"This might just be the world's first truly ethical offseting scheme."
John Grant, Author of The Green Marketing ManifestoEco Ironman shows politicians that emissions reductions don't have to compromise performance
Environmentalist, sportsman and Carbon Retirement client Jon Alexander (Fallon) has completed the world's first Eco Ironman triathlon - and in a very good time.
Competing in his first ironman wearing a limestone-based wetsuit, riding a second-hand bike, and wearing eco running shoes, Jon completed the 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and full marathon run in a total time of 11 hours 32 minutes. While he was over 3 hours off the pace of the race winner, he still placed in the top half of the field, and takes pride in having beaten the original ironman time of 11 hours 46 minutes. That time was set in 1978 in the first ever event, and is considered the benchmark for all ironman 'virgins'.
Jon's aim in undertaking the event was to raise awareness among his fellow athletes of the impact their lifestyles have on the environment. And by performing so well, he makes clear that this impact can be significantly reduced with no decrease in performance - mainly because of the difference transport and diet alone can make.
Carbon Retirement worked with Jon to monitor his emissions in parallel with his training partner, and found the difference in transport and diet hugely significant.
To reduce his environmental impact, Jon travelled to both the ironman competition in Barcelona and a week-long training camp in Slovenia by train. He also became vegetarian, ordering an organic veg box each week and using organic sports nutrition products. Both of these changes had a huge impact on his carbon footprint, which ended up over 80% lower than his training buddy.
80% is a big figure for the environment at the moment, with hopes of a global deal at the Copenhagen conference in December to commit to an 80% reduction by 2050 currently hanging by a thread. But Jon's efforts suggest that an 80% reduction doesn't have to be a decades-long project - and with a little imagination, can make things better all round.
Jon completed his ironman in support of the Wilderness Foundation, a charity which promotes the value of the wilderness in supporting the health of society and individuals. Over £2,000 has been raised so far; donations can be made at JustGiving.
