Environmental Performance Best Ever at Grand Island

The 2010 Grand Island event achieved its best environmental performance in its six year history.  No litter was found on the course by the sweeps.  Only one small kitchen size bag of trash was produced for nearly 700 runners/spectators.  The organic banana peels were delivered to a nearby community farm where they were fed to the pigs, much to their squealing delight.  The bagasse cups used in the 10K and the finish line were all collected and delivered to the Hiawatha National Forest Native Plant Restoration Program, which uses them as plant plugs for wildflowers planted on the island - so they will see a reuse before biodegrading into the soil.  All the #2 plastic containers from the HEED energy drink mix were recycled.  The 10K shirts were made of Organic Cotton and sewn in the U.S.  All registration was conducted online.  All awards (ceramic and glass medallions, maple syrup) were purchased from local artists and farmers.  The course markers were all set using a bike/BOB trailer and picked up by sweepers on mountain bikes.  Thanks go the local Anna River Peddlers Bike group in this regard.  Thanks also, to all the runners who helped to make this event as green as possible.