Head of the Quinobequin Regatta Joins the World Wildlife Fund/World Rowing Healthy Waters Alliance, Announces Environmental and Sustainability Policy
By HOTQ Race Committee
Posted on October 9, 2024
The Head of the Quinobequin will be joining the World Wildlife Fund/World Rowing Healthy Waters Alliance. The Alliance combines the global reach of World Rowing with WWF's environmental expertise and presence in 100 countries to raise awareness about the critical importance of healthy rivers, lakes, and coastal ecosystems and to inspire joint projects across the globe to protect and restore them, per the official statement from World Rowing. The HOTQ has outlined an Environmental and Sustainability Policy for the 2024 regatta in cooperation with the goals and values of the initiative:
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Environmental and Sustainability Policy for the 2024 Head of the Quinobequin
On behalf of the Head of the Q’s race committee and our host clubs--Cambridge Boat Club, Community Rowing, Riverside Boat Club and Union Boat Club--we are thrilled this year to be joining the World Wildlife Fund/World Rowing Healthy Waters Alliance.
Our commitment to sustainability reflects the values and practices of the Healthy Water Alliance, our Host Clubs, and major regattas like the Head of the Charles. Our mission is to ensure that our event promotes athletic excellence while contributing positively to the environment, particularly the Charles River, which is integral to our sport and community.
1. Waste Stream Management
We are implementing a comprehensive waste management plan to minimize the environmental impact of the regatta. The following initiatives will be in place:
- Zero-Waste Goal: We aim to achieve a zero-waste event by promoting recycling, composting, and reducing single-use plastics. All participants and spectators are required to dispose of waste in clearly marked bins for recyclables, compostables, and landfill items.
- Reusable Bottles and Containers: Athletes, coaches, and spectators are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles and food containers. Water refill stations will be available at the CRI boathouse.
- Vendor Requirements: Food vendors are required to use biodegradable or recyclable packaging. Additionally, we will have designated areas for the disposal of any non-recyclable waste to ensure proper management.
2. Reducing Carbon Footprint
Reducing the carbon footprint of the event is a priority. The following steps will be taken:
- Green Transportation: We strongly encourage the use of trailer sharing, carpooling, bicycling and energy efficient transportation to get to and from the event.
- Race Operations: For regatta volunteers and safety boats, we will utilize static positioning to minimize fuel consumption and spill kits in case of fuel spills.
- Facility Energy Efficiency: All regatta-related facilities, including tents and lighting, will be powered by renewable energy sources wherever possible.
3. Water Quality Protection
As the Charles River is at the heart of our event, we are committed to protecting its water quality.:
- No Pollutant Discharge: Regulations are in place to prevent any discharge of pollutants into the river. This includes prohibiting the washing of boats and equipment in the river and ensuring that all participants are aware of the impact of their actions on the water quality.
- Clean Water Protocols: We will clearly articulate expectations and manage all regatta operations to minimize run-off and prevent contamination of the river. This includes using eco-friendly cleaning products, using buckets versus hoses when washing boats, and proper disposal of any chemicals or waste.
- Cooperation with Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA): Our host clubs and the regatta will collaborate with the CRWA Flagging Program to monitor water quality before and during the event.
- Education and Outreach: QR codes with links to educational materials on the significance of water conservation and protection will be distributed to all participants. Prior to the awards ceremony, we will also host a presentation led a WorldRowing program ambassador to discuss ongoing efforts to improve the river’s health and how the rowing community can contribute.
4. Expectations for Athletes, Coaches, and Parents
To ensure the success of our sustainability initiatives, we request the cooperation of all involved:
- Athletes: Use reusable water bottles and avoid single-use plastics. Wash boats with buckets and pick up litter. Dispose of all waste properly and follow the event’s recycling protocols.
- Coaches: Encourage your clubs and teams to adopt sustainable practices and lead by example. Ensure that your team’s area is clean and that waste is sorted correctly.
- Parents and Spectators: Support our zero-waste goal by bringing reusable items and minimizing waste. Please use public transport or carpool to reduce the event’s carbon footprint.
- Please write your local representatives sharing your interests and concerns about healthy water and asking them to help.
By integrating the Healthy Water Alliance principles and collaborating with key local organizations, we hope the Head of the Quinobequin can inspire other clubs, schools and regattas to join our efforts.
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For More Information, contact:
Kasey Shashaty
HOTQ Social Media/Communications