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While a lot of sports have a serious environmental impact, some are eco-friendly examples to the rest. Sports involving the use of cars and snowmobiles, for instance, have obvious anti-green qualities (wasting tons of gasoline for no good reason!). Meanwhile, sports involving bicycles tend to be a little friendlier to the environment.
It took me until a trip to DC recently to fully grasp the concept of hardcourt bike polo. It's a variation of traditional bike polo and a great way to spend some time outdoors. Players use mallets to strike small balls into goals and employ balance tactics in ways that leave those watching the game in awe. It's a relatively eco-friendly way to get a great workout and have fun simultaneously. The game hardly requires any equipment, being primarily driven by adrenaline and finesse.
I'm not sure I'll ever have it in me to participate in the sport myself, but I will say this: whether you choose to participate or not, bike polo is exciting to be around. Unlike other sports that waste energy every time they're played, bike polo is a clean way to enjoy a weekend afternoon. The best part? A lot of cities are getting hip to bike polo and arranging tournaments that are free for the public to attend. From all I saw in DC, drinking and grilling are part of the experience and it's a great way to make some new friends and spend time outside without leaving a huge footprint. Give it a shot!
More on green sports:
How To Go Green: Outdoor Sports:
Green Outdoor Sports By The Numbers:
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