‘Run Off-the-Grid’ Race

• Overview
• Race Details
• Results
• Photo Gallery
• Trail Map
• Sponsors
• Green Initiatives

Green Initiatives

The Run Off-the-Grid is tag lined as the race with the smallest footprint and we take this statement seriously.  We have a number of green initiatives in place to help reduce the carbon footprint of this event and we continue to make improvements every year.

Eco-showers
• The event is hosted at Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge, which is an off-the-grid facility producing the majority of its electrical needs through solar and wind power.  Nature’s Harmony is in the process of obtaining its level 1 green star eco-certification.  We don’t just talk ‘green’, we live ‘green’! 
• Outdoor eco-showers are available to everyone.  Rain water is collected, heated passively by the sun or by fire, and gravity fed into the showers.
• Outdoor composting toilet facilities are available.  Human waste is composted and used in the landscaping at Nature’s Harmony which completes the human nutrient cycle. 
• Drinking water is provided from a natural spring.
• Clearly marked bins are available for waste, recycling and composting.  Doggie bins are also available for doggie waste composting.
• Local produce and meats are purchased from Holden’s Hide Away Farm for the post race meal.  Other local foods, are selected, where practical.  
• All participants, guests and volunteers are asked to bring their own dishes & cutlery to eliminate the use of disposable products.  Dishes are washed by everyone individually using the outdoor sink facility with rain water. Biodegradeable soaps are provided for washing.
• For  2012, we will be looking for biodegradeable race bibs and will purchase biodegradeable cups for the aid stations.
• Carpooling to the event is encouraged and can be facilitated through the Run Off-the-Grid Facebook page.

Composting Toilets
• This event promotes local and environmentally friendly businesses.
• As a way of supporting the local community, proceeds from this event are donated to the Mattawa Food Bank.
• Sustainable Living and Off-the-Grid tours are available throughout the weekend.
• Sustainable Travel International (STI) conducts a yearly carbon footprint assessment of the event. STI provides an estimate of the metric tonnes of carbon emissions produced by the event, primarily associated with vehicle travel to/from the event. STI also provides the cost to fully offset these emissions, through a recognized carbon offsetting program.
• The 2010 Run Off-the-Grid was a carbon neutral event based on STI’s estimates. Thanks to ‘Go off the Grid’, a local company which provides alternative forms of energy, who donated the money required to offset the estimated emissions. Click here to see a copy of the certificate.