04. The Syllabus: D. Sport and Waste
Fields Of Change: A Sustainability Handbook
Benefits of Good Waste Management Of course, reducing environmental damage is a key motivation for reducing waste. However, there are also other benefits and obligations which make good waste management important. They include:
D. WASTE
Sport, as with any human activity, produces different forms of waste. As we have touched upon in previous sections, there are impacts which are common across sectors, but also specific to sport. Some waste stats…
• Environmental conservation. • Cost savings. • Supporting local economies. • Community engagement. • Health and safety improvements.
SOURCE REDUCTION
RECYCLING
ENERGY RECOVERY
• Approximately one third of food produced for human consumption globally is wasted 43 . • Just 9% of plastic produced globally is recycled… the vast majority ends up in landfills or in the environment. • The estimated yearly cost of dealing with plastic pollution is $13 billion 44 .
• 11 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean each year 41 .
TREATMENT
• Positive brand image. • Regulatory compliance. • Resource efficiency.
DISPOSAL
• The average ‘working life’ of a plastic bag is 15 minutes… but it can take up to 1,000 years for it to decompose. • 53 million metric tonnes of electronic waste is generated worldwide each year 42 … and only a small fraction of this is properly recycled.
An effective waste management strategy aims to tackle the issue at every step of the consumption process - it is far more than just recycling.
01.Waste Reduction - Implementing measures to reduce the overall volume of waste generated. - Exploring alternatives to single-use items and promoting sustainable purchasing practices. 02. Separation and Recycling - Establish clear systems for waste separation, with designated bins for recyclables, organic waste, and general waste. - Collaborate with waste management partners to ensure proper recycling processes. 03. Education and Awareness - Conduct awareness campaigns among staff, participants, and stakeholders to promote responsible waste disposal practices. - Provide educational materials on the environmental impact of waste and the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling. 04. Circular Economy Principles - Embracing circular economy principles by exploring opportunities for reuse and repurposing of materials. - Engaging in partnerships that align with circular economy goals, such as recycling programs and sustainable sourcing. 05. Collaboration - Collaborating with local communities, sponsors, and other stakeholders to align waste management practices with broader social and environmental goals. - Building partnerships with waste management organisations and environmentally conscious suppliers.
Waste management within the context of a Sport For Good organisation involves the systematic handling, reduction, recycling, and responsible disposal of waste generated in the course of the organisation's activities. This encompasses a range of materials, including event-related waste, facility waste, and administrative waste. The primary goal is to minimise the environmental impact of the organisation's operations and promote sustainable practices aligned with its social and environmental objectives. In the context of Sport For Good, effective waste management is not only about minimising negative environmental impacts but also about setting an example for responsible and sustainable behaviour. It should align with the organisation's broader mission of using sports as a catalyst for positive social and environmental change.
Sources of Waste in Sport
Types of Waste in Sport
• Events/hosting athletes and spectators. • Office/administrative activities. • Construction and renovation. • Catering. • Marketing. • Retail.
• Food and beverages. • Single-use plastics. • Packaging waste. • Event signage/banners. • Programmes. • E-waste (old tech). • Sports equipment and kit. • Unused construction material. • Packing from construction material. • Litter.
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