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Environment Secretary Michael Gove has called on sports leaders from across the Commonwealth to fight plastic pollution in the world’s oceans.
As a result of major sporting events generating enormous amounts of waste – including up to 750,000 plastic bottles – representatives from Premier League football, swimming and ocean sailing will look at how the sports sector can use its influence to bring about global change.
The initiative will build on steps already taken by the industry, including this year’s Commonwealth Games banning the use of plastic balloons and rolling out water refills to reduce plastic.
‘Pressing challenge’
Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: “Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time and we all have a role to play to tackle the threats our oceans face.
“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.”
‘Affects us all’
Bill Bush, Executive Director of the Premier League, added: “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.”
