The Olympics are about dreams coming true. They're about hard work, determination, commitment and love.While each athlete is inspiring in his or her own way, sometimes they also inspire crushes. Or, in my case, a Cougar Crush. What can I say? I like Shaun White… I guess I have a thing for snowboarders!
He's adorable (it's the red hair), he's the greatest snowboarder of all time, he never seems stressed out and of all the athletes, he's the one who looks like he's having the most fun.
But wait! This is a blog about being green! Not about his signature move, the Double McTwist 1260. Because that isn't the only thing I'm excited about...the Olympics are Double McGreen 2010!
For starters…the medals are not only super hip, they're super recycled and made from old circuit boards! Hmmm. Could Shaun White be wearing my old Mac around his neck? Could we be hardware mates?
The medals' design is inspired by the “ocean waves, drifting snow and mountainous landscape found at the games.” They are taken from a larger piece of art and each Olympian will receive a silk scarf of that work so that they can see how their one-of-a-kind medal fits into the scene.
The medals aren't the only thing that's green. The Olympic village was given LEED Gold Status by the US Green Building Council.
The City of Vancouver required at least half of the village's 22 buildings to have 50% coverage of "living roofs" or "greenroofs," that help reduce energy consumption. The buildings also reuse rainwater to flush toilets and irrigate landscaping.
But wait! This is a blog about being green! Not about his signature move, the Double McTwist 1260. Because that isn't the only thing I'm excited about...the Olympics are Double McGreen 2010!
For starters…the medals are not only super hip, they're super recycled and made from old circuit boards! Hmmm. Could Shaun White be wearing my old Mac around his neck? Could we be hardware mates?
The medals' design is inspired by the “ocean waves, drifting snow and mountainous landscape found at the games.” They are taken from a larger piece of art and each Olympian will receive a silk scarf of that work so that they can see how their one-of-a-kind medal fits into the scene.
The medals aren't the only thing that's green. The Olympic village was given LEED Gold Status by the US Green Building Council.
The City of Vancouver required at least half of the village's 22 buildings to have 50% coverage of "living roofs" or "greenroofs," that help reduce energy consumption. The buildings also reuse rainwater to flush toilets and irrigate landscaping.
Residents moving to Southeast False Creek after the Games will benefit from the City’s Neighborhood Energy Utility (NEU) project. The first of its kind in North America, NEU will supply hot water and heating to residents by garnering heat from the sewer system. This initiative will reduce carbon emissions by 7,700 tons a year, which is equivalent to taking over 1,900 cars off the road.
And while you can't get to the games by bobsled, Vancouver has provided tons of buses and trains to get the fans back and forth. Bus and train passes are included with every ticket purchase.
Now I also have a crush on the Canadians!
Unfortunately, not all of their green efforts have won the gold. You may be familiar with some of the problems they've been having with smoothing the ice for the speed skaters. It's due to the environmentally-friendly, but malfunctioning ice resurfacing machines. They had to send to Calgary for a Zamboni (which, for some reason, I keep referring to as a Stromboni).
And while you can't get to the games by bobsled, Vancouver has provided tons of buses and trains to get the fans back and forth. Bus and train passes are included with every ticket purchase.
Now I also have a crush on the Canadians!
Unfortunately, not all of their green efforts have won the gold. You may be familiar with some of the problems they've been having with smoothing the ice for the speed skaters. It's due to the environmentally-friendly, but malfunctioning ice resurfacing machines. They had to send to Calgary for a Zamboni (which, for some reason, I keep referring to as a Stromboni).
As far as Vancouver's efforts to produce a green Olympics goes, sometimes a quadruple toe loop only winds up a triple, but the hard work, dedication, and commitment do not go unnoticed. Canada obviously has a lot of love and respect for Mother Earth.
The Vancouver Olympics are proving that “owning the podium” is inspiring, but so is recycling and reusing it. The Gold, Silver and Bronze are all impressive, but I say Canada wins the highest honor of all…the Green Medal!
The Vancouver Olympics are proving that “owning the podium” is inspiring, but so is recycling and reusing it. The Gold, Silver and Bronze are all impressive, but I say Canada wins the highest honor of all…the Green Medal!
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