The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. offers suggestions to keep the IRONMAN eco-friendly

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The 2013 Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas will result in more water being consumed than any other competition hosted in The Woodlands. The event will have 50 qualifying age group slots, and each competitor will be drinking approximately 1-1.5 bottles of water per hour. With the maximum time limit for the competition at 17 hours, each competitor will dispose of approximately 25 bottles of water. This doesn’t account for the water consumed by the spectators, and volunteers, and peace officers working the event.

The sheer volume of disposable water bottles will produce a bumper crop for the recycling effort, but the process can be optimized if bottles are left uncapped when emptied, and compressed. This will not only minimize the size of the trash to be handled, it will also separate the two different plastics for recycling.

“What an exciting day to be in The Woodlands! Whether you're a resident or visiting The Woodlands to cheer on the racers, please take advantage of the recycling containers you'll find along the paths, parks and routes, today and everyday,” said Andra Wilcox, President of The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., the Grass Roots Environmental Educational Network, which has been working for a more eco-friendly environment for almost a quarter of a century. “We're so fortunate to be in a community that sees the benefits of reducing waste and encouraging recycling of all sorts of material.”

Wilcox also offered these suggestions regarding the trash generated at the event…

- Carry bio-degradable trash bags for paper or other bio-degradable materials.

- Dispose of plastic, cans, glass, and paper in the appropriate receptacles instead of the trash.

- Use eco-friendly and bio-degradable materials for signs.

“There will be hundreds of amazing volunteers that can help locate the recycling and trash areas,” said Wilcox. “I hope those visiting will get to experience some of the trails, parks and fantastic local restaurants and shops here,” added Wilcox. “While they're exploring, my hope is they'll see the beautiful litter-free pathways and streets and feel the pride the residents have in our hometown.”

For more information about recycling and eco-friendly initiatives, visit the website of The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N.