Football is the world's most popular sport, yet with a global fan base of 3.5 billion, it leaves a significant ecological footprint. The industry produces more than 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, roughly equivalent to the entire annual emissions of Denmark.
Major emitters include fan and team travel , stadium energy consumption, and waste generated during events. For example, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar alone generated 3.63 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions , most of which came from transport and accommodation.
But there is another factor that is worth addressing, because there are solutions for it!
The consequences of fan waste accumulation for the planet
You may not have known it, but the huge emissions and waste generated by the football industry have environmental consequences . For example , carbon dioxide emissions from travel contribute to global warming , leading to extreme weather events and rising sea levels. In addition, the waste generated during matches – plastic bottles, food packaging, paper products – often ends up in landfills and takes decades to decompose, polluting soil and water resources. But luckily, there are more and more solutions available!
Existing solutions for sustainability
Fortunately, we are not alone in this issue. There are already many initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of football. For example, UEFA has introduced sustainability initiatives for the 2024 European Championship, including promoting rail travel and providing free local transport options for ticket holders.
The Premier League and UEFA have joined the UN's "Race to Zero" campaign , aiming to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. They have also introduced innovative waste management solutions, such as smart bins , which help to selectively collect and recycle waste.
What can fans do?
As fans, we can also contribute to sustainability efforts. Here are some tips:
Optimise transport: Try to choose low-emission transport modes, such as public transport, cycling or walking. Where possible, take part in fan buses or organised community trips, which can reduce the use of individual cars.
Recycling and waste management: Pay attention to proper waste management in and around stadiums. Use designated waste bins and, where possible, choose environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic products.
Sustainable consumption: Consciously choose foods and drinks that have less environmental impact through packaging. Avoid large quantities of individually packaged products and instead support local, sustainably sourced foods and drinks.
Support community initiatives: Join environmentally conscious fan groups or initiatives that aim to reduce football's environmental footprint.
These small steps together can make a significant difference in reducing the environmental footprint of football and other sports . The more of us who are committed to supporting a sustainable future, the more likely we are to influence change in our favorite sports!
If you are cheering for the football teams from home, order the CYCLE Limited Sports package , which will not only keep your cheering area clean, but also your entire apartment after the excitement of cheering. The table often gets dirty while cheering, because during the excitement, food and drinks can spill and spill all around us, but that's okay, CYCLE will still help you. It will cheer with you during the match, and during the breaks it will help you clean efficiently. Cleanly. Of course.
Source:
https://earth.org/the-carbon-footprint-of-football/
https://plaex.net/blog/waste-management-in-football-stadiums
