The Rio2016™ Olympics are officially upon us. The medal race is on. No matter the location, putting this mega-event on is an exercise in logistics and resources. As such, many question the general sustainability of the Olympics. You don’t think that the world would create something so awesome without wondering how the Olympics is going to hold itself accountable. Well, here are several ways the Rio2016™ Olympics have sustainability planned.
As you may know, sustainability comes in many shapes and sizes. The Olympics is aimed at protecting the environment before, during, and after the exciting games. Basically, from the inside-out, you will find there are several programs in place. They have set a standard for themselves and everyone is looking forward to how they see it through.
Taking care of the planet
While the Olympics are a big deal, our Earth is a big deal too. The games bring about a lot of people and it can leave a high impact on the environment. The mission of the Rio2016™ Olympics is to deliver a low impact to the environment. Here are some ways the Olympics have taken care of the sustainability promise since the start of prepping for the 2016 games.
- Buying 100% certified wood. This wood can be traced back to sustainable logging efforts.
- Sustainable headquarters. Once the Rio2016™ Olympics are over, the temporary building that houses the headquarters can be removed. At least 80% of the material will be used on future builds. Keep in mind that the current headquarters are also super-efficient.
- Sustainable choices. When the Olympics committee made a decision, it was always with sustainability in mind and having a low impact on the environment.
Loving all people
The Rio2016™ Olympics has a mission to not only sustain the Earth, but to also sustain the people involved in the Olympics. By embracing diversity, the games will be better overall. The Olympic committee went above and beyond by including everyone, even those with specific impairments. Get this…all 700,000 volunteers have even gone through training to make sure the mission of diversity, inclusion and accessibility exceeds everyone’s expectations.
Creating a better Rio de Janeiro
Not that Rio de Janeiro isn’t awesome already, but the 2016 Rio Olympics is bringing so much more opportunity to the city. There have been free English speaking classes available to those involved in the games. There are also TONS of opportunites, of course, available to helping those who are volunteering. Courses that the people of Rio de Janeiro may not have had access to otherwise. Part of the sustainability of the Olympics is not only leaving the environment, better but leaving the humans of the world with better opportunities in life.
Making good choices
Think about it. Sustainability is about making GOOD choices. Every time you turn around, there’s an important choice to be made. Asking how something will affect the environment is an important question and one that has been asked many times during this season of Olympic prep.
- Even when it comes to who they hire, the Olympics has sustainability in mind.
- Sustainability Management Plan. There is actually an SMP plan in place to help ensure the 2016 Olympics projects and initiatives go as planned. There are also sustainability reports available.
- Carbon emissions. Cutting emissions is a huge thing, especially for the Olympics. This year’s Olympics has focused on reducing emissions by using biodiesel from recycled cooking oil, cutting transportation time and plans to mitigate 100% of the emissions generated by the Olympics.
Working as a team
The Rio2016™ Olympics has been in the making for several years. They have covered all grounds when it comes to sustainability planning. From having teams in place to putting words into action. The best part about the sustainability of the Olympics is seeing them work as a team. Everyone is coming together to ensure this is the most sustainable, yet most enjoyable Olympics yet.
An evolution of sustainability
Keep in mind that sustainability has always been the goal, but Rio2016™ is the ultimate implementation. Everything that is being done at the Olympics has something to do with making sure it is sustainable. Nothing is done without the thought of how it is impacting the earth on a temporary or long-term basis.
How you can be a part of the solution
The Rio2016™ Olympics has made a giant effort to ensure they have created a sustainable environment. It’s important to leave a legacy of keeping our Earth whole and not polluted. There are ways you can be a part of the solution as well.
- Don’t litter. It’s not the movies – don’t throw your trash on the ground. Find a trash can to throw your trash away. If you see trash on the ground, pick it up.
- Treat others nicely. The Olympics are bound to be a melting pot full of all religions and diversity. When it comes down to it, don’t be afraid to treat others nicely. It will make a world of difference if you take this kind of sustainability step.
- Be helpful. When it comes to something like the Olympics, you really never know what kind of situation could come up. Make sure you’re trying to be helpful in any way you can.
- Think about your travel plans. When you are headed to the Olympics, make sure you stick with companies who are sustainable. This is your best effort in helping to make sure the sustainability goal remains in place.
- Don’t waste things. It seems to be the natural thing to do – waste what you’re not using. Keep in mind that the people of Rio aren’t used to such wasteful mannerisms. Try to use what you take and don’t be wasteful. Offer others what you cannot use for yourself. Don’t just throw something away.
Rio2016™ will go down in history as one of the biggest sustainability efforts. With what you’ve learned and how you can contribute, this can be a successful game! Remember that you can still have fun and be sustainable at the same time. From the programs the SMP has put into place to you throwing trash away – everyone working together can leave the earth intact, even after the Olympics.
Will you be watching the Olympics to see if they stick to their commitment to sustainability?
Feature image credit: lazyllama / Shutterstock