Reducing our carbon footprint, decreasing waste and improving sustainability
Since 2010 all Bedford Harriers events have utilised Ipico
reusable timing chips. These timing chips are used
repeatedly, only requiring replacement when not returned by
a participant.
Timing chips are secured to runners’ shoes with 100%
biodegradable Kraft paper-covered wire twist ties. At the end
of each race the biodegradable wire twists are removed and
collected for composting.
Additionally, any race entry pack not collected has its wire
twist ties recovered and they are used at the next Harriers
event.
Race packs are no longer mailed to participants. Participants
collect their race packs on race day, thereby saving fuel and
resources that would otherwise be used to deliver them. This
also saves on postal charges which helps to maintain lower
entry fees for participants and generates additional surplus
for the benefit of the event charities.
Un-issued race packs have their contents removed and the
envelopes are recycled.
Baggage tags are manufactured from recyclable card with
sisal string ties. Baggage tags are recovered from any un-
issued race packs and over-stickered ready for use at the
next Harriers event.
Technological advances mean that drinking cups supplied for
use at water stations are manufactured from biodegradable
PLA bioplastic that can be recycled or composted.
Water stations require a tremendous amount of water to keep
runners safely hydrated. Each water station requires 205
litres for each pass of the water station.
Runners have a right to expect that water supplied is of
potable quality and uncontaminated. Water is provided in
recyclable 5 litre bottles. The empty bottles are recyclable but
have also been used to construct a greenhouse at a local
school.
Hygienic rubber gloves for use at water stations and in food
handling & preparation are supplied in cardboard cartons of
100. To avoid unnecessary waste, gloves are repacked (in a
hygienic environment) into reusable zip-lock plastic pouches
in pairs of 10 per pouch.
The cardboard cartons are recycled.
Discarded material collections at water stations, the finish
area and Race HQ use biodegradable refuse sacks.
Plastic cable ties are used in every Harriers event, principally
for the securing of course signage. Trials are currently being
undertaken using releasable and reusable plastic cable ties. If
the trial is successful, this will save resources in the
manufacture of cable ties.
Made from a renewable resource, wooden stirrers eco-
friendly. They are biodegradable, hygienic and are suitable
for stirring in milk, cream or sugar. Wood can handle the high
heat of beverages without transferring any wood taste.
Cold snacks prepared in a hygienic environment are offered
for sale in compostable 37gms brown Kraft paper bags.
Expanded polystyrene foam cups are used for serving hot
drinks. Whilst first appearances may suggest that they are
single use nevertheless a simple but ingenious idea will
provide a sustainable and reusable second life to the humble
cup. Simply pierce the bottom of the cup with the tip of a
pencil to make a small drainage hole thus turning a single
use cup into a reusable seedling/cutting pot for gardeners.
Bedford Harriers AC
