Redefining Sports and Cultural Sponsorships for Event Sustainability

In simple terms, the pollution generated by waste at public events stands as a significant contributor to environmental degradation, the decline of species, and potential health repercussions. These issues affect us all, both now and even more so in the future. Consider the fate of single-use plastic bottles: briefly used for mere minutes, only to be discarded, often landing in designated bins or, unfortunately, littering public spaces. The unsightly plastic waste tarnishes our surroundings, marring the positive experiences of these gatherings. At a glance, single-use glass at events might seem like an alternative, but appearances can deceive. In fact, single-use glass has the highest overall environmental impact compared to other packaging materials. This practice not only squanders a non-renewable resource but also clashes with the values of sustainability that these events should embody.

The result? Events that bring undesirable, long-term consequences for both you and our beloved Planet Blue. Plastic waste from these events lingers in landfills, landscapes, and oceans. Rather than breaking down, plastic breaks apart into even smaller fragments, known as microplastics. This poses a severe threat to marine life and the entire food chain, including the agricultural, aquacultural, and fisheries systems that sustain us.

Adding to the conundrum, the extensive energy consumption during the production of single-use glass places it atop the list of materials with the gravest environmental impacts. Shockingly, single-use glass can take up to one million years to decompose in landfills.

We proclaim: Enough is enough! The time has come for a positive change. Drastic reductions in single-use beverage packaging at events are imperative to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. It's evident that meaningful change can't happen in isolation, as collective actions have a profoundly positive impact on our overall well-being. As Changemakers, we are committed to ensuring that our gatherings do not harm the planet we share.

Enter BWT, one of Living Tomorrow's co-initiators and Europe's leader in water technology. We are proudly involved in various fields, from sports to culture, infusing excellence with a strong focus on sustainability. BWT believes in a unique way of thinking and acting, where events, especially in the high-octane world of Formula 1, play a significant role in driving positive contributions to sustainable development.

The BWT Alpine F1 Team isn't just partaking in races, but also in a revolution. Equipped with a water bar, the entire team can relish BWT´s mineralized water sans one-time plastic bottles during the race weekend. Meanwhile, the Porsche Lechner team, a contender in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup series, employs a BWT water bar to ensure they stay optimally hydrated.

However, it isn't solely within Formula 1 that change is unfolding. Through strategic partnerships with diverse football, handball, and volleyball clubs, as well as the strategic alliance with motorsport club ADAC, the water technology company isn't merely enhancing BWT water for athletes and teams, but also for spectators. At ADAC events like DTM, GT4 Germany, or GT Masters, spectators are invited to savor naturally mineralized water at four prominent BWT water stations. Here, they can refill their reusable bottles, free from the shackles of single-use plastic bottles. A triumph for people and the environment alike, ushering in a win-win scenario.

The journey towards sustainability has begun, marked by a vibrant shade of pink. As the proud main sponsor, BWT is also transforming the Salzburg Festival into a haven of pleasure while championing waste reduction and lowered CO2 emissions. The strategy is simple yet effective: think globally, drink locally. BWT filters local water and enhances it with vital minerals like magnesium, zinc, and silicates. Moreover, water stations provided by BWT allow artists, guests, and employees to relish locally sourced, mineral-enriched water in reusable bottles or cups throughout the event.

Events and sports possess a remarkable power to showcase sustainability in action. Each sustainably produced event serves as an inspiration, urging others to follow suit. True to its mission "Change the World, Sip by Sip," BWT is spearheading systemic change for both You and Planet Blue. It empowers individuals to make a positive difference, contributing to the betterment of our world. From the anticipation to the actual event, the lasting impressions will undoubtedly leave you convinced.

So, let's collaborate to craft a better world. Join BWT's pink-hued mission to sustainability, whether at the high-speed world of Formula 1, cultural events like the Salzburg Festival or our everyday life.