appreciating their environment.

Unfortunately, there's a downside (isn't there always?) All of the plastic bottles and bags, paper cups, food waste, and free swag handed out at these events are dumped into huge trash cans (or littered on the road) at the conclusion of the race. Not to mention people who drive and fly to get to the races - take the Boston Marathon, for example. This year, more than 22,000 runners completed the race, many of whom had to travel great distances to get there.

Luckily, there's a new company, Athletes for a Fit Planet, that is committed to making runners, cyclists, and event organizers aware of their potentially huge environmental impact, and how they can keep it to a minimum. I spoke to Bruce Rayner, the "Chief Green Officer" of the company, about some of the environmental concerns that come up at athletic events, and what can be done to combat this issue.