The sports industry has a considerable environmental impact. Sports generate significant greenhouse gas emissions, trash, and water pollution, from the construction and upkeep of stadiums and arenas to the travel required for athletes and fans. However, an increasing number of athletes and organizations are working to green the sports sector. They are implementing environmentally friendly techniques in all operations, from energy use to transportation to trash management. This revolution is known as “Eco-friendly” sports!
How Sports Are Going Green?
The global sports industry is taking steps to become more eco-friendly, with organizations and athletes working together to reduce their environmental impact. This includes using green stadiums, reducing plastic waste, and promoting sustainability.
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Green Stadiums
A growing number of sports stadiums are being built or refurbished to satisfy environment friendly building requirements. These stadiums incorporate various sustainability features, such as energy-efficient lighting, renewable energy sources, and water-saving methods.
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Reducing Plastic Waste
Plastic waste is among the most severe environmental issues confronting the sports sector. Plastic waste is abundant during sporting events, ranging from single-use water bottles and food containers to plastic signage and banners. Many sports organizations are now reducing their plastic waste.
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Eco-Friendly Sports
Some sports are more environmentally friendly than others. For example, outdoor sports like jogging, biking, and hiking have a shallow environmental impact.
Golf and tennis, for example, have a more significant environmental effect because of the resources necessary to maintain golf courses and tennis courts. However, golf courses and tennis courts can adopt several eco-friendly techniques, such as employing organic pesticides and fertilizers and lowering water consumption.
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Athletes Partnering and Promoting Sustainability
Many athletes are also collaborating with various organizations to promote sustainability. Tennis player Novak Djokovic and Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, for example, have teamed with the UNEP to increase climate change awareness and encourage sustainable sports practices.
Prominent Examples in India
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The 2018 ‘Zero Waste’ Agreement between BCCI & UNEP
The agreement between the BCCI and UNEP to apply the zero-waste concept in cricket is a massive step toward making sports more environmentally friendly in India. Cricket is India’s most popular sport, and the BCCI is one of the world’s most prominent sports organizations. The BCCI demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection by collaborating with UNEP. The zero waste idea strives to limit the waste generated at cricket matches while diverting as much rubbish from landfills as possible.
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Contributions by IPL Franchises towards Sustainability
Yes, that’s right! IPL franchises also contribute by raising awareness about climate change and planting trees to offset their carbon footprint. The most prominent example would be Royal Challengers Banglore. RCB has a separate sustainability program known as “RCB Green.” The program aims to reduce the environmental impact of RCB operations while improving fan awareness about climate change.
These are just a few of the many ways athletes and organizations are making sports more environmentally friendly. As the world becomes more conscious of the need for sustainability, we should expect to see even more green efforts in sports in the coming years.
