March 11, 2009
‘Going Green’ at the U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships
Stratton Mountain, VT – The 28th annual Burton U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships will once again take place at Stratton Mountain March 16-22. This is not only the longest running event in professional snowboarding but the most tradition laden as well. However, tradition doesn’t have to come at the expense of sustainability and taking a more holistic approach to protecting the environment.
You don’t have to be a seal saving, tree hugging, patchouli wearing hippy to know that the days of material excess are long gone and that being a steward of our planet is something that should be expected of everyone. Big events like the Open are certainly not perfect, but this year Stratton Mountain and Burton Event organizers have implemented some creative programs and strategies to help reduce the ecological footprint of the event.
- Carpool Raffle: On the big days (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) indigenous ‘Carpool Yetis’ will be roaming their parking lot territories seeking out cars with four or more individuals in them. Get spotted doing the right thing and every member of your carpool will receive a raffle ticket. Each day a winner will be drawn for a 2010 Burton Green Mountain Project (Their line using sustainable and recycled fabrics and materials) Jacket!
- Bags for Beanies Program: In an attempt to keep the contest site clean and free of debris and to make sure the recyclables end up in the proper bin, “Bags for Beanies” cleanup initiative will be in effect all weekend. Turn in a bag of trash or better yet a bag of recyclables to the Open Info Center and get a limited addition U.S. Open Beanie in return.
- Compostable Corn Product Utensils: Will be used throughout the venue and resort during the duration of the event and beyond. These eating utensils are already standard fare across Stratton’s base lodges and food and beverage locales.
- Single Stream Recycling: For those who didn’t know, Stratton utilizes a Single Stream recycling program, meaning ALL recyclables may be thrown into one single container; taking the sorting out of the public’s hands and increasing the participation. This year, recyclables from the event will be collected and redeemed with the profits going to Burton’s Project Chill which provides opportunities to disadvantaged urban children.
Stratton and Burton urge visitors and participants in this year’s U.S. Open to open their minds and use their heads. For more information about Stratton’s environment and initiatives, visit www.stratton.com/community/environment. For more information about the U.S. Open including the carpool raffle, please visit www.usopen-snowboarding.com.
