In 2014, the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta took action action to remove single-use water bottles and other litter from the river by removing from the event and evolved this stewardship effort into an overarching Love Where You Row initiative. Pick up a Program Book at the Information Desk and read more about our our zero waste goals, how we are walking the talk in 2019, and how YOU can have an impact. And thank you for doing your part!
2019 HOSR Stewardship Goals
The 49th Head of the Schuylkill Regatta is an official Philadelphia Zero Waste and Litter Event. We also strive for Zero single-use plastic water bottles at the regatta. Specifically, our goals include:
- Zero single use, individual-size water bottles.
- Zero litter at all times; if you see someone else’s litter, help us by picking it up.
- 50% or more of all wastes generated are recycled or composted – All recyclable materials separated; all food waste, with the exception of meat products, separated for composting.
- When the regatta is over and everyone has departed, Fairmount Park is no less beautiful than when the first trailer arrives on Thursday
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Six Actions to Achieve 2019 HOSR Stewardship Goals
- Leave single-use, individual-size plastic water bottles at home. Bring refillable water bottles, jugs – from individual size to 5-gallon – and refill at HOSR water stations.
- Carry in, carry out and rely upon reusable products like serving bowls, plates and cups when possible. This minimizes waste left on site – especially large items.
- Apply our Zero Litter goal at all times. Pickup and properly dispose of any litter you see.
- Maintain a three-bag waste management system – brown/black (for trash), blue or clear (for recyclables) and green (for compostables) bags. Recycle: plastic, glass and aluminum beverage containers (drained); clear, hard-plastic takeout food containers; and cardboard. Do not recycle: Styrofoam, plastic wrap, plastic utensils, aluminum foil. Food waste: baked goods, fruit and vegetables, compostable serving wear. No meat, eggs or dairy products. If in doubt about any item, place in the trash.
- Place full trash, recyclables and compostables bags next to the trash barrels along the pathway throughout the day and before 4PM. Save your last bag for cleanup prior to departure. This will aid the Park staff who collect the bags for proper disposal. Please breakdown cardboard boxes.
- New for 2019 – Request team bus drivers turn their engines off while parked. This step will reduce carbon emissions and protect air quality. An exception can be made if the bus is serving as a warming station.
- New for 2019 – Zero plastic bags on site. Kindly utilize reusable bags for toting gear and food, as well as for on-site purchases.
Volunteers are on hand to assist you (check out their recycled pullovers and hats!) We encourage you to join us in pioneering this path to maintaining and enhancing the beauty of Fairmount Park, the Schuylkill River, Philadelphia and all the communities to which we will return.
Water Station Locations along pathway:
Between Temple & Gillin Boat House
Grandstands
Three Angels Festival Tent
500 Meters Upstream from Girard Bridge
HOSR Finish Line
University Barge Club (No. 7 Boathouse Row