8 Ways to Make Your Passion for Sports Become More Eco-Friendly

Needless to say, the love of sports is a universal language, a passion that connects people across the globe. So, whether it’s the thrill of playing or the joy of watching, sports have a special place in many hearts. But like many other aspects of modern life, sports also come with an environmental footprint. Alright, so basically, what doesn’t come with an environmental footprint? Technically, even green energy, or even eco-friendly practices like thrifting come with this too.

Well, no matter what type of lifestyle changes you’re trying to make for the planet, be it giving out eco-friendly gifts, switching your diet to less meat and dairy, or even changing the way you interact with passion and hobbies like sports, there’s always room for changes. In fact, when it comes to sports, there are plenty of ways to make this passion more eco-friendly without sacrificing the fun or excitement. 

Start Looking into Eco-Friendly Sports Equipment

While fashion and food waste tend to get a bad rep for harming the environment (rightfully so), the gear used in sports can often be a major contributor to environmental waste as well. So, whether it’s the materials used or the manufacturing process itself, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to reducing your impact on the planet.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to make a difference is by opting for eco-friendly sports equipment. Well, either buy a brand new (if you need to) that offers sustainable materials like bamboo golf tees, for example, or go with second-hand. Both of these are ideal. But it’s usually better if you’re able to buy second-hand (and it’s usually cheaper than buying something brand new, too, and that does include sustainable brands).

Travel Smarter for Sports Events

So, even if you’re not someone who does sports but instead watches sports, this is one for you! Needless to say, the excitement of attending live sports events is undeniable, but the carbon footprint associated with travel can be substantial. While sure, it really depends on the city you’re going to, and where you live, it should still be something to think about. 

So, whether it’s driving to a local match or flying to a big game, transport is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. But this doesn’t mean giving up on the experience—just making smarter choices.

So, if you’re going by car, then you already have an idea of how expensive parking is. However, carpooling with friends or family to a local match is a simple and enjoyable way to reduce emissions. It’s also a great way to share the excitement of the journey together. For longer trips, consider public transport options like trains or buses— sometimes, on game day, this is free for those travelling to the sports arena.

Support Green Sporting Venues

You might not have known this, but sporting venues can be notorious energy hogs, from the lights illuminating night games to the energy required to maintain indoor temperatures. So, while newer ones are trying to be more sustainable, it’s still a good idea to try and support green venues on your part.

So, basically, supporting venues that prioritize sustainability is a step in the right direction. Many stadiums and arenas are beginning to adopt greener practices, such as using renewable energy sources, installing energy-efficient lighting, and implementing comprehensive recycling programs. If you’re choosing to attend events at these venues, then you, as well as fans, are basically helping to encourage more of the industry to follow suit.

Sustainable Sportswear

The sportswear industry is another area where making sustainable choices can have a significant impact. Nowadays fashion brands are not only paying attention that people want to wear their favourite (or even unknown) teams, but there’s more vintage sellers and thrift shops that are actively focusing on sourcing these too (especially to women as there’s now a rise in sports-related interests). 

But on top of that, there’s now Blokecore and even blokette as well. So it’s only going to get bigger, which only means a higher demand for sustainability on the part of fashion and sports brands (Nike and Adidas included).

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—Even in Sports

When you read the heading, you just think of daily life, right? You don’t really think of these when you’re watching sports, reading news about sports, or even if you’re doing a sport (like playing tennis on Saturdays, for example). 

Well, the mantra of reduce, reuse, and recycle applies to sports just as much as it does to other areas of life. Just think about it; from reusing equipment (like getting second-hand) to reducing waste at events, there are plenty of ways to incorporate these principles into a sporting lifestyle.

Extend the Life of Gear Where Possible

For example, instead of buying brand-new equipment every season, consider reusing or refurbishing older items. You might be surprised to learn that many sports gear retailers offer services to repair or restore equipment, which can extend its life and keep it out of the landfills. For items that are no longer needed, donating them to local sports clubs or charities is a great way to ensure they get a second life.

Think About Litter

At sporting events, reducing waste is key. Bringing a reusable water bottle, for instance, is a simple yet effective way to cut down on single-use plastic. Sure, you might not be able to do this with every venue or every city (some are super strict). But many venues now offer water refill stations, making it easier than ever to stay hydrated without harming the environment.

But of course, not every venue out there is easy, and sometimes you need to buy food or drinks. So if you have to resort to that, just make sure you’re being mindful of litter and ensuring it is properly disposed of or recycled can make a significant difference, particularly at large events where waste can quickly accumulate.

Support Eco-Conscious Sports Organisations

Finally, supporting sports organisations that are committed to environmental sustainability is a powerful way to make a difference. There are so many professional sports teams and leagues that are beginning to recognise the importance of sustainability and are implementing initiatives to reduce their environmental impact.

So, this is similar to supporting green venues and arenas, but you should also look into supporting these organisations—whether through attendance, merchandise purchases, or simply spreading the word—fans can help push the industry toward a more sustainable future. This might include everything from teams that offset their travel emissions to leagues that promote sustainable practices among their players and fans.