Sports and the Environment Are More Connected Than You Think

Sports inspire millions. Stadiums roar, cities cheer, and fans unite. But there’s a side we often ignore—how all of this affects the planet. From huge crowds to massive energy use, the environmental footprint of sports is growing. It's time we talk about it.

The Hidden Costs of Stadiums

Modern stadiums are marvels of engineering. But building and maintaining them uses a lot of energy and materials. Many stadiums run air conditioning all day, even when empty. Grass fields need water, and artificial turf releases microplastics. Even popular stadiums like the Maracanã in Brazil or the Melbourne Cricket Ground contribute to carbon emissions.

The book The Sustainability of Sports by Holger Preuss offers detailed insights on the long-term costs stadiums have on the environment.

Major Events, Major Emissions

Large-scale events like the Olympics or FIFA World Cup are global celebrations. But they’re also carbon-heavy. Think about the international flights, hotel stays, food waste, and plastic usage. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics tried to go green—athletes slept on cardboard beds, and medals were made from recycled electronics. Yet, the overall emissions were still significant.

The documentary The Games Must Go On also explores how these events leave environmental footprints that last long after the closing ceremonies.

Travel and Team Logistics

Athletes, coaches, staff, and fans travel constantly. Teams play in different cities every week. The fuel burned by planes, buses, and private cars adds up. A single season of football or cricket involves thousands of kilometers. While some leagues now explore carbon offsetting, very few actually reduce travel.

Some cycling teams, like Team DSM, have switched to electric cars for shorter distances. It’s a small step but shows what's possible.

The Plastic Problem in Sports

Single-use plastics are everywhere—bottled water, packaged snacks, and plastic fan gear. During large tournaments, plastic waste piles up. Some stadiums now ban plastic straws or provide paper cups, but the problem runs deeper.

A cricket match in India can draw crowds of over 50,000. Imagine the plastic left behind. Documentaries like A Plastic Ocean remind us how such waste ends up in rivers and seas.

Sportswear and Sustainability

Even sportswear leaves a mark. Jerseys, shoes, and gear are often made from synthetic materials. Brands now push for sustainability. Adidas made shoes from ocean plastic. Nike launched “Move to Zero” to reduce waste. But fast-changing sports fashion trends still create demand for more products.

Books like Fashionopolis show how sports and fashion industries overlap when it comes to waste and pollution.

Sports Going Green

Change is happening. Forest Green Rovers, a football club in England, became the world’s first carbon-neutral sports team. Their stadium uses solar energy. They serve only vegan food and even mow the grass with electric machines. Formula E, the electric racing series, is another example of sustainable innovation.

Athletes like Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka now speak out on climate issues, using their fame for good.

Fan Behavior and Awareness

Fans can help too. Carpooling, using public transport, avoiding plastic, and supporting eco-friendly brands all matter. When millions of people watch sports, even small shifts in behavior can create a ripple effect. Campaigns like “Sport Positive” are educating fans and clubs about their environmental responsibility.

Conclusion

Sports bring people together. But they also carry an environmental cost. As viewers, players, or event organizers, we all have a part to play. Watching your favorite team win feels great—but knowing they care for the planet too feels even better. The future of sports needs to be exciting—and sustainable.