Zero Waste Event - Strategy

Strategy

ZeeWee's utilize many if not all of the following strategies.

Front-end Waste Prevention

• Eliminating race packets in favor of emailed sponsor coupons for participants;
• Eliminating commercial bottled water distribution in favor of bulk water stations and compostable cups;
• Purchasing recycled content products, from event t-shirts to paper products; and
• Providing discounted entries or incentives for participants who travel to the event using alternative transportation

Reuse of Event Equipment

• Reusable, weatherproof banners and stands;
• Adaptable date panels on banners and signs so they can be reused year after year; and
• Use of durable dishware "lending libraries" instead of always buying disposables.

Recycling Event Materials

• Many items from food-soiled paper, cardboard, bottles and cans, plastic tarps to corrugated polypropylene signs can be recycled depending on the services available in a given municipality or county. In many cases such services are less costly than disposal of the same items; and
• Where programs require subsidy, ZeeWee organizers may use a "green fee" to help move the event toward sustainability by paying for waste reduction, buying recycled products, or more recently purchasing carbon offsets.