Plastic Game Plan for Sport - Sustainability Essentials: A series of practical guides for the Olympic Movement - Olympics
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In collaboration with Plastic Game Plan for Sport Sustainability Essentials: A series of practical guides for the Olympic Movement
PL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT SUSTAINABILIT Y ESSENTIALS 2 /42
Sustainability Therefore sustainability forms a key
element of Olympic Agenda 2020, the
Olympic Movement’s strategic roadmap.
Essentials In particular, this defined our approach
to sustainability across the International
Olympic Committee’s (IOC) three spheres
of responsibility:
SUSTAINABILIT Y is one of the most
Sport has an pressing challenges of our time across •
The IOC as an organisation
a wide spectrum of social, environmental To embrace sustainability principles
unrivalled capacity
and economic matters. Major issues such and to include sustainability in its
to motivate and as climate change, economic inequality day-to-day operations.
inspire large and social injustice are affecting people
numbers of people throughout the world. • T
he IOC as owner of the
Olympic Games
These are also pressing concerns for To take a proactive and leadership
the sports community, both for managing role on sustainability and ensure
its day-to-day affairs and for its that it is included in all aspects of
responsibilities towards young people the planning and staging of the
and future generations. We also recognise Olympic Games.
that sport has an unrivalled capacity to
motivate and inspire large numbers of • T
he IOC as leader of the
people. This is why we believe that the Olympic Movement
Olympic Movement has both a duty and To engage and assist Olympic
an opportunity to contribute actively to Movement stakeholders in integrating
global sustainability in line with our vision: sustainability within their own
“Building a better world through sport”. organisations and operations.PL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT SUSTAINABILIT Y ESSENTIALS 3/42
Following on from Olympic Agenda 2020, The Strategy sets out a number of
we issued the IOC Sustainability Strategy actions in our capacity as leader of
in January 2017. The Strategy is based on the Olympic Movement.
our three spheres of responsibility and five
focus areas, as illustrated below. Among these is a commitment to develop
common guidelines, methodologies and
tools for National Olympic Committees
(NOCs) and International Federations (IFs).
Further information can be found at
Infrastructure and natural sites www.olympic.org/sustainability
Sourcing and resource management The “Sustainability Essentials” series of
guides is the first concrete outcome of this
Mobility
commitment. These guides aim to provide
IOC simple, practical and essential information
AS
LE A
DE on key aspects of sustainability for NOCs
RO
FT
H
and IFs to be better able to navigate the
IOC A Workforce complexities of this subject and develop
E
IMPACT
SO
OL
WN
YM
ER
OF effective sustainability programmes.
PIC
Whether your organisation is just starting
MO
TH
EO
V EM
out, or is already actively engaged in
LY
O RG A
ENT
M
N
PIC
Climate sustainability, we hope these guides
IS
GAM
ATI
will provide a valuable overview and
ON
ES
reference point for this important topic.
CONTROL INFLUENCEPL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT SUSTAINABILIT Y ESSENTIALS 4/42
Feedback Printing
We hope that our “Sustainability Essentials” This document is available only as a
guides will provide a valuable basis for downloadable PDF file from the IOC website.
understanding sustainability. We also know If you need to print a copy, please set your
that sustainability is a constantly evolving printer to double-sided copying on recycled
discipline, with new issues, challenges paper. Ideally, please also avoid colour
and opportunities always needing to be printing and copying.
addressed. We therefore welcome feedback,
comments and suggestions so that we This document has been prepared in
can continually improve our guidance and collaboration with UN Environment.
ensure our material is as fresh, relevant We extend special thanks to World
and accurate as possible. If you have Sailing for its additional input.
any comments, please contact us in any
language at: sustainability@olympic.org
Sustainability is a constantly evolving
discipline, with new issues, challenges and
opportunities always needing to be addressedPL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT INTRODUCTION 5/42
Introduction
AROUND THE WORLD, WE USE Across the sporting world we can make a
MILLIONS of tonnes of plastic each year positive difference – eliminating single-use
because it is such a cheap and versatile plastic items, reducing the amount of plastic
material. However, much of this plastic we use and recycling as much as possible.
is used just once and then thrown away. What’s more, we have a great opportunity to
Only a small percentage gets recycled. use the power of sport to encourage millions
Unfortunately, a lot of plastic waste isn’t of fans to take action for the environment.
disposed of responsibly and ends up By tackling plastic and other waste, we can
polluting our seas, towns and countryside also support efforts to create a more circular
– harming people and wildlife. Something economy where resources are continually
needs to change. reused and recycled.
So many of us use our seas, lakes, mountains This toolkit will show you how.
and parks to get involved in sport. Plastic It provides ideas to get you started
pollution in the environment can have a direct and examples of progress from across
Plastic pollution impact on the sports we love, from surfing the sporting community. It will help you
and sailing, to hiking, cycling, running and to create a plastic plan and to work with
in the environment
football practice. Yet sporting events can suppliers, athletes and fans to reduce,
can have a direct be part of the problem – generating huge reuse and recycle.
impact on the amounts of plastic waste. The good news
sports we love is that it doesn’t have to be this way.PL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT K E Y FACTS 6/42
Key facts: great, great, great, great, great grandchild’s
own great, great, great, great, great
a global plastic
grandchild is born.
Plastics, microplastics and the ocean
pollution problem Around 8 million4 tonnes of plastic end up
in the ocean each year, from bottles and
bags, to cigarette butts and old fishing
WE’VE PRODUCED 9 BILLION nets. It washes up on our beaches, pollutes
TONNES of plastic since the 1950s. Yet, just the water and circulates in giant garbage
9 per cent of this has been recycled. Around 79 patches. Plastic pollution kills seabirds, fish
per cent is left in our environment, whether in and marine mammals through entanglement
landfill sites and dumps or littering our oceans, and ingestion.
towns and countryside.1
Our seas are also full of microplastics – small
50% Single-use plastics – used once,
then around for ever
pieces of plastic typically less than 5mm in
size. Around one-third of these come from
Plastic packaging
accounts for half of sources such as microfibres from synthetic
all plastic waste* Fifty per cent of plastic we use is single-use clothes and fishing nets, tiny fragments
or disposable.2 That means it will probably of tyres that break off as we drive, and
be used just once, before it is thrown away. microbeads in cosmetics. The rest comes
9% from larger pieces of plastic that break up
no more than
Once discarded, plastic doesn’t disappear. into smaller and smaller pieces over time.5
9% of the 9 billion
tonnes of plastic A plastic bottle, for example, may take Microplastics are consumed by plankton
produced is recycled* 450–1,000 years to decompose.3 It could still and fish, entering the food chain.
* Source: UNEP Single-Use Plastics:
A Roadmap for Sustainability be there in 15 generations’ time – when yourPL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT K E Y FACTS 7/42
All of us have probably contributed to plastic Plastics and our health
in our oceans – even if we live nowhere near
the coast. In fact, the majority of ocean plastic Plastic is now found everywhere in our
comes from land sources – getting blown, environment. We know it affects ecosystems
washed or flushed away into our rivers, streams but we don’t yet fully understand the impact
and drains. on human health. What we do know is that
the extraction, refining, use and disposal
Plastics and climate change of plastic exposes us to potentially harmful
chemicals through ingestion, our skin and the
With 99 per cent of all plastic made from air we breathe.
fossil fuels, plastic production contributes
to climate change. Plastic also emits We are eating plastic in our food too.
Under current greenhouse gases as it breaks down after Microplastics have been found in everything
rate of plastic use or when it’s incinerated. from fish and meat to salt, honey and
consumption bottled water. In fact, it’s estimated that the
It’s estimated that plastic accounts for around average person might be consuming 52,000
12 3.8 per cent6 of global greenhouse gas microparticles of plastic each year.8
billion tonnes of
emissions. That’s more than the aviation
plastic litter will end
up in landfills and the sector. A big portion of this impact comes Litter and pollution also impact our wellbeing
environment by 2050* from single-use plastics. For example, and can affect our ability to enjoy or even
17 million barrels of oil are used each year take part in sport. For example, who wants
just to produce the plastic water bottles used to swim, surf or sail in a polluted sea?
20% in the US in one year.7
The plastic industry
will account for one
fifth of the world’s oil
consumption by 2050*
* Source: UNEP Single-Use Plastics: A Roadmap for SustainabilityHow the plastic we use ends up in the sea
Plastic fragments Litter Microparticles Fishing Beach Microfibres Wipes Microbeads Paint
blown off trucks from tyres nets litter from clothes from cosmetics particles
Blown or washed into rivers and drains Waste dropped on Washed or flushed away from our homes
beaches and in the sea
Fished and
eaten by us
5
May be ingested by sealife or birds
Eaten by fish
Emits GHGs Breaks down into microplastics
or planktonThe life of a plastic fork
Oil, the main ingredient for making Mixed with chemicals and manufactured into plastic
plastic, extracted from the ground
Transported to a refinery
Trucked to
Moulded into a fork and
a warehouse…
packed into more plastic
Given away Used once for just Ends up in landfill or the natural Takes 450 years
… and then a few minutes environment – including the oceans to decompose
with a meal
to a stadium
3 MINUTES
* UNEP Single-Use Plastics: A Roadmap for SustainabilityPL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT PL ASTIC AND SPORT 10/42
Plastic and sport
SO WHAT CAN SPORT DO about Partnering for Clean Seas
plastic? If you look around any sporting
venue or event today, you’re likely to see The #CleanSeas Campaign, launched by
plastic pretty much everywhere. From the the United Nations Environment Programme
clothes worn by athletes and the artificial turf in 2017, aims to engage governments, the
in stadiums, to the signage and tickets and general public, civil society and the private
the products and packaging found in shops sector in the fight against marine litter by
and eateries. addressing the root causes of the problem.
Some of this plastic is essential or hard to The IOC is a member of Clean Seas
replace, but much of it isn’t really needed – alongside many sporting bodies and
If you look around any especially when it comes to single-use plastic. sponsors. As part of the campaign, the
IOC has committed to reduce its own waste,
sporting venue or event
With the right planning, we can design out a provide educational resources to the sports
today, you’re likely lot of plastic from our sporting events and, in community, and help support coastal
to see plastic pretty the process, encourage our supply chain and clean-ups, campaigns and education
much everywhere millions of sports fans to act too. programmes.Finding plastic everywhere
Flags
Balloons
Food containers,
straws, cutlery, cups
Toys, stationery, bags,
uniforms, lanyards
Wristbands
Deliveries wrapped
Athletes’ clothing
in plastic
Clappers
16
8 8 Signage and
cable ties
Plastic beer cups Drinks bottlesPL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT GE T INSPIRED 12 /42
Refuse
Get inspired –
sport takes
action on plastic
Sports and venues around
the world are already
taking action to cut down
on plastic. Here are just a
STOP USING SINGLE-USE PL ASTIC Sailing events. New contracts now include a
few examples to get you
thinking: mandatory Sustainability Charter and it has
Don’t give out single-use items like also integrated sustainability into its training
plastic straws, bottles and bags. If every schemes.
sports event adopted this approach, we’d
Refuse
prevent millions of pieces of plastic going International Surfing Association
to waste each year. The International Surfing Association (ISA)
eliminated single-use plastic water bottles
Chicago’s White Sox at the World Junior Surfing Championship
Reduce
Chicago’s White Sox became the first in Huntington beach, USA.
Major League Baseball team to serve drinks
without single-use plastic straws – a move British cricket
Reuse which could prevent the use of 215,000 plastic London’s cricket stadiums are saying no
straws over a season. to single-use plastic. The Oval has banned
plastic straws, is phasing out plastic bags
Replace World Sailing and has introduced compostable coffee
World Sailing has changed its contracts with cups. At Lords, cricket fans can get a drink
event hosts and organising committees to ban at 25 new bottle refill points and take part in
Recycle single-use plastic from international World a reusable cup scheme.PL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT GE T INSPIRED 13/42
Reduce
IF PL ASTIC IS NECESSARY, water bottles at its annual World Cup. By
FIND WAYS TO USE LESS introducing a plastic bottle deposit scheme,
it has increased recycling to almost 100 per
Simple changes can help you to cut cent while cutting costs and reducing the
down on plastic. Like working with overall number of bottles used. At its Youth
Refuse
suppliers to redesign or remove Championship in Madrid in 2019, it installed
packaging. The fewer resources water refill stations and gave out refillable
we use to begin with, the less bottles to all the competitors, significantly
waste we create. reducing single-use plastic.
Reduce
World Sailing Volvo Ocean Race
World Sailing asked its clothing suppliers Musto, Volvo Ocean Race’s official supplier
Reuse to stop using plastic covers on new kit. of sailing apparel and footwear, halved the
Its supplier has now extended this approach thickness of its plastic packaging. It also
to all its customers – resulting in a major found a new way to fold its garments, which
Replace reduction in plastic waste means the bag size could be reduced by half.
This avoided the use of over 11,000 kg of
World Archery plastic each year.
Recycle World Archery is tackling waste from plasticPL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT GE T INSPIRED 14/42
Reuse
SWITCH SINGLE-USE ITEMS English rugby union
TO REUSABLE VERSIONS Twickenham, the home of the English rugby
union team, may serve as many as 140,000
Reusing is one of the best ways pints of beer during a match. It has made a
to cut down on waste and reduce big cut in plastic use by introducing reusable
Refuse
our impact on the environment. ‘Fan Cups’ to replace disposable versions.
Make a start by choosing reusable Customers pay an additional deposit fee with
cups, plates and cutlery for your their first drink to cover the cost of the cup.
catering outlets, and selling reusable At the end of the day, they can keep the
Reduce
water bottles in your shops. cup as a souvenir or return it and get their
deposit back.
International Golf Federation
Reuse The International Golf Federation, working
with the GEO Foundation, provided members
and guests at the Golf Le Fronde in Italy
Replace with reusable metal bottles and free drinking
stations. This has helped avoid the use of
more than one million single-use plastic
Recycle bottles since 2013.PL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT GE T INSPIRED 15/42
Replace
SWITCH TO PL ASTIC-FREE Tokyo 2020
ALTERNATIVES, OR SELECT In collaboration with TOP Partner P&G, the
PL ASTICS THAT ARE RECYCLED Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 medal podiums
OR E ASILY RECYCL ABLE will be made from recycled plastic. As
many as 1.5 million pieces of waste plastic
Refuse
Find alternative materials that have a will be collected in stores around Japan
lower environmental footprint and make and recovered from the oceans. After the
sure that whatever you pick can be easily Games, the plastic will be recycled back
recycled or composted. Give resources into product packaging.
Reduce
a second life by selecting products made
from recycled plastic. This will reduce the Rio 2016
volume of waste that reaches dumpsites, The Maracanã stadium at the Olympic Games
Reuse rivers and the sea. Rio 2016 used millions of recycled plastic
bottles to manufacture 6,700 stadium seats.
European football
Replace Football teams including Bayern Munich, London Marathon
Juventus, Manchester United and Real Madrid The London Marathon trialled edible and
have all launched kits made from recycled biodegradable drinks capsules to cut down
Recycle ocean plastic. on plastic water bottle waste.PL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT GE T INSPIRED 16/42
Recycle
DESIGN YOUR EVENT TO M. Chinnaswamy cricket stadium
ENSURE THAT ANY PL ASTIC The M. Chinnaswamy cricket stadium in
USED GETS RECYCLED Bengaluru is cutting down on waste. The
venue has introduced separate bins for
Having the right waste management different types of recycling, and volunteers
Refuse
approach is all important. Make it sort waste and educate spectators during
as easy as possible for everyone Indian Premier League matches. Around
to recycle. Only pick materials that 40,000 fans attend each match in the
can be recycled in your location. stadium, generating 3-4 tonnes of mixed
Reduce
waste each time – waste that would
London Marathon previously have gone to landfill.
The London Marathon introduced a unique
Reuse closed loop recycling project for its 2019
event. This saw plastic bottles collected and
returned directly to a reprocessing plant
Replace where they were recycled into new bottles.
RecyclePL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT GE T INSPIRED 17/42
Remind
inspire and influence
SPRE AD THE MESSAGE AND to gather data on microplastics in the ocean
ENCOUR AGE OTHERS TO ACT and raise awareness.
Refuse
Communication is key. Make sure all the right International Volleyball Federation
people know about your plastic plan. Use your The International Volleyball Federation has
event to inspire others to act too. launched the Good Net project with the Ghost
Fishing Foundation. This sees discarded fishing
Reduce
Xiamen Marathon nets recovered from the ocean transformed
The Xiamen Marathon has banned single-use into volleyball nets for community use.
plastic bottles and cups. It also got local people
Reuse involved as ‘ploggers’ – volunteers who jogged International Ice Hockey Federation
round the course picking up rubbish, while also The International Ice Hockey Federation is
raising awareness. turning old plastic banners into new bags –
Replace reusing resources and raising awareness on
Volvo Ocean Race plastic waste. It has also launched a manual
Sailor Dee Caffari and the crew of the Turn the on how to run sustainable hockey matches.
Recycle Tide on Plastic yacht used the Volvo Ocean RacePL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT E VENT PL ASTIC PL AN 18 /42
Create your event plastic plan
Want to cut down on plastic at your next sporting event? You’ll need to create a plan and get all the right people involved.
To have the most impact, be sure to start well in advance. These are the key steps you should take:
Identify and prioritise Engage and research Plan
• Start by understanding where plastic • Identify the stakeholders who will • Write your plan; you can use the
is used and the main sources of plastic need to be involved. This may be template on page 34 as a guide.
waste. You can use the checklist on everyone from suppliers and athletes
page 36 to get started. to catering managers and volunteers. • Your plan should set out the goals
and policy for your event. Be specific.
• You may not be able to tackle everything • Discuss your plans and ask for people’s It should list the actions that must be
in one go, so be prepared to prioritise. ideas. You may find they have helpful taken and identify who is responsible.
suggestions and creative solutions.
• Include some easy-win steps to • You’ll probably need to create more
boost morale but also some more • Explore ways to reduce plastics use and detailed plans for different phases
aspirational and challenging goals. alternative options. Beware of unintended and areas of your event.
If you think big, you’ll get further. consequences: reducing plastic waste
from catering outlets, for example, only to
find it increases food waste.PL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT E VENT PL ASTIC PL AN 19/42
Contract and support Communicate Check
• Integrate your plastics plan into • Make sure everyone knows what • Are your policies
contracts with all your suppliers, needs to be done and what their being implemented?
concessions and sponsors. Do this role is. You can use some of the Ask to see proof.
at an early stage so they have time infographics in this toolkit to help
to prepare. you get your message across. • Once the event is underway, you’ll
need to keep checking and double
• Work closely with and support • Keep communicating your plan. checking. Get others involved – event
suppliers to adopt and implement You’ll need to tell people again staff, cleaners and volunteers can be
sustainable purchasing principles and and again – changing behaviour your eyes on the ground.
to reuse and recycle plastic products. takes time.
• Work with suppliers to obtain
• Be clear who’s accountable for • Tell visitors, athletes, suppliers and accurate data so you can track
delivering your plan. Set objectives partners what you are doing and why. and report your progress.
for colleagues and provide training When you raise awareness, you’ll
where needed. encourage more change at your • After your event, review what
event and beyond. worked and what didn’t. Set targets
and plan how you can achieve even
more next time.Replace bottles Make it easy to recycle by Refuse to use
with refill stations providing recycling bins single-use plastic
Start your
plastic plan Make it official – add it to your
supplier and vendor contracts
Reuse – choose reusable Reduce – stop the hidden plastic, Remind – tell everyone
cups and establish such as gifts, banners and balloons and get them involved
a take-back systemPL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT K E Y COMPONENTS 21/42
The key the bar and catering areas, water coolers
indoors and even jugs of water on every bar.
components Stop sales of plastic drinks bottles.
Encourage everyone to bring a refillable
of your bottle. Give away or sell reusable bottles
or cups – this could be a great sponsorship
opportunity.
plastic plan Make sure your policy is integrated into all
your catering, food and venue contracts.
E ACH EVENT IS DIFFERENT Say no to single-use plastic
but these are some of the common for food and drink
challenges you’re likely to encounter.
Catering, bars and food stands can be a
Tackle the bottle problem significant source of single-use plastic.
But this can change.
Drinks bottles are a major source of
plastic waste. Thousands, or even millions, Say no to plastic straws. You’ll probably find
may be used and thrown away at large you can go without, but if straws are needed
Thousands, or even sporting events. opt for paper or compostable versions.
millions, of plastic
You can dramatically cut down on this Use bulk dispensers for condiments such as
bottles may be used waste by installing refill points. There are ketchup. That way you can get rid of single-
and thrown away at lots of ways to do this – ideas include water serve sachets and tubs that are often too
large sporting events and soda refill stations or fountains near to difficult to recycle.PL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT K E Y COMPONENTS 2 2 /42
Switch to reusable or compostable cups, If you’re picking alternative materials to
plates, bowls, cutlery and stirrers. Serve plastic, do your research. You’ll want to be
drinks on tap or opt for those packaged in sure that the materials you choose really
cans or glass rather than plastic. do have a lower environmental footprint
than the plastic you’re replacing.
If you must use plastic, make sure it can
be recycled and provide recycling bins Introduce a reusable cup system
in the right places. Be sure to check that
your waste contractor can recycle that More and more events are introducing
specific type of plastic – different types reusable cups. These systems can eliminate
require different recycling processes. a big source of plastic waste.
Avoid packaging that uses mixed materials
like paper cups that are lined with plastic There are several options to choose
or juice cartons lined in foil. from. For hospitality zones, a typical
restaurant or bar system may work best
Reduce the packaging with each meal. with glasses collected by waiters and
More and more Do you need a plate or box, or would a tray washed before reuse.
or napkin do?
events are introducing
In other situations, a deposit or refund
reusable cups. These Ask first – make sure you find out whether system may be better. Or why not invite
can eliminate a big a beverage supplier provides plastic-free fans to purchase a special event cup?
source of plastic waste options before you sign the contract.
Consider a reusable system for other
servicewear too, such as plates, bowls,
cutlery and chopsticks.PL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT K E Y COMPONENTS 2 3/42
Consider compostable materials Make sure that compostable items get put
in the right bin and collected by a waste
If a reusable system isn’t possible, then company who can deal with that particular
compostable serviceware may be a good material. Each may require a different type
alternative. These are made from natural of processing. Find out what your options
fibres such as paper and cardboard, are before making the purchase.
bagasse (sugar cane fibre), bamboo or
palm leaf. After use, if processed correctly, What about bio plastic and
they will break down into their natural plant plastic?
components. But you’ll need to do a bit of
research, to find a sustainably produced These look like plastic but are made from
material that can be processed in your plant fibres such as cellulose or potato
location. starch, rather than fossil fuels. Some types
can be composted but only in specialist
commercial composting facilities. You’ll
have to make sure all plant plastic is clearly
We all need to be conscious of where items labelled and collected separately.
come from and what they are made from If plant plastic ends up in the plastic
recycling, it may contaminate the entire
batch, which means it can’t be recycled.
If it ends up in the environment, it poses
It can be hard to find clear information – if the same challenges as plastic.
in doubt, keep looking. We all need to be
conscious of where items come from and
what they are made of.PL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT K E Y COMPONENTS 2 4/42
If you’re providing food Avoid biodegradable and degradable Energy gels, bars and drinks are also a big
for competitors at the source of plastic waste. Look for some of the
Do not be tempted to use ‘biodegradable’ new alternatives that are becoming available,
finish line, consider plastic. This is only biodegradable under such as energy gels in edible packaging. If
natural alternatives controlled conditions in an industrial that’s not possible, provide a collection point
without packaging, composter at high temperatures and for energy gel wrappers which can then be
such as a banana needs to be collected separately. If it ends recycled by a specialist company. Some
up in landfill or the ocean, it will pose the energy product providers will offer their own
same problems as conventional plastic. take-back programme.
Biodegradable plastic often isn’t recyclable
or compostable. Degradable plastic If you’re providing food for competitors at
(sometimes called oxodegradable or the finish line, consider natural alternatives
photodegradable) is just plastic that will without packaging, such as a banana.
break down into smaller pieces faster. Not a
good option. Shops, merchandise and sponsors
Athlete hydration and energy Don’t give out plastic bags. Make sure your
vendors don’t either.
Athlete hydration stations can generate
a lot of plastic waste. However, there Don’t sell merchandise, souvenirs and fan
are alternatives. For example, paper paraphernalia made from single-use plastic.
cups can work if you pick recyclable or Encourage teams and clubs to steer clear of
compostable options and have a system plastic too.
for collecting them.PL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT K E Y COMPONENTS 2 5/42
If sponsors are providing giveaway items or can harm or kill wildlife. Even latex balloons
goodie bags, make sure they’re not made will take several years to degrade if they end
from single-use plastic. Encourage more up in the ocean. Make sure helium balloons
creative alternatives or those made from are weighted and disposed of safely.
sustainable materials. A branded reusable
water bottle, for example, could make a Signage, branding and ticketing
great giveaway.
Plastic often finds its way into tickets,
Supplier packaging accreditation, branding and signage. Find
ways to design it out and opt for reusable,
Engage your suppliers on plastic from the or at least recyclable, alternatives.
start. Ask them to reduce, replace or remove
plastic packaging for everything delivered Make sure your signage can be reused at
to your site. Where packaging is necessary, future events – don’t include a date on it.
partner with suppliers to set up a collection Purchase reusable cable ties to replace
and return process so materials can be single-use plastic ones. You only have to
recycled. use them a couple of times to make the
extra expense worthwhile.
Prizes and celebration
Reduce the amount of signage and
Fireworks, glitter and confetti may all branding where possible. Look for creative
Plastic often finds contain plastic. Look for better alternatives alternatives – for example, a chalk board
such as biodegradable glitter or rice can look great and be updated as needed
its way into tickets,
paper confetti. Or rethink your celebration throughout the day.
accreditation, branding altogether – how about a light show rather
and signage. Find than fireworks? Don’t release balloons into Avoid PVC because it contains many
ways to design it out the environment where they cause litter and potentially harmful chemicals.PL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT K E Y COMPONENTS 2 6/42
Get your recycling system in place essential – really make it clear what can
and cannot be recycled in each bin.
Your efforts to reduce waste will quickly
come unstuck if you don’t make it easy for Recycling isn’t a perfect solution to
people to put their rubbish in the right bin. plastic waste because most plastic can
only be recycled a few times. What’s
Plan your waste management system right more, in some locations there may be
at the start. Understand what’s possible no recycling or composting infrastructure
in your location and which materials can available. Make sure you always refuse,
be recycled or composted. Match your reduce and reuse as much plastic
materials to the local waste infrastructure. as possible.
For example, don’t pick compostable cups if
there is nowhere to compost them. However, Communication and awareness
do be prepared to do some research. For
example, if your main waste contractor Tell everyone about your plastic plan.
doesn’t offer composting, you may be able Show them how they can get involved.
to find a specialist company who can help.
Integrate information on your efforts into
Think carefully about where to place your every communication, from social media
recycling and composting bins. Make posts, posters and screens, to ticket sales,
sure you have enough. Good signage is participant information, and programmes.
This will not only help you achieve your
Tell everyone about your plastic plan. goals but can create a ripple effect –
encouraging change across the sporting
Show them how they can get involved world and supply chain.PL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT RECAP 27/42
Recap: Rethinking plastic – the six Rs
1. REFUSE 4. REPL ACE
Do we really need these plastic items? Can we switch to a plastic-free alternative?
Example actions: Don’t offer plastic straws Example actions: Opt for compostable plates
with drinks. and cups instead.
2 . REDUCE 5. RECYCLE
Can we cut down the amount of plastic we’re using? How do we design our event to
Example actions: Ask suppliers to reduce ensure that everything gets recycled?
plastic packaging. If you have to use plastic, choose Example actions: Make sure there are enough
items made from recycled plastic. recycling or composting bins in the right places
with very clear signage.
3. REUSE
Can we swap single-use items for 6. REMIND, INSPIRE
reusable alternatives? AND INFLUENCE
Example actions: Introduce a reusable cup How can we get our colleagues, suppliers,
scheme or install drinking water refill stations. athletes and fans on board?
Example actions: Use tickets, posters, supplier
contracts, event programmes, signs and more to
encourage everyone to reduce, reuse and recycle.PL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT SPORTSWE AR IN THE OCE AN 2 8 /42
How your MOST OF TODAY’S SPORTSWE AR
is made from synthetic fibres, often derived
sportswear ends
from plastic. When we wash our clothes and
kit they can shed tiny microfibres – a type
of microplastic, thinner than a human hair.
up in the ocean Washing a single polyester fleece jacket, for
example, may result in the release of almost
1 million fibres per wash.9
These microfibres get washed down
the drains and end up in our rivers, lakes
1 polyester and oceans; see page 8. Clothing isn’t the
fleece only source of microplastics, but it is a
jacket
significant one.
Unfortunately, there isn’t yet an easy
solution for tackling microfibres from
sportswear. On page 29 we list
a few things you can do.
1 million
microfibres
released in
every washPL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT SPORTSWE AR IN THE OCE AN 2 9/42
7 steps to reduce microfibres
1. G O NATUR AL 5. SAY NO TO DRIERS
Choose sportswear made from Air dry synthetic clothes rather
natural fibres. than tumble drying.
2 . CUT DOWN ON FLEECES 6. R ECYCLE
Avoid fabrics that shed a lot of fibres, When you no longer need a piece of
such as fleeces. clothing, make sure it gets recycled.
3. CHANGE HOW YOU WASH 7. SPE AK UP
Wash clothes in a full load at a lower Choose a sportswear brand that is
temperature, on a short cycle and with taking action on microfibre pollution or
a lower spin speed. contact your existing clothing provider
to urge them to act.
4 C ATCH THE FIBRES
Use a wash bag that captures
microfibres or fit a microfibre filter
to your washing machine.-
PL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT I'M AN ATHLE TE – WHAT CAN I DO? 3 0/42
I’m an athlete – 2. Ask others to act
what can I do?
Ask your sponsors, suppliers, sports
federation and event organisers what they’re
doing to cut down on plastic waste.
If they don’t have a good answer, encourage
AS AN ATHLETE you can make changes them to take action. You can start by sharing
in your own life to cut down on plastic waste. this toolkit.
But you can have an even bigger impact
by becoming an advocate for change – 3. Spread the word
encouraging sports fans, sponsors and
organisers to reduce, reuse and recycle. As an athlete, your face may be recognised
by thousands or millions of people around
1. Take action yourself the world. Show your commitment and
encourage sports fans and spectators to cut
With a few simple actions you can make a down on plastic. You can start by taking the
big dent in your plastic footprint. Make a Big Plastic Pledge, a new campaign involving
commitment to: athletes from across the world. See page 31
• Refuse single-use plastics for more.
• Opt for reusable alternatives like refillable
water bottles and bags
To sign up, visit
• Recycle whenever you can
www.bigplasticpledge.com
• Choose sportswear made from natural fibres
or recycled plastic
5
• Follow our seven steps to reduce microfibres
when washing your sportswear; see page 29-
PL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT I'M AN ATHLE TE – WHAT CAN I DO? 31/42
Take the Big The Big Plastic Pledge calls on athletes
and fans to reduce the use of single-use
Plastic Pledge
plastic in their daily lives by pledging
to at least three actions, such as using
refillable water bottles, refusing plastic
packaging and encouraging sports
clubs and event organisers to find
THE BIG PL ASTIC PLEDGE is a new alternatives to single-use plastic.
athlete-led initiative that aims to use the
power of sport to achieve zero plastic waste By taking the Pledge you join
in the oceans. Olympians, elite athletes, sports fans,
fun runners and other individuals who
It’s been launched by Olympic champion have been touched by sport in some
Hannah Mills MBE and is supported by the way. All on a mission together.
IOC. While competing at the Olympic Games
Rio 2016, Hannah witnessed the full scale of
To sign up, visit
the ocean plastic crisis and was so shocked
www.bigplasticpledge.com
she decided to try and make a difference.
Now she is asking other athletes and sports
fans to sign up to the Big Plastic Pledge,
with the goal of getting the entire Olympic
family involved by the Olympic Games
Tokyo 2020.I’m a sports fan – what can I do about plastic?
Make the Clean Seas and Big Plastic Come prepared: Bring your
Pledge: Commit to cut down on plastic reusable bottle, bag and cup
16
Spread the word: If you have an idea Refuse: Don’t accept
to reduce, reuse or recycle, speak up! single-use plastic
Choose green: From the hotel
Recycle: Put your
you book to the souvenirs you buy,
waste in the right bin
look for the more sustainable option
To sign up, visit
As a fan, you can cut down on plastic every time you attend a sporting fixture. These are some ideas to get you thinking. www.bigplasticpledge.comPL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT WHAT NE X T? 3 3/42
What next?
EVERY SINGLE PERSON in the sporting
community can help to tackle plastic pollution.
We hope this toolkit inspires you to take action
and to refuse, reduce, reuse, replace and recycle
at your next sporting event.
You can find more information about plastics and
sport here:
www.cleanseas.org
www.bigplasticpledge.comPL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT ANNE X 1 3 4/42
Annex 1 • Recycle: All waste must be recycled or
composted
• Remind: All relevant stakeholders should
template: be informed of the policy
Event plastic plan
Waste management and recycling plan
Meet with waste contractors at an early stage
Event plastic policy to develop your waste and recycling plan.
Integrate this information into your plastic policy
Define what you’re trying to achieve and set and communicate it to all stakeholders.
clear goals. Here’s an example: For example, if your policy requires only
recyclable plastic, make sure it specifies
Refuse
Ambition: To eliminate single-use plastic which plastic can be recycled in your location.
and to increase reuse and recycling.
Make sure you know the answer to these
Policy requirements: four questions:
Reduce
• Refuse: No single-use plastic to be used
in catering, merchandising or shops • Which plastic and other materials can and
• Reuse: Choose items and materials that cannot be recycled or composted at our
Reuse can be reused location?
• Reduce: Suppliers must use the minimum • How many recycling and composting bins
amount of plastic needed for packaging are needed?
Replace and ensure packaging can be reused or • Where should they go?
recycled • What signage and communications will we
• Replace: Any disposable items must be need to help people put their waste in the
Recycle recyclable or compostable right bin?PL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT ANNE X 1 3 5/42
Stakeholders
To reduce plastic at your event, it is important to work with other stakeholders who may be responsible for the use/purchase of
plastic items. Identify everyone who needs to be involved, including both internal and external stakeholders. Some stakeholders
may need to take action; others will just need to be kept informed. These are some examples:
Stakeholder/s What’s required from them Next steps (please fill in)
Waste management contractor/
To provide recycling and composting facilities
local authorities
Catering manager/concessions To implement the plastic plan across catering outlets
Athletes/sports fans To be aware of and to publicly support the plastic policy
To reduce plastic use and plastic packaging
Suppliers
and source plastic-free alternatives
To support the plastic plan and apply it to any
Sponsors
merchandising and communications for the eventPL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT ANNE X 1 3 6/42
Checklist
Identify where plastic may be used at your event. These are ideas to get you started but there are likely to be many more.
Bags Cling wrap Inflatable pouches (packing) Stationery
Balloons Clothing Laminated paper Stickers (peel-off section)
Banners Coffee and tea capsules Lanyards Sticky tape
Beer cups Coffee cups Lids Stirrers
Bin bags Coffee cup lids Merchandise Straws
Bottle caps Condiment containers Packets Streamers
Bottles Confetti Pallet ‘cling’ wrap Sweet wrappers
Bowls Cutlery Pallet (blue) banding Tattoos (peel-off section)
Boxes Fan paraphernalia Pens Tickets
Branding Fireworks Plates Toothpicks (plastic wrapped)
Bubble wrap Flags Ponchos (rain) Trays
Buckets Furniture Polystyrene boxes Tubs
Bunting Gaffer tape Polystyrene balls and packing Uniforms and textiles
Butter (single-serve) Giveaways Race bibs Wine goblets
Cable/zip ties Glitter Rope Wrapping/sleeves
Cartridges (ink/toner) Hazard tape Shopping bags Wristbands
Chopsticks Heat-sealed food pouches Shrink wrap
Cigarette butts Ice-cream wrappers SignsPL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT ANNE X 1 37/42
Action list
For each plastic item that may be used at your event, identify whether it can be refused, reduced, reused, replaced, or recycled.
Refer to ‘Rethinking plastic - the six Rs’ on page 27. These are some examples:
Plastic item Refuse/reduce/reuse/replace/recycle?
Cable ties Reuse: Purchase reusable cable ties to replace single-use plastic ones.
Disposable plastic cups Replace: Implement a reusable cup system.
Laminated paper Replace: Switch to reusable plastic covers.
Packaging Reduce: Require suppliers to reduce packaging.
Signage Reuse: Don’t include dates on your signage so it can be reused at future events.
Single-use plastic bags Refuse: No single-use plastic bags to be given out at the event.
Replace: Offer bags for life for sale instead.
Remind: Encourage spectators to bring their own reusable bags.
Straws and stirrers Refuse: No straws or stirrers to be given out at the event.
Drinks bottles Refuse: No plastic drinks bottles to be sold at the event.
Replace: Provide refill stations and refillable bottles.
Remind: Encourage participants and spectators to bring their own bottles.PL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT ANNE X 2 3 8 /42
Annex 2: Matrix – Plastic item alternatives
This list suggests alternatives to common single-use plastic items. Remember, reducing waste should be the number one priority.
Always start by asking “do we really need this item?” Check that alternative products have been sourced and manufactured sustainably.
Catering
Item Alternative options
Cling film Use tupperware or glass containers instead. Or switch to waxed paper wraps.
Coffee and tea capsules Make sure you pick tea bags that don’t contain plastic. Avoid coffee pods and capsules. Use urns or espresso machines instead.
Condiments in sachets Replace single-use sachets with large reusable bottles. If you need to provide individual serving pots, use reusable or FSC paper versions.
Cutlery Require catering outlets to use metal reusable cutlery. If washing facilities aren't available, then wooden or compostable options may be a good alternative.
Drink cups Reusable cups are the best option if washing facilities are available. Many FSC paper or compostable versions are also available.
Lunch boxes Opt for reusable products.
Plastic straws Instruct caterers not to use straws or to replace with paper, bamboo or metal versions. There are even some edible straw options now available.
Plastic bottles Replace with reusable bottles or cups. Don't forget to provide refill stations or drinking fountains.
Plates/bowls Reusable plates should be the first option. If disposable plates are needed, then opt for bamboo or FSC paper versions.
Stirrers Replace with reusable tea spoons or use wooden stirrers from FSC-certified wood.PL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT ANNE X 2 3 9/42
Branding
Item Alternative options
Accreditation Don’t put dates on your lanyards so they can be reused. Switch to FSC paper where possible.
Banners Choose PET recyclable banners and avoid PVC. Don’t include dates on your banners so they can be used again. For indoor events, look at cardboard signs.
Fan paraphernalia Require event organisers not to give out plastic items.
Laminated paper Use reusable plastic wallets instead of laminating.
Lanyards Pick a reusable product. Make sure you collect them at the end of the event. You can also find lanyards made from recycled PET.
Plastic cable ties Switch to reusable bungee cords and velcro versions.
Stationery Opt for non-plastic products or those with recycled content.
Athletes
Item Alternative options
Competition bibs and Choose natural materials such as organic cotton or products made from recycled plastic. Some suppliers will also collect clothing for recycling after use.
clothing Wash synthetic clothing in the right way to reduce microfibres.
Energy gels and bars Look for non-plastic alternatives, such as those in edible packaging. Pick a supplier that will collect and recycle old wrappers.PL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT ANNE X 2 4 0/42
Shops, merchandise and sponsors
Item Alternative options
Balloons and fireworks Avoid balloons and fireworks. Never release balloons into the environment.
Opt for alternatives to fireworks such as a light show.
Bin bags Choose compostable bags for compostable waste. For other waste, bags made from recycled PET are a good option.
Bunting Use fabric bunting rather than plastic.
Gifts to athletes Don’t give out plastic items.
Glitter Choose biodegradable glitter or rice paper confetti.
Merchandise Encourage/require retailers not to sell single-use plastic items.
Packaging from suppliers Ask suppliers to reduce plastic packaging on their products or to supply reusable packaging.
Plastic carrier bags Don’t give out plastic bags. Sell paper, cotton or ‘bags for life’ instead. If using cotton bags, look for products that are organic or Fairtrade.
Polystyrene balls and packaging Don’t allow polystyrene. Use FSC cardboard alternatives.
Ponchos Choose a compostable alternative to plastic ponchos. Encourage spectators to bring their own rain gear.
Signage/wayfinding Don’t include dates on your signage, so it can be reused. For indoor events, look at cardboard signage systems.PL ASTIC GAME PL AN FOR SPORT ENDNOTES 41/42
Endnotes
1 UNEP Single-Use Plastics: A Roadmap for Sustainability
2 UNEP www.unenvironment.org/interactive/beat-plastic-pollution
3 Estimate by US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Woods Hole Sea Grant
4 UNEP https://gefmarineplastics.org/publications/addressing-marine-plastics-a-systemic-approach-stocktaking-report
5 IUCN Primary Microplastics in the Oceans: A Global Evaluation of Sources, Julien Boucher, Damien Friot 2017
6 Strategies to reduce the global carbon footprint of plastics, Jiajia Zheng and Sangwon Suh
7 Integrity of Science: Bottled Water and Energy Factsheet: Getting to 17 Million Barrels, The Pacific Institute 2007
8 Human Consumption of Microplastics, Kieran D. Cox, Garth A. Covernton, Hailey L. Davies, John F. Dower, Francis Juanes,
Sarah E. Dudas 2019
9 MERMAIDS EU Life+, Report on localization and estimation of laundry microplastics sources and on micro and nanoplastics
present in washing wastewater effluents (A1), 2016A minute
on the lips
15
lifetimes
in the
ocean
Sport says no to single-use plasticYou can also read
