New Delhi: In the time it takes Hardik Pandya to bowl an over in cricket, four garbage trucks of plastic are dumped into the ocean, says UN Environment. To make a green change ahead of the 45th World Environment Day, on Sunday, May 27 before the final match of the 2018 Indian Premier League, between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, the Board of Control for Cricket in India and UN Environment signed an agreement to promote ‘green cricket’ in India. BCCI acting Secretary Amitabh Choudhary and Erik Solheim, UN Environment Head, signed a letter of intent at the BCCI headquarters.
“The partnership aims to spread greater awareness about key environmental challenges facing the country, and highlight alternate and more sustainable solutions. The BCCI will endeavor to reduce its environmental impact by greening operations and engaging cricketers and fans in green initiatives,” said the BCCI in a statement.
Sharing the good news with the netizens, UN Environment Head Erik Solheim added,
If you want to change people’s behaviour, no better way than through sport. I am thrilled about the new partnership between @UNEnvironment and @BCCI to green cricket. We’re all batting for this planet.
If you want to change people's behaviours, no better way than through sport. I am thrilled about the new partnership between @UNEnvironment and @BCCI to green cricket. We're all batting for this planet ???????????????? https://t.co/LtXqQ8kIw2
— Erik Solheim (@ErikSolheim) May 27, 2018
Commenting on the initiative, Amitabh Choudhary said:
We will help make cricket green and sensitize spectators towards minimizing waste generation during matches.
This green partnership will aim to focus on phasing out single-use plastic across stadiums and cricket events in the country. BCCI has already begun raising awareness on this issue. At the four matches played at the Holkar Stadium, a Green Protocol based on the concept of 3Rs – to reduce, reuse and recycle was implemented.
Happy with the decision, actor and UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza on her social media said,
That was truly spectacular #ShaneWatson!!! What an incredible win for #CSK. @msdhoni you are the BEST. I’m celebrating this win and the fact that @BCCI has partnered with @UNEnvironment to green cricket in India! Thank you for batting for the planet @BCCI #WIN #IPL2018Finals
That was truly spectacular #ShaneWatson!!! What an incredible win for #CSK. @msdhoni you are the BEST. I’m celebrating this win and the fact that @BCCI has partnered with @UNEnvironment to green cricket in India! Thank you for batting for the planet @BCCI #WIN #IPL2018Finals
— Dia Mirza (@deespeak) May 27, 2018
This year, as a global host of World Environment Day 2018, India is leading the global charge to #BeatPlasticPollution in the country, and around the world. This is one such of the initiatives to promote greener activities in the country.
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