In 2018, the Indian Premier League released its zero-waste concept, also known as the Green Protocol. The protocol was put into place to reduce the amount of waste that reaches landfill from cricket stadiums in India. The protocol came into action due to an agreement between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The first trial occurred at the Chinnaswamy stadium, with other trials being carried out at the Holkar Stadium.
During many of the cricket matches that occur in India, between 3 to 6 tonnes of waste is produced. In order to carry out the protocol, assessments have been made by waste management firms, municipalities, and not-for-profit organisations, who have then worked together to produce blueprints for waste management.
One of the ways in which the stadiums are trying to reduce waste is through supplying food containers that are made from biodegradable materials. There was also a ban on non-biodegradable plastics from coming into the stadium.
Fans are also be encouraged to use the correct bins provided, and this encouragement comes from not-for-profit organisations that have strategies in place to help change the fan’s behaviours.
There are hopes that this movement towards a greener sporting event will lead to other sporting events doing the same. The Head of UNEP, Erik Solheim stated that:
“If we don’t have a healthy environment, then sports will not thrive. I am delighted that UN Environment is partnering with the BCCI to use the power of cricket to inspire action for a cleaner environment.”
