Cricket and Sustainability|| Rohit Sharma’s Initiative || Eco-Friendly Practices| Carbon footprint ||BCCI plants 250000 trees in IPL ||
Cricket and Sustainable Development: Steps Towards Adopting Eco-Friendly Practices :
Cricket is not just a sport, it is also a cultural and social movement connecting people across the world. However, the popularity of this sport and global event also has a profound impact on the environment. Large numbers of spectators, stadium construction, transportation, and other activities increase the carbon footprint. But now, cricket organizations ICC have understood this challenge and taken steps towards adopting sustainable development and eco-friendly practices.
In today’s blog we will understand the relationship between cricket and environment, how the environmental impact of the sport is being reduced, and how cricket organisations have taken the initiative to raise awareness for environmental conservation.
Environmental impact of cricket:
The following activities in cricket events have a negative impact on the environment such as:
1. Stadium construction and operation:
The construction and operation of cricket stadiums consumes huge amounts of energy and resources. Now cricket is being played in many countries, due to which big stadiums are being built there too. Which consumes huge amounts of energy and material.
Electricity consumption: D/N In day-night matches, electricity is used more. Due to which a lot of carbon is being emitted.
Water use: A huge amount of water is required for the preparation of the pitch and maintenance of the ground. Along with the pitch, water is used a lot on the ground as well, the ground is prepared in such a way that the players do not have any problem in running on it.
2. Pollution :
Pollution is caused by the vehicles used by fans who come to watch the match, which increases carbon dioxide. During the match, the spectators and players produce a lot of plastic waste, such as bottles and food packaging, which harms the environment.
3. Carbon footprint :
Air travel by players and organizers causes carbon emissions. Organizing big events, such as the World Cup, leaves a huge carbon footprint globally. During big tournaments, the movement of spectators also releases a lot of carbon footprint.
Eco-friendly materials being adopted by cricket organizations :
1. Sustainable design and operation of stadium :
Cricket boards are now innovating to make stadiums eco-friendly so that the environment is not harmed much.
Solar energy :
The Mangalam Chinnaswamy Stadium in India uses solar energy, which reduces carbon emissions. Other stadiums are also installing solar panels. This will reduce the consumption of coal and carbon for electricity and electricity will be taken from solar panels.
Water conservation :
Green Park Stadium and other venues in India use rainwater harvesting system. This water harvesting system purifies the water frozen inside the ground during the rainy season and water the pitch and ground with the same water on the day of the match. Water is used more efficiently through the recycling process.
Plastic free zones :
Countries like England and Australia are making their stadiums free of single-use plastic. The use of reusable cups and biodegradable packaging is being increased. India is also now using clay cups instead of plastic cups .
Transportation and reduction in carbon footprint :
Promotion of public transport :
Fans are being encouraged to use public transport. People are being requested not to come in their own vehicles during the match Instead they should use government vehicles, which will reduce pollution. Stadiums like the Oval in Australia have started shuttle services and e-vehicle charging stations.
Players’ travel :
Teams are now using trains and other means of transport instead of air travel. During league matches, players are now using trains instead of airplanes.
3. Green Initiatives and Awareness Programs :
ICC’s Sustainable Development Program :The International Cricket Council (ICC) has launched various schemes to prioritize sustainable development.
Special teams are appointed for waste management in every major event. So that the dirt and waste there is divided into biodegradable and non-biodegradable parts. Emphasis is being laid on preparing the pitch and ground in a natural way.
Plant trees campaign :
IPL teams have involved their fans in the initiative to plant a tree for every match. An initiative has been started to plant 500 trees for every dot ball during the IPL playoffs. BCCI planted 250000 trees in IPL 2023.
England Cricket Board (ECB) launched ‘Cricket for Climate’ campaign .
4. Eco-friendly cricket kits and equipment :
Kits and shoes made of biodegradable materials are now available for cricket players. The world’s best batsman Rohit Sharma uses shoes made of garbage collected from rivers to inspire people. The use of eco-friendly wood is now increasing in cricket bat manufacturing. Manufacturers have focused on reducing the use of plastic and other harmful materials.
Some major examples towards sustainable development from which we should take inspiration:
1. Kenya’s Green Cricket Program :
Kenya started the ‘Green Cricket’ program to make its domestic tournament eco-friendly. In this initiative, only solar energy will be used during the matches. Plastic will be banned on the entire field during the match and the entire stadium will be plastic-free. Free plantation kits will be given to the fans coming during the match.
2. Indian Premier League (IPL) :
Under the “Go Green” initiative in IPL, Royal Challengers Bangalore took several steps to reduce carbon emissions during matches. Players supported cycling and use of public transport to increase greenery. Which is being seen as an integral opportunity to save the environment.
3. Australia’s eco-friendly stadium :
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) adopted new technologies for waste management and recycling. 90% of the waste is reused there. Later, the same waste helps in preparing the stadium.
Cricket and community ICC:
Sustainable cricket not only benefits the environment, but also connects the community. Young players & students are being educated about the importance of sustainable practices. Eco-friendly cricket practices are being included in school and college cricket programs. So that people get more information about it in the coming time.
Future challenges and solutions :
Challenges:
1. Cost and investment :
The use of sustainable technologies is expensive.
2. Lack of awareness :
Many cricket boards and fans still do not fully understand the importance of sustainable development and do not give importance to it. Which is a matter of concern for us and the environment.
3. Environmental impact of global events :
World Cup and other big tournaments emit huge amounts of carbon. ICC should think about how to reduce it.
Solutions:
1. Technological innovation :
Promote the use of solar energy.
2. Educate fans :
Make spectators aware of the importance of sustainable development during events, tell them to minimise the use of plastic.
3. Global cooperation:
All cricket boards should come together to promote sustainable practices.
Conclusion :
The relationship between cricket and sustainable development is extremely important in today’s times. Cricket organizations have taken concrete steps towards adopting eco-friendly practices, but this is just the beginning. Spreading the message of environmental conservation through sports is essential not only for nature but also for the future generations. The purpose of cricket is no longer just entertainment, but also to fulfill social and environmental responsibility. These small steps taken towards sustainable development can bring big changes in the future.
