Sport #WithoutWaste - Action Pack

The mission of the Sport #WithoutWaste initiative is to catalyze a movement that inspires waste-free grassroots sports events, promoting sustainable practices across the leisure and grassroots sport sectors. With a focus on building capacities of relevant stakeholders and coordinating waste-free events, our initiative seeks to ensure that grassroots sports events become eco-friendly, while fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment.

Why this guide?

The guide is designed to empower grassroots sport event organizers like you to host environmentally sustainable and waste-free events. By adopting the #WithoutWaste approach, you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment while promoting the values of sustainability and responsible citizenship within your community. In this Action Pack, we will provide you with ideas which can help you plan, execute, and communicate a successful grassroots sport event that prioritizes waste reduction and environmental preservation.

Find more at sportwithoutwaste.org

how to organize a grassroots sport event #withoutwaste in a glance

Evaluate the result

Find partners

Carry out waste transportation

Find ways to reduce waste

After the event Throughout the event

Do not allow the bins to overflow with waste Before the event

Try to guess what type of waste to expect and how to organize the proper collection

Involve the guests and the participants

Communicate with visitors

Volunteer training

Communicate in advance

Why organize an event

#WithoutWaste?

The answer is simple.

As a grassroots sport event organizer, you have the power to create awareness and influence behavior. By taking proactive measures to reduce waste, promote recycling, and encourage sustainable practices, you can demonstrate your commitment to environmental stewardship and inspire others to follow suit. Together, we can build a more sustainable future for our communities and the planet.

We believe that every grassroots sport event has the potential to be a catalyst for change. By adopting the #WithoutWaste approach, you can lead by example and inspire participants, volunteers, sponsors, and the wider community to embrace eco-friendly practices and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.

Are you ready to make a difference? Let’s dive into the Action Pack and embark on this exciting journey to organize

Grassroots Sport Events

#WithoutWaste!

Lead Partner: Expert Partners: Financial Support:

Implementing Organisations:

Note: The Action Pack is a collaborative effort, developed by experts and practitioners in the field of grassroots sport events, sustainable event management and of course BG Be Active’s experience of organizing events #WithoutWaste throughout the last 5 years.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

What is an Event #WithoutWaste?

A grassroots sport event #WithoutWaste is an event that is organized with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and waste reduction. It goes beyond the traditional focus on sports competition and aims to minimize the environmental impact associated with the event. The #WithoutWaste concept promotes the principles of responsible consumption, waste management, and environmental preservation throughout the event planning and execution process.

In a grassroots sport event #WithoutWaste, organizers strive to minimize waste generation, promote recycling and proper waste disposal, and encourage sustainable practices among participants, volunteers, and attendees. The event aims to raise awareness about the importance of waste reduction, encourage behavior change, and inspire participants to embrace eco-friendly habits both during and beyond the event.

Key elements of a grassroots sport event #WithoutWaste may include:

+ Waste reduction strategies: Implementing measures to minimize the generation of waste throughout the event, such as promoting the use of reusable items, providing water refill stations, and discouraging single-use plastics.

+ Recycling initiatives: Setting up clearly marked recycling stations and educating participants about proper waste separation to maximize recycling efforts.

+ Sustainable catering: Collaborating with food vendors that prioritize sustainable practices, such as using compostable or reusable food containers and sourcing local, organic, and ethically produced ingredients.

+ Eco-friendly signage and materials: Utilizing digital platforms and minimizing the use of paper-based materials by opting for electronic communication, digital signage, and eco-friendly printing options when necessary.

+ Energy and water conservation: Implementing energy-efficient practices, such as using LED lighting and optimizing energy consumption, as well as promoting water conservation through awareness campaigns and efficient water management.

+ Transportation alternatives: Encouraging participants to use sustainable transportation options, such as public transit, carpooling, or cycling, and providing bike racks or shuttle services when possible.

+ Environmental education and engagement: Incorporating educational activities and workshops to raise awareness about waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable living, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among participants.

How to organize a sport event #WithoutWaste?

Organizing a grassroots sport event

#WithoutWaste requires careful planning and implementation of sustainable practices. Here are some key steps to help you organize such an event:

1. Set your goals: Define your objectives and establish a clear vision for organizing a #WithoutWaste event. Identify the specific waste reduction and sustainability targets you want to achieve.

2. Create a waste management plan: Develop a comprehensive waste management plan that outlines strategies for waste reduction, recycling, and proper disposal.

3. Choose a sustainable venue: Select a venue that aligns with your sustainability goals. Look for facilities that offer recycling infrastructure, composting options, and energy-efficient amenities.

© Natã Romualdo, Pexels

4. Minimize single-use items: Encourage participants and vendors to avoid single-use items.

5. Provide recycling stations: Set up clearly labeled recycling stations throughout the event area. Ensure participants understand how to separate their waste properly and provide clear signage to guide them.

6. Composting options: If feasible, establish composting stations for organic waste generated during the event.

7. Collaborate with eco-friendly vendors: Work with vendors who prioritize sustainability and offer environmentally friendly products and services.

8. Promote sustainable transportation: Encourage participants to use sustainable transportation options such as walking, cycling, or carpooling. Provide information about public transportation routes and consider organizing shuttle services from nearby transportation hubs.

9. Educate and engage participants: Raise awareness about the importance of waste reduction and environmental sustainability. Organize workshops, presentations, or interactive activities to educate participants about recycling, composting, and other eco-friendly practices.

10. Volunteer involvement: Recruit volunteers who are passionate about sustainability to assist with waste management, recycling, and education efforts during the event. Provide them with clear instructions and training on waste management practices.

11. Monitor and measure progress: Implement a system to track and measure waste reduction and recycling efforts. Collect data on the amount of waste generated, recycling rates, and any challenges or successes encountered.

12. Communicate and celebrate: Promote your #WithoutWaste event through various channels, such as social media, websites, and local media outlets. Share success stories and engage participants, sponsors, and the community in celebrating the event’s environmental achievements.

How to organize a GSE #WithoutWaste in an outdoor public space?

Organizing a grassroots sport event

#WithoutWaste in an outdoor public space requires additional considerations to ensure minimal environmental impact. Here are some specific steps to help you organize such an event:

1. Choose a suitable location: Select a public space that allows for the activities you have planned and aligns with your #WithoutWaste goals. Consider factors such as waste management infrastructure, accessibility, and available amenities.

2. Obtain necessary permits: Check with local authorities and obtain any required permits or permissions to host the event in the chosen public space. Ensure you comply with all regulations and guidelines related to waste management and environmental impact.

3. Conduct a waste audit: Assess the waste generation potential of the event by conducting a waste audit. Identify the types of waste likely to be generated and plan strategies to minimize them. This can include food waste, packaging waste, and single-use items.

4. Implement waste reduction measures: Encourage participants, vendors, and staff to adopt waste reduction practices. Consider partnering with local waste management services to provide recycling and composting options.

5. Set up waste stations: Place clearly labeled waste stations throughout the event area. Include separate bins for recycling, composting, and general waste. Ensure proper signage and instructions are provided to guide participants in sorting their waste correctly.

6. Plan for waste collection and disposal: Coordinate with waste management services or local authorities to ensure proper collection and disposal of waste. Arrange for separate collection of recyclables and compostables to maximize waste diversion from landfill.

7. Engage volunteers: Recruit volunteers to assist with waste management and educate participants about proper waste disposal. Train them on waste sorting guidelines and provide them with the necessary tools and resources to carry out their tasks effectively.

8. Encourage sustainable transportation: Check the tip on the previous page.

9. Communicate your #WithoutWaste message: Use various communication channels to inform participants, sponsors, and the community about your event’s sustainability efforts. Emphasize the importance of waste reduction and encourage attendees to actively participate in creating a waste-free environment.

10. Track and evaluate progress: Monitor and measure your waste reduction efforts throughout the event. Collect data on waste diversion rates, recycling volumes, and participant feedback.

11. Leave no trace: Ensure the event space is left clean and free of waste after the event. Coordinate with waste management services to conduct a thorough clean-up and remove any remaining waste responsibly.

How to communicate about your Sport

#WithoutWaste event?

Checklist

□ Define your event’s vision and commitment to sustainability.

□ Choose a catchy and descriptive event hashtag, such as #WithoutWaste, to promote your cause.

□ Develop a clear and concise messaging strategy that highlights the event’s eco-friendly initiatives.

□ Design a dedicated section on your event website that explains the #WithoutWaste concept and provides information on sustainability measures.

□ Utilize social media platforms to share updates, educational content, and behind-thescenes glimpses of your sustainability efforts.

□ Collaborate with local influencers, athletes, and environmental activists to amplify your message and reach a broader audience.

□ Encourage participants and attendees to pledge their commitment to waste reduction by using interactive features like online pledges or signature walls.

□ Offer incentives for eco-friendly behavior, such as discounted entry fees for participants who bring reusable water bottles or encourage carpooling.

□ Provide detailed information on waste management practices at the event, including designated recycling stations and composting options.

□ Partner with local environmental organizations or NGOs to host educational workshops or interactive activities related to waste reduction and environmental conservation.

□ Engage volunteers to serve as waste management ambassadors, guiding participants and attendees on proper waste disposal practices.

□ Use signage and visual cues throughout the event venue to encourage participants to minimize waste and recycle properly.

□ Establish partnerships with local businesses to sponsor eco-friendly giveaways or rewards for participants who actively participate in waste reduction initiatives.

□ Include sustainability-focused announcements and reminders during event briefings, opening ceremonies, and award ceremonies.

□ Capture and share success stories and testimonials from participants and attendees who have embraced the #WithoutWaste concept.

□ Offer post-event surveys to gather feedback and assess the effectiveness of your sustainability efforts, allowing you to make improvements for future events.

□ Express gratitude and recognition for participants, volunteers, sponsors, and partners who have contributed to the success of the event and its sustainability goals.

□ Remember, effective communication is key to creating awareness and fostering a culture of sustainability. By following this checklist, you can ensure that your grassroots sport event is communicated as a #WithoutWaste event, inspiring others to embrace eco-friendly practices and make a positive impact on the environment.

APPENDICES

1. How to work with volunteers

2. Map

3. How to establish partnerships

4. Social media prompts

5. Sport #WithoutWaste branding and templates

APPENDIX 1

Guidelines for the volunteers

Make sure that volunteers have adequate responsibility. They should be assigned specific tasks, and then trusted to complete them.

Talk to the volunteers about their responsibilities and the principles of separate waste collection.

Train volunteers before the event to provide assistance on spot and to inform people about separate waste collection.

Provide educational materials on recycling good practices and waste management

Allow volunteers to pair up with others and work in teams. Working with another person on the event day allows volunteers to build a community.

Ask for input before the event. There should be space for volunteers to provide ideas and suggestion.

Allow them to enjoy and learn from the event.

Ask feedback from volunteers. Evaluate the event including them and give them space to share their genuine opinion.

Find

Example for inspiration how to create more visibility for your efforts in organizing an event #WithoutWaste

Entrance

Separate Waste Collection Bins

Food & Drinks

Find more at sportwithoutwaste.org

APPENDIX 3

How to establish partnerships

In order to reach your Sport

#WithoutWaste event goals, you will need to establish local partnerships in different areas. Don’t forget, partnerships do not have to involve financial support.

+ Use your local knowledge and competence to invite stakeholders to a dialogue at the planning stage

+ Map out possible partnerships based on the measures you want to take. Perhaps you already have a good contact that can help.

+ Contact other associations, schools, day care centers in your local area for partnership. Perhaps you can discover a possibility of joint waste management.

+ Partner with the local authority to handle organic waste, waste sorting and waste containers etc.

+ Partner with organisations that donate surplus food

+ Partner with organisations that offer bottle return system

+ Contact companies which can provide recyclable serveware.

+ Green ambassadors: Get in touch with the local authorities and try to involve schools in your event. Choose students for green ambassadors who can get incentives based on their performance before and throughout the event.

APPENDIX 4

Social media prompts

When promoting your sport event #WithoutWaste on social media, consider using the following prompts to engage your audience and encourage them to embrace sustainable practices:

Share your eco-friendly initiatives: Highlight the specific measures you’re taking to make your event sustainable and waste-free. Showcasing initiatives like recycling stations, reusable water bottles, or compostable food containers will inspire others to follow suit.

Before-and-after photos: Share a visual transformation of your event space from a littered area to a clean and waste-free environment. This will demonstrate the impact of your #WithoutWaste efforts and inspire others to take action.

Participant testimonials: Encourage participants to share their experiences and thoughts on the event’s eco-friendly practices. Ask them to use your event’s hashtag and share how they made efforts to reduce waste during the event.

Sustainable vendor spotlights: Highlight vendors or sponsors who are supporting your event’s sustainability goals. Showcase their ecofriendly products or services and explain how they align with the #WithoutWaste concept.

Find

Social media prompts

Sustainable event tips: Provide practical tips on how participants can actively contribute to a waste-free event experience. Share ideas such as bringing reusable bags, using public transportation, or opting for digital event materials instead of printed ones.

Volunteer appreciation: Recognize the efforts of volunteers who have played a significant role in making your event #WithoutWaste. Share their stories, express gratitude, and highlight the positive impact they’ve had on the event’s sustainability.

Eco-friendly challenges: Encourage participants to take part in eco-friendly challenges leading up to the event. For example, challenge them to pick up litter in their local communities or share their favorite sustainable habits using your event’s hashtag.

Sustainability facts and statistics: Share interesting facts and statistics about the environmental impact of waste and the benefits of sustainable practices. This will help raise awareness and educate your audience on the importance of going #WithoutWaste.

APPENDIX 5

Sport #WithoutWaste branding and templates

Download templates on www.sportwithoutwaste.org