WINTER X GAMES 11 RESULTS
X Games Environmentality™: Eco-Action through Action Sports.
ASPEN, Colo. – ESPN Winter X Games 11 has expanded upon a steadfast commitment to environmental responsibility through X Games Environmentality (XGE) and proactive support from Aspen Skiing Company as well as other local partners. After the successful launch of XGE in 2005, X Games continues to set the standard for environmental excellence in the production of sporting events.
Results from the Winter X Games 11 indicate that ongoing program refinements and increased staff and spectator participation were impactful: nearly 68 percent of the event’s waste was recycled or composted after being segregated on-site —an 18-percentage point improvement over Winter X 10.
High diversion levels would not have been possible without the inclusion of a composting program to divert organic materials. One of the previously most trash-intensive operations—staff catering—where thousands of employees and volunteers eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily in the week prior to and during the events—became a focus for the X Games Environmentality team.
Utilizing sustainable materials and environmentally sensitive products was a large component of the program. Utensils and serviceware including cups made from corn based PLA plastic manufactured by NatureWorks LLC; and plates, bowls, and to-go containers made from bagasse, a sugarcane bi-product and recycled content paper products, ensured that a majority of diners’ discards could be composted.
Custom designed three-way receptacles for sorting recycling, trash, and compost were used in both public areas and back-of-house and included colorful graphics to educate participants about proper sorting procedures.
In an effort to further reduce the environmental impact of the event, carbon emissions generated by staff and athlete travel, fuel used on-site, and equipment transportation to the event were offset with wind energy credits, underwritten by Renewable Choice Energy of Boulder, CO. Clean energy generated by wind power has been added to the national energy grid, thereby lowering the demand for fossil fuels and neutralizing the effect of green house gas emissions.
Aspen/Snowmass has been the Winter X Games host since 2002 and will remain there through 2010. Efforts made in the areas of habitat protection and enhancement, energy and water efficiency, green development, waste management, recycling and alternative transportation are what elevated Aspen Skiing Company to serve as the country’s Green Leader in the mountain resort industry.