Paintball And The Environment
This is the year 2001. You don't have to ram a whaling boat, spray paint a baby seal or chain yourself to a tree to save the environment. (Not that there's anything wrong with those things, you just don't have to do them to be an "eco-warrior".) Anyone who recycles or composts or tries to reduce household and workplace waste is an "eco-warrior". Every little bit helps and everyone can help in their own small way. As someone much wiser than I said, "If you truly feel that you cannot fix the problem by yourself, you should at least do all you can to prevent it from getting worse." Being environmentally friendly doesn't stop at using bio-degradable paint.
PLAYERS
RECYCLING
Plastic bags and soft drink containers are recycled in some areas. If they are not recycled in your area, you should thing about using paper bags and glass bottles, they are the most commonly recycled items.
Recycling also includes reusing things too. I keep the heavy plastic bags that paint (in the case) comes in. They're great for packing dirty and sweaty gear at the end of the day.
TRASH BAGS
Bring your own and throw your trash in it. Also, pick up trash that is blowing around your feet, even if it isn't yours. Offer to help clean the fields you played on that day.
OLD GOGGLES AND LENSES
I use my old goggles for trips to the chronograph and the range between games. I have removed the mask so it doesn't get in the way when I try to hold my adjuster tool in my mouth.
Old lenses can be cut and shaped to become lens covers for scopes and dot sights. You KNOW that will stop a paintball!
FIELD OWNERS
TIRES AND METAL DRUMS
Make sure that you know where old tires are to go when they are being disposed of, should you decide you have to get rid of them. As an alternative, think about using hay bails, instead. They're biodegradable.
Metal drums should be properly flushed at a hazardous waste disposal facility before they get to your field. You don't want any residual chemical leeching into the local water table. Old drums should be brought to scrap metal dealers.
TREES
Don't cut trees down if you don't have to, especially the larger and older trees. Brush clearing is healthy for wooded areas, as long as you don't go over board. Use the brush to make bunkers and other cover.
SECOND-HAND LUMBER
If you're going to be raising structures on your fields like buildings or bunkers, make use of second-hand lumber. Also use lower grade lumber. Not only is lower grade lumber cheaper, but now ALL of that tree is being used, not just the "good parts".
CONCLUSION
While some suggestions may be impractical for you (not all players live in areas with recycling programs) you should do your best to do your part. It's really a matter of self preservation; no environment, no paintball!
Play hard! Play fast! Play safe!
