Happy Holidays from all of us at GSA-USA!

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Events

The Green Corner
GSA-NY and the 1400 member Sports Turf Managers of New York are launching a new, collaborative project on the STMONY website called The GREEN Corner to promote environmental awareness and action among managers of sports facilities. Managed by GSA-NY, The GREEN Corner provides links to pertinent 'sports and the environment' articles, research and updates as well as Ecoflag reports and GSA news. The GREEN Corner webpage states, "STMONY and GSA-NY will work toward strengthening this collaboration and forging a partnership in recognition of our shared commitment to ‘consider the environment’ in the management of sports facilities." See the GREEN Corner on STMONY's homepage.

GSA Partnership with “No Child Left Inside”
Global Sports Alliance-USA has recently partnered with NCLI to support outdoor education for children. This alternative educational setting allows children to explore nature firsthand, reinforcing the importance of science and environmental studies. NCLI emerged from research documented in the 2008 Audubon Medal winning book “Last Child in the Woods” by child advocacy expert Richard Louv. In it he demonstrates that “nature deficit” leads to obesity, attention disorders and depression in our children. Conversely, gaining a wonder for nature leads to a greater affinity to learning of all sorts, but especially science. To learn more about the nation-wide coalition check out No Child Left Inside.

Upcoming Events

Tour de Cookie
What do you get when you combine the glorious world of competitive eating with the fast moving adventure of bicycle racing? The answer is the Blue Pants Racing event Tour de Cookie. Taking place in Tucson, AZ on January 11th this first annual event is sure to be a spectacle and it is all for a good cause. Tour de Cookie benefits United Cerebral Palsy's Tucson Kids' Tryathlon. Along with helping kids in the Tucson community Blue Pants Racing complies with GSA's Eco-guidelines for low-impact sporting events. GSA ecoplayers will be on hand to help out.

Econavigator Spotlight

Up and Coming Cyclist: Erica Allar
GSA-USA is proud to welcome Erica as a new Econavigator. Allar is a professional cyclist, races all over the world, and — surprise, surprise! She was the top women’s finisher in this year’s El Tour de Tucson. She has been pedaling her way up the cycling ranks since she was a young girl and now competes at an international level. This year she rode hard for Aaron’s Professional Women’s Cycling Team. As an environmentally minded young athlete, Erica Allar is the perfect candidate to represent Global Sports Alliance. Econavigators are accomplished athletes who promote a cleaner, healthier environment through the sport of their choice. Erica sets a great example for youth cyclists throughout the U.S.

Sports Eco-Tip

Green Your Ski Season
For many outdoor enthusiasts winter means one thing: hitting the slopes! Skiing and snowboarding offer some of the most exhilarating ways to explore the local mountainside, but many aspects of hittin’ the powder can be detrimental to the environment. If you are gearing up for the season, keep recycled fabrics in mind as they offer a warm, waterproof alternative to newly manufactured clothing. Also take a look at bamboo skis or snowboards. Although the most important part of lessening your impact on the mountain is choosing the right resort. Ski Area Citizens Coalition provides a guide to the best and worst resorts for environmental impact.