Eco-Friendly Footprints at the 2019 ITTF World Tour Asarel Bulgaria Open

The 2019 ITTF World Tour Asarel Bulgaria Open is ongoing since Tuesday 13th to 18th August in the town of Panagyurishte, Bulgaria. This year the event organizers are switching plastic bottles for aluminum ones. And plastic coffee and water cups for recyclable cardboard cups! This is an intentional approach to use the sporting event to encourage coaches, players and everyone to take more caution while using plastics and to choose environment friendly products in their everyday life.

Last year, about 10,000 plastic bottles were used but with the new move this year, all accredited personnel as well as the players will receive special edition, tournament branded aluminum bottles. Every person attending the event will also be able to buy the bottles at a designated stand.

"We firmly believe that our approach will benefit everyone and most importantly the planet", Aneliya Karova, member of the organizing committee.

One of the sustainable development goals that sport can contribute to is advocating for climate change (goal 13) through incorporating sustainable production and consumption patterns but also, most notably engaging other stakeholders to take up sustainable practices that have an impact on the environment during sports events.

This month the Asarel Bulgaria Open is doing just that – spreading awareness that we need to embrace and promote sustainable consumption and lifestyles; and leaving a positive social legacy in the host town.