GREAT SUCCESS FOR THE SIXTH EDITION OF THE “ECOLOTOR” PROJECT DEDICATED TO FIGHT FOOD WASTE AND LITTERING, WASTE PREVENTION, RECYCLING, AND THE USE OF SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
Over 80% of waste was sorted for recycling, proper collection of organic waste, and the fight against food waste to prevent littering at the end of the event: these are the actions that EcoLoTor ensured once again to maintain the environmental sustainability of TORX® 2023.
Following the excellent results achieved in previous editions, the project promoted by VDA Trailers and Cooperativa E.R.I.C.A. continues to promote environmental criteria and sustainability procedures that have been tested since the first edition of the project.
This year, the initiative was further enhanced by the proper collection of organic waste at all refreshment points during the event.
EcoLoTor 2023, as tradition dictates, followed several guidelines: first and foremost, a thorough analysis of supplies was conducted with the goal of reducing overall waste production at the source.
Supplies were carefully selected, giving preference to material reuse, evaluating the recyclability of waste, as well as the presence of durable, certified, and biodegradable materials, thanks to the collaboration with Duni BioPak, which supplied doggy bags to Courmayeur’s dining establishments to combat food waste.
Building on past experiences, recycling works when collection points are clear, well-communicated, visually appealing, and, most importantly, staffed. For this reason, eco-islands have been set up with all the different waste fractions, such as paper and cardboard, aluminum, steel, plastic, organic waste, and batteries, at all life bases and major intermediate refreshment points.
These stations are accompanied by informative signage containing instructions for proper disposal. Additionally, the fight against littering, which involves the abandonment of small waste items along the race route by fans and hikers, continued in this edition.
Roberto Cavallo, CEO of E.R.I.C.A. and former spokesperson for the EcoLoTor project in previous editions, has created several video tutorials aimed at educating and raising awareness among all the main event participants. These tutorials cover athletes and their supporters, providing guidance on how to separate and sort the main waste items generated.
They also target the VolonTOR, offering clarification on how to properly separate all waste produced in the main service areas (kitchen, massage and medical area, rest area), with a specific focus on organic waste. Furthermore, Cavallo has produced two more general videos on sustainable sports events and the Carta di Courmayeur.
VDA Trailers, through the EcoLoTor project, is one of the signatories of the “Charter for Sustainable Sports Events.” This charter arose from the collective need of both national and international signatories to emphasize the importance of environmental preservation and the necessity of adopting objectives aimed at making temporary events like sports competitions ecologically sustainable.
Only through a different and innovative operational strategy, one that is mindful of the use of natural resources and the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems, can we counteract the ongoing environmental degradation and depletion.
The words of Roberto Cavallo, Environmental Ambassador of the Tor: “This year, we resumed the EcoLoTor project at full capacity after the forced hiatus and the subsequent restrictions due to Covid. I’d like to extend my thanks to the local communities, SubATO, and waste collection operators for their significant collaboration, which, combined with the dedication of the VolonTOR, enabled us to effectively organize separate waste collection, surpassing 80% everywhere. We are restarting with renewed enthusiasm for the next edition, following the path laid out by the Carta di Courmayeur, which remains our reference point.”
“For several years now, in collaboration with ERICA Soc Coop, we have been working to raise awareness among all the individuals associated with our events: from the runners to the supporters, from the spectators to the VolonTOR,” explains Alessandra Nicoletti, President of VDA Trailers.
“TORX® is a major event, both in terms of its impact on the region and the number of people involved. Managing to reduce food waste, handle waste effectively, and above all, leave no trace of the passage of so many people in the area is extremely challenging. However, every year we manage to improve, thanks to our collaboration with the municipalities, the VolonTOR, and the EcoLoTor team.”
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