Government calls on the Premier League to help tackle plastic pollution
Environment secretary Michael Gove has today called on the Premier League to help tackle plastic pollution troubles in England, looking into schemes such as deposit return schemes for cups at matches.
The government is today calling on sports leaders from across the Commonwealth to join efforts to curb plastic pollution in the world's oceans. Mass sporting events often generate up to 750,000 plastic bottles and seven tonnes of waste, according to the government.
Read more: Deposit return scheme for drinks bottles to be introduced in England
As part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in London this week, Gove is hosting leaders from across the sports sector to discuss ideas and agree ways to help bring down the waste of plastic. Representatives from the Premier League, swimming and ocean sailing will look at how the sector can use its influence to help bring about change.
This will look to build on efforts already made, such as Twickenham Stadium introducing a deposit return scheme for "fan cups", where supporters pay an extra £1 for their cup and then get the money back when they return it to the bar.
Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur has also said it is committed to phasing out single-use plastics across all club operations.
And at this year's Commonwealth Games, plastic balloons have been banned, while water refills have been rolled out in an effort to reduce plastic.
Gove said: "There are few groups which have the global reach and power the sports sector does to inspire change and mobilise action. The industry is already making great strides, and I look forward to seeing how they can build on this progress to be true ambassadors for global change."
Bill Bush, executive director of the Premier League, is attending the roundtable being held by the environment secretary. He said:
The Premier League is well aware of the importance of taking action against plastic pollution, it affects us all and our fans expect us to do what we can to tackle this threat. We are here today to learn from others as we develop our plans to reduce plastic use throughout our operations.
We also want to use our reach to fans here and across the world to spread the word that each and every one of us can make a difference by choosing to use less plastic.
Last month, the government confirmed plans to roll out a deposit return scheme for plastic and glass bottles so shoppers in England will have to pay extra on drinks – but will get it back if they return the container.
The scheme is subject to consultation later this year where the details of the proposals will be ironed out.
[contf]
[contfnew]
CityAM
[contfnewc]
[contfnewc]
