Newsletter #9 - Eco-responsability at Unicon 17

 

Hello fellow unicyclists,

 

Today we present something at the heart of the Unicon 17 organization team and that is a first in the 30-year history of Unicon. With Kris Holm Unicycles, a 1% For the Planet Ambassador and Unicon 17's Sustainability Spokesperson, the organization team is working to minimize the impact of UNICON on the environment.

 

As a rapidly growing sport, it is important that the unicycling community respects our society and the environment. Making UNICON greener is a first step to demonstrate that alternative sports communities like ours can influence athletes and participants alike to act responsibly

 

But what exactly does that mean? What is sustainability?

It means all of us working together through small measures that collectively add up to a big effect. To help with this goal, Unicon organizers have obtained 3rd party certification through Athletes for a Fit Planet, an organization dedicated to promoting environmentally sustainable sport events.

 

"FitPlanet provides customized environmental consulting and on-the-ground support to organizers of events in North America and the UK. From road races and triathlons to golf and hockey tournaments we help them reduce their environmental footprint and communicate their event's sustainability practices to hundreds of thousands of potential participants and fans."

 

This involves taking a "Pledge of Sustainability" including measures such as:

• Paper Waste Reduction
• Only use paper of > 20% recycled stock
• No Paper Registration & 100% Online registration
• Recycling Bins at all venues
• Recyclable Swag bags for participants
• No single-use bottles
• One practice to reduce water waste
• Serve locally grown/fresh food
• Donate unused food
• Composting for pre-/post-event meals
• Cheap parking for participants carpooling to Montreal.
• Promote public transportation as the main use of transportation
• Electric/human powered vehicles for lead vehicle
• Environmental education to participants and the publicGet creative and find new ways to promote sustainable thinking

 

What can I do to make Unicon 17 more responsible towards the environment and society?

• Minimize waste and recycle items where possible
• If you can't recycle it, put your trash in the correct garbage bin
• Don't waste food, much resources can be saved that way
• Minimize the use of disposable containers (e.g. reuse bottles, plates, utensils).
• Minimize water usage (e.g. when showering at the Collège de Maisonneuve)
• Be respectful towards the inhabitants of the city, be a good example for all unicyclists
• Be respectful towards the built urban environment (e.g. railings, park benches, etc.)
• Support eco-friendly, local and small businesses during your stay in Montreal
• Save clothes: go naked! ;)

 

"As the owner of a unicycle brand that donates 1% of revenue to environmental conservation I can say that practicing sustainability takes work – work that we can only do together. So along with our unicycles let's bring to Montreal a way of doing things that helps keep this city as beautiful and green as when we arrive."

 

Kris Holm
1% For the Planet Ambassador
Unicon 17 Sustainability Spokesperson