Sports fans – we're up against some ugly opposition. We're talking about plastic pollution seeping into the big-game experience.
Water bottles, coffee cups, tea stirrers and pint glasses overflow from bins. Plastic memorabilia blows in the wind, ironically forgotten. Where's the pride?
Some clubs are starting to offload unwanted plastics. Several teams have trialled reusable pint cups. Others have pledged to reduce single-use plastic across their stadiums. But no team is anywhere near claiming the title of plastic free.
Here are some ways that all sports fans can give plastic the boot.
1. Avoid the opposition...
We're talking plastic plates, cutlery, cups and straws. Put your hands to use while you're chowing down on that pie – or use real crockery and reusable containers.
2. Don't get lost in the hype
You could spend your money on a tiny plastic bowler hat or an Andy Murray mask that makes your face hurt. You could even copy Gazza and wear a huge pair of fake plastic boobs with your name written underneath them. The only question would be – why? If you want to add sparkle to your team's performance, try some eco glitter fun.
3. Bring the cup home
This is your chance to get your hands on the cup – don't throw it away (because that's really bad for the environment). Some sports fans can now put down a deposit for a reusable plastic pint pot. If that's not an option, buy your own or tell the venue to kit themselves out with a new strip of reusable plastic glasses. Look for a hole in the defence and time your run through to the bar.
4. No unforced errors
Shocking but true – wine and beer bottles may contain a seal of plastic inside the metal bottle tops. Don't be defeated by these negative tactics. Go on the attack and buy a whole keg of beer from a local pub or brewery. As for the wine, find out if a local store offers a bottle refill scheme.
5. Don’t get caught behind
Even your prima-donna striker knows how to tackle plastic bag pollution. Splash some cash on a cloth one and watch it bring home the goods – and bag you some points.
6. Dish out the half-time oranges
Or the strawberries and cream. Ensure they're extra fresh and plastic-free by ordering a local fruit and veg box. Another way of serving up fresh food minus the plastic packaging is to bypass the supermarket aisles for a farmers' market.
7. Back of the net
Our favourite replica kits are likely to contain synthetic materials. With each wash they can shed hundreds of thousands of tiny plastic fibres which pass through the sewage system into our lakes, rivers and seas. Luckily, the Guppy Friend washing bag catches these miniature pollutants. It's your last line of defence.
8. Squeaky-bum time
This is the stage when you find out if you've really got the nerve to succeed. Should the pressure get the better of you, cover your arse by stocking up on eco-friendly toilet paper. Who Gives a Crap toilet rolls come wrapped in paper instead of plastic.
They think it's all over...
Before you go, score some points for the planet.
