GOING GREEN, $AVING GREEN
Part 1
Gobble Gobble Race Director Matthew Sonneborn talks about how creating a green event inspired him ultimately to couple an electric vehicle with a whole house solar installation at home and cut his budget significantly. Turns out it is not only environmentally responsible but has firm financial advantages. See how he managed to cut bills by $6650 a year finding other areas too.
GREENING GOBBLE
When I first started hearing about the waste that our sport has, to try and manage it hit me like a club over the head. There were a few resources about the challenges in undertaking greening massive events on the internet, like rock concerts and sporting events. Think how much energy goes into parking all of those cars and their commute to and from the event. On top of that, consider all of the waste disposal and the power it takes to give everyone the experience they are looking for and on and on. Then in a 50,000 plus running event, think of providing water to all the participants along the route and disposing efficiently and responsibly all the cups.
Online resources began appearing and several strategies began being implemented to the Gobble Gobble over the years. We had possibly one of the first bike valets at an event locally. We tried going completely cup-free (we now use donated eco-cups we recycle for re-use in other materials in the race as well as offering cup-free stations). We have used solar power for the sound and finish area. Additionally, we employ a socially conscious company using greener fabrics in their line of clothing for shirts. Water alone is an incredible rabbit hole. We found ways to eliminate plastic bottles completely.
All that had inspired me so much. It was time to see what could be done at home. All this gas we use in cars, and electricity in cooling our homes, powering our devices and appliances is excessive. The turning point for me personally last year came when I had an expensive repair forthcoming on my Hybrid vehicle. It was time to consider new options. Working at the Naples Philharmonic gave me the opportunity to see the show room over at Tesla from day one at Waterside Shops. I didn’t know enough about Teslas but had ridden in one a few times. It was indelible to have done so. Tesla is a game changer.
TESLA AND EVS
I set about my research. I had heard about the Model 3 being their newest line and affordability was the main factor they were pushing. Having only heard of the $100K+ market of cars, I was excited to hear about the possibility of someday potentially owning one at the $35K entry level price point.
I read about all the different competitors and test drove a Leaf, a Leaf Plus, looked at both the Bolt and now discontinued Volt. Though the competition had decent incentives, the cool factor was not even close. There are other manufacturers that simply can’t be bought or maintained in FL so those were simply not options or too expensive. From a practical standpoint, long distance touring was off the table in those vehicles in comparison and my tall son couldn’t enjoy the rear seat’s lack of room in those. He loves the Tesla’s. Tesla has a vast network of Superchargers. If you want to tour the country in another manufacturer’s electric vehicle, good luck. It is possible for the patient and adventurous, but in a Tesla it’s extremely possible and merely takes a little planning. There are circumstances to overcome at times, but in 15 minutes you can put about 150-180 miles back into the vehicle. That gets you to a supercharger stations no problem in most cases. Stretch your legs, enjoy a Netflix or a Youtube (yes even youtube live tv or Hulu) stream while you charge or go get lunch or take a walk nearby. In contrast to a pump, I hate that wasted time of pulling in and standing to fill. You get used to a different experience owning your own filling station at home and plugging in overnight while you sleep too.
Let me fully disclose firstly: I am not a car guy—I haven’t needed or wanted the latest cool muscle car or new fangled hip brand of vehicle…..ever