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Sustainability round-up: August 31
This week’s sustainability round-up includes FC Barcelona Foundation’s work in Colombia; the Dutch Grand Prix’s aim of being the most sustainable Formula 1 race; the demand for more sustainable sports equipment; promoting sustainable hydration; Greenpeace video against fossil fuel-powered sponsorships; and the impact of the climate crisis on ski resorts.
Former FC Barcelona player Carles Puyol recently visited Buenaventura, Colombia, to witness the work being undertaken by the FC Barcelona Foundation, Scotiabank Colpatria and non-governmental organisation (NGO) Save the Children Colombia. The partnership has implemented the ‘Sentimos deporte’ project involving 150 children, the majority of whom are from Afro-Colombian communities affected by displacement as a result of armed conflict in the country.
With a bid to become Formula 1’s most sustainable race, last weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix at the small seaside town of Zandvoort imposed a car travel ban for fans. Many opted to arrive by trains and bicycles. Only residents and event-related traffic were able to drive around the municipality, with police, paramedics and security even utilising two wheels instead of four.
The recent badminton World Championships in Denmark saw some players wearing trainers made partly from recycled materials. Sports equipment manufacturer Yonex told Reuters that fans and shareholders alike have been calling for sustainable sourcing and ethical production across products such as shoes and clothes.
Tennis legend Novak Djokovic recently teamed up with Waterdrop, a hydration and beverage company, to host a game of tennis in New York City’s Times Square. The aim was to highlight Waterdrop’s commitment to promoting sustainable hydration and wellness within sports and everyday life.
Greenpeace International has highlighted major sporting events’ continued sponsorship agreements with companies within the fossil fuel industry.
Take a look at the video here.
An analysis has found that a quarter of European ski resorts will have scarce snow every other year with 2°C of global heating. The analysis also questioned if these resorts would have a future as the climate crisis continues to intensify. Tourist travel contributed the majority of emissions for ski resorts, while artificial snow-making contributed just 2%.
Image: sebastiaan stam on Unsplash