Your immediate next steps to transition an event from “Needs Attention” to “The Green Standard”:
Month 1
Adopt a cupless policy
Audit your hydration needs. Mandate that runners bring their own vessels, and replace plastic bottles at checkpoints with high-flow water refill stations.
Month 2
Build a sustainable registration flow
Embed mandatory travel planning questions directly into registration and volunteer forms to establish an upfront commitment device. Integrate Trees Not Tees or Ecologi as default opt-out mechanisms for apparel.
Month 2
Establish an emissions tracking baseline
Use the TrailCred or Sustainable Sport calculator to estimate your baseline carbon footprint before ordering materials or signing catering agreements.
Month 2
Appoint a ‘Green Team’ leader
Designate a specific volunteer or staff member to own your sustainability policy, manage post-race carbon data validation checks, and oversee waste separation.
Month 3
Utilise reusable trail/course markers
Ban single-use plastic hazard tape. Transition fully to reusable flags, wooden directional signs, or barrier tape wound on reels that can be collected and stored for next year.
post-race
Publish and share your scorecard
Post your final carbon footprint data and sustainability outcomes publicly on your registration page using a tool like SkootEco or a free Facebook graphic to demonstrate transparency and commitment.