Co-written by Manon von Kaenel

What began as an idealistic brainchild born by several United States Olympic athletes, has become a full-fledged and inspired campaign to reduce Team USA’s environmental footprint. The “Green Ring” program, first discussed in January of this year, was officially announced on July 9^th. The goal of “Green Ring” is for USA’s Olympians to lead “green” lifestyles and motivate others to do the same. In order to achieve this goal, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) has established four main focus areas: energy, greenhouse gas, waste, and water reduction.

What Team USA is Doing:

Carbon neutral travel

Team USA will be the largest team traveling with a carbon neutral commitment. As a means for equalizing the environmental damage caused by flying hundreds of Olympians, trainers, coaches, and assistants to London, the USOC has chosen several environmental organizations to financially assist. Through these donations, Team USA will offset the carbon emitted by their aircrafts.

What You can Do:

Follow Team USA’s lead and become carbon neutral. If you take a flight, calculate the energy consumed and either physically plant or donate money to an organization that will plant trees. More trees means less carbon in the atmosphere. Or, avoid flying all together! Plan local trips and make use of public transportation and biking.

 

What Team USA is Doing:

Electronic medical records

In order to cut back on paper usage, all U.S. Olympic medical records will be converted to digital form for the very first time. From now on, new medical entries will be entered via computer so no paper will be necessary.

What You Can Do:

Instead of printing out those lecture slides for econ, use your laptop to take notes. You can save a lot of paper by simply using your laptop! If you have to print something out, print double sided and use recycled paper.

What Team USA is Doing:

Bike station at Team USA House

Team USA’s hospitality center in London will feature its very own bike station where athletes and guests can rent bikes for transportation free of charge.

What You Can Do:

Walk, bike, BART but don’t drive that car! You can stay in shape, enjoy the beautiful scenery and weather, and reduce GHG emissions all by either walking or biking to your destination. Public transportation is another fantastic alternative to cars. People watching is one of the best forms of entertainment AND inspiration. Have writer’s block? Just catch a ride on the BART, soak in the medley of eccentric characters and BOOM! Writer’s block gone! You now have an entire creative writing piece in the bag thanks to that vibrant neon yellow and pink haired man with a mysterious aura and pensive brow.

 

What Team USA is Doing:

Anheuser-Busch water conservation efforts

Team USA and Anheuser-Bush are encouraging all athletes to go “a la naturel” and skip the shave. Additionally, athletes are encouraged to cut down on time spent in the shower. With less water used for showering and shaving, an estimated 1.2 million gallons have already been saved by Team USA.

What You Can Do:

Spend less time in the shower, shave less often, have shower “buddies”, pause the showerhead when you are shampooing your hair, and use a low-pressure showerhead. Plus, it’s amazing how much time you can free up with a shorter shower! How do you think the Olympians stay so fit?

Team USA is proving how it’s important to aim for more than just the gold. After all, the “green” medal is the most honorable prize of all.

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