A summer tradition tackles a new challenge
Each year, the Valley Shore YMCA hosts the Cedar Lake Triathlon Series, a family-friendly summer tradition that attracts both seasoned athletes and enthusiastic first-time participants. This year, thanks to their partnership with Clean Water Action’s Rethink Disposable program, organizers decided to take on a new challenge: eliminating race-day waste.
To achieve this goal, we needed help. That’s why a couple of months ago, our intern team began reaching out to churches in the region, seeking someone to support this partnership. We teamed up with Sally Martson, the parish administrator of the United Church of Chester, which was notably proclaimed a ‘green church’. Excited by our goal, Sally generously gave us access to the church’s commercial kitchen to sanitize the cups and bottles.
The race to zero waste
Most triathlons leave a trail of waste; cups, bottles, and wrappers scattered along the route. But at Cedar Lake, volunteers now collect and wash hundreds of reusable cups after each race. Even the bins get cleaned and reused. It’s a genuine community effort and proof that sustainable solutions can work when people come together.
What makes this race unique is that it is not just about competition; it is also about giving back. Half the net proceeds support the Race4Chase Youth Triathlon Program, created in memory of Chase Michael Anthony Kowalski, a young athlete who tragically lost his life in the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012.
The power of uniting a community
Ultimately, the collaboration between Clean Water Action’s team, the United Church of Chester, and the Cedar Lake Triathlon Series replaced disposable cups and plastic water bottles with reusable cups and silicone water bottles, resulting in a reduction of roughly 200 disposable cups and 20 plastic bottles per race from the trash. Throughout a season, that adds up quickly.
One race is small, but it is a part of a much bigger movement. By showing that waste does not have to be the default, Cedar Lake is setting an example for other races and community events. And that is all thanks to people like you.
Whether you’ve donated, volunteered, or simply cheered us on, you’re helping build a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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