By now you have probably caught wind of our plans to go No-Waste at this year's Rendezvous. It is important to us that you understand the whys and wherefores of this move.
Last year, when we were cleaning up, we were appalled by the amount of trash we had generated. It was mountainous. We did not feel good about it and we did not see it as sustainable.
So, we did some thinking and this is what we think about climbers, the Rendezvous, and what we can do:
--We believe climbers are smart, conscious, awake, aware and willing to do the right thing. --We believe climbers are versed the ethics of Leave No Trace and Pack it in and Pack it out. We know how to camp! --We believe we have had five great years at the Rendezvous to generate good group mojo and psyche for this next challenge. During the event, we have three days to create a utopia. Why not take advantage of it? We can make it the way we dream it. --For all these reasons, we believe that climbers are the ideal guinea pigs for establishing a national model about how to do an event of this size in a totally sustainable way. --We have chosen "Step Up or Stay Home" as our motto to challenge all of us in a fun, playful way to jump in with both feet and make this thing happen with style and grace. --We believe this group effort will energize the Rendezvous and make it even more fun, cohesive and kick-ass. What do you believe?
We like what past Rendezvous participant Colby Challenger had to say: "I really think it's necessary for the climbing user group in general to be a leading force in the clean and green revolution that's sweeping our nation." Amen
What does this all mean for you? --It means, before you leave home, please think through the weekend and adopt a minimalist mindset. Only bring what you need. Think about the waste you will generate and try to keep it down. --It means while you are here you will have more to think about and keep up with. We will have plenty of Sharpies around so you can label your beer mug so you can find it when you are done dancing. It means you'll have to walk back to your site after dinner and put your plate away and then go get it again for the Midnight Snack. Step Up or Stay Home! --It means, we are asking you to take all your trash and recyclables home with you. Our goal is to wrap up the event with several bags of garbage. Period. We will take a picture so you'll know how we did!
So, let's do this thing and have fun with it and show the world that it isn't that hard to take care of the planet. Not near as hard as climbing 5.12...
Don't forget your plate, fork, cup, etc. We will provide a wash station!
Please don't forget that the National Park Service doesn't allow glass on their property, so you'll have to forego your favorite imports unless you can find 'em in a can.
We would like to thank Gene Kistler and Chris Anthony for articulating the vision and helping us find our way.
We would appreciate any and all input on this. If you have something to say, we will post it right here. email: maura@waterstoneoutdoors.com
THANKS FOR COMING. THANKS FOR CARING! THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR COMPLYING!
I am coming with a group of friends and wanted to know if you are aware of any alternative transportation. Do any buses go to the site from the DC area? Just trying to make it greener. Florencia Renedo Mead
Part of climbing is taking care of the earth that gives us all so much joy! Especially given all the issues with access…better to practice a good LNT ethic to give people less reason to think we shouldn’t be using the land for our enjoyment. Dove Russo
I think it (the no-waste initiative) is an awesome idea. I attend alot of kayak festivals and they havent gotten very active in that area yet so hopefully soon. ETSU is East Tennessee State University and we always carpool, we took 13 people to El Potrero Chico Mexico for spring break in 2 cars so we are used to it. Chris Vella