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Challenge to sports field pros: Make every day Earth Day
23 Feb, 2009 By: Kevin J. Trotta Athletic Turf NewsIn life, as in sports, there are spectators and there are participants. We choose which role we play. Without question, the world would be a different and better place if more of us were players rather than onlookers. Earth Day calls us off the bench and into the game.
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As sports enthusiasts we bring a special vitality to our endeavors. Athletes, coaches, athletic field managers and others involved in the world of sports function at an enhanced energy level. It's an enthusiasm that sharpens our focus and performance. If we were to collectively direct this energy towards defending our environment the outcome would be world changing. We have good reason to do so.
Environmental quality exerts a direct influence on the quality of the sports experience. Preparations for the Beijing Olympics of 2008 offered a world-stage example of the potentially devastating effects of compromised air quality on athletic competition. Recent history provides too many disturbing examples of canceled aquatic events or sickened participants due to water pollution. Winter sports and recreation have been altered along with a changing climate.
Those of us who work and play outdoors are in direct and intimate contact with the environment. While competing, preparing fields, training or just exerting ourselves having fun outside, we are the environmental "canaries in the mineshaft". Clearly, we have a vested interest in these issues; for as the environment is compromised so is our well-being.
In 1999, a Japanese scientist, businessman and environmental activist named Dr. Tatsuo Okada launched an international non-profit organization called the Global Sports Alliance (GSA). Dr. Okada had observed that while many people either didn't know or didn't care about the state of the environment, most everyone could relate to sports. His plan is simple -- to promote environmental awareness and action among sports and outdoor recreation enthusiasts worldwide by pointing out the inextricable link between the health of the environment and the health of people.
GSA works to communicate the all-important message of stewardship to athletes, fans and others involved in active lifestyles. The organization has grown to over 150 teams around the world and is an official partner of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Unfortunately, the average citizen remains uninvolved and unconvinced of the urgency to change our present course. We will not succeed in realizing our vision of sustainability on a planetary scale without engaging the general public. People from all walks of life must be made aware that the inefficient use of materials and energy, the fouling of air and water, the destruction of habitat and the loss of biodiversity threatens all life on earth, including our own.
To implement change we need public will and political pressure. Through its symbol, the Ecoflag, the GSA seeks to leverage the enthusiasm of sports and generate a passion for environmental action. Earth Day affords another opportunity for the sports community to mobilize for stewardship. We need to step up to the plate, exploit our influential platform and lead by example. We can put our best foot forward and volunteer for cleanups, tree plantings and other events in our communities. We can use the popularity of sports to promote environmental awareness. We can work towards insuring that the water our children drink is pure and the air they breathe is fresh and clean.
A vested interest? You bet.
We have many good reasons to get involved. Isn't every day Earth Day?
To learn more about GSA, click here.
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