Campaigners back Telegraph’s call for top-flight clubs to go green
A Daily Telegraph investigation calling on the Premier League to take more action on the environment has been welcomed by campaigners urging football’s wealthy elite to “raise their game” on green causes.
Shaun Spiers, executive director of the independent think-tank Green Alliance, said top-tier clubs should use their “huge influence” in mobilising supporters to consider their environmental impact.
In the first detailed audit of elite football’s green credentials, The Telegraph revealed that clubs were under no pressure from the Premier League to cut plastic waste and pollution dramatically. The league believes the difference in the age and standard of stadiums makes it difficult to impose uniform rules.
Arsenal praised The Telegraph research, while the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said it was keen to work closely towards better green standards.
Spiers, who has worked with the Government and charity sector in developing green policy, said: “It’s great that The Telegraph is raising this issue and asking well-heeled football clubs to raise their game.
“Football clubs can have a huge influence, not only in what they do themselves to reduce their environmental impact, but in communicating its importance to their fans.
“Young people are worried about climate change and pollution and will be expecting clubs to do more.”