The Premier League insists its nightclubs are“dedicated“ to decreasing single-use plastics at stadiums – but environmental group Friends of the Earth is urging them to do more.
Alongside BASIS (the British Association for Sustainable Sport), the environmental group is calling clubs to present a returnable cup scheme in their stadiums as part of a comprehensive set of steps.
FOTE estimates that around six million plastic beer cups might have been used from the Premier League last year while successful cup schemes are operating in cricket and rugby venues.
A YouGov survey of UK football lovers, commissioned by FOTE and published on Friday, found that 84% agree Premier League clubs must guarantee removable or returnable cups can be employed within their own stadiums, while 86% agree stadiums should eliminate single-use plastics such as straws, sachets and cutlery where possible.
Friends of the Earth plastic campaigner Julian Kirby explained:“Football clubs across the united kingdom should aim to become champions off the pitch, as well as on it, by providing single-use plastic the boot.
„Fans need football clubs to take action . We’re encouraged that a number of clubs have already introduced measures – however we need every Premier and Football League team do everything it can to eliminate unnecessary plasticsheeting.
„This is the reason why we are calling on clubs to adopt Friends of the Earth’s Plastic Pledge – and also – devote to numerous steps that major stadiums have already introduced.
„A reusable cup scheme is among the key measures clubs can take – this measure alone could prevent millions of single-use plastic cups being landfilled or incinerated every season. We hope every football team is up for the cup“
A Premier League spokesperson said:“The Premier League and our teams are dedicated to raising awareness throughout maturity. Through our work with Sky Ocean Rescue, we are fans throughout the world to take action and reduce their consumption , which makes small changes which will have a big effect.
„Our clubs are already working hard to execute shift both internally, and externally with suppliers and contractors. Lots of these have participate in the cup trial, are still exploring the viability of their own reusable cup roll-out, or are looking at alternatives to plastic cups and plastics. They’re currently approaching sustainability in ways that are different but are acting to reduce plastics in various areas of their enterprise.
„They are also working hard in their communities, driving environmental awareness through education and social action projects like the Plastic Pollution Challenge, run in partnership with Sky Ocean Rescue this past calendar year, which tasked main school students with developing a pledge on the way they’d reduce plastic waste into their schools and nearby places.“

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