The five rings could be going green

Eight, eight, oh-eight at 8 p.m.

If you have been watching NBC lately, you already know what that means. The days until the world’s largest sporting event hits your TV screens are limited—the Olympics’ Opening Ceremonies are August 8, 2008 at 8 p.m.

As the Beijing Olympics draws closer, the criticisms of their less than environmentally friendly ways will probably turn up a notch or two—maybe drowning out the sound of sportscaster Dan Hicks, an Arizona alumni. Poor air quality is rumored to possibly keep some asthmatic athletes from competing to their fullest ability.

(There is also a lot of ruckus with that whole “Free Tibet” issue too.)

But London’s calling might be hosting the greenest Olympics ever. “The Feeding the Olympics report from the Soil Association is lobbying for the 14 million or so meals served during the Games to be sustainable, by which they mean some combination of organic, local and seasonal foods,” Green Daily reported in December.

The Soil Association report says:

"Food plays a vital role in climate change; around 20% of the UK’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions are caused by our food and drink. These emissions can be significantly reduced if we all shift towards eating organic, local, seasonal food, and less meat and dairy products. The Games could also help promote sustainable fish consumption, and ensure that any imported food meets Fairtrade standards. Two of the leading sponsors of the Olympics, McDonalds and Coca-Cola, want to associate their brands with the image and ethics of the Games."

No, nothing has been decided yet. But wouldn't it be exciting if the Olympic green movement became as awesome as an Olympic gold medal? Only time will tell if the golden arches will go green to help make the 2012 Olympics an organic affair.

However, London is already well on its way to showing the world that even while hosting the Olympics and everything that comes along with it (from knocking down buildings to put up new stadiums, residence halls and more), it’s easy being green.

The BCC reported a few weeks ago that 95-percent of “materials they've recovered from the nine-month long demolition phase (for the new 80,000 seat stadium) are being recycled on site.” To me, that is worth at least a green star.

Until next time, happy eating.