Named the world’s first ‘One Planet City’, sustainability is in the hearts of many Brightonians who reside in the seaside town on England’s south coast. With this in mind, and to protect the city’s seafront, the Brighton and Hove Triathlon joined forces with Riz Boardshorts and Brighton College for this year’s inaugural event.
Taking place over the weekend of 10-11 September, students from Brighton College collected nearly 5,000 empty plastic bottles from water stations on the triathlon course and recycled them with a twist – into boardshorts!
Inspired by three core elements: sustainability, substance and style, Riz Boardshorts create swim shorts made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. Designed by a hand-selected group of artists and illustrators, they are then produced using recycled fabric and digital printing techniques.
Brighton and Hove Triathlon Director Lisa Clayton said of the partnership, ‘there is often so much waste at big sporting events so we felt it absolutely essential to be proactive and recycle from the outset. Environmental sustainability is something all of us at the triathlon really value, so to then see this transformation to sustainable clothing was fantastic.’
Fundraising is at the core of Riz Boardshorts’ company values and its designs incorporate sea themes to promote an appreciation of the natural world. With the world’s seas and oceans besieged by rubbish, Riz Boardshorts works with, and donates to, a variety of charities such as the Marine Conservation Society, organising and supporting beach clean ups and highlighting the need to educate ourselves about the issues of ocean pollution and endangered species.
Next year’s Brighton and Hove Triathlon will take place on Sunday 17 September 2017 and will also include racing for ages 13 plus.
www.brightonandhovetriathlon.com
www.sportandfitnessshow.com
www.rizboardshorts.com
