Carlton captain Chris Judd joined Prime Minister the Hon Kevin Rudd in Canberra today as the Australian Football League launched Green Round.
The round and a new partnership with the Australian Government was launched at Parliament House in Canberra and in attendance
The round and partnership was launched at Parliament House in Canberra by the Prime Minister the Hon Kevin Rudd MP. Also in attendance with Chris Judd was the Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Climate Change and Water, the Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Sport and AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou.
The partnership was formed to develop a long term strategy to make Australian football more ‘climate friendly’, and will look to incorporate activities such as:
- The introduction of a new program to support local clubs to take action on climate change, and to reduce their greenhouse emissions.
- An interactive climate change awareness program for families and children involved in junior football programs.
- A targeted carbon pollution reduction program across the AFL industry
Away from his role as Captain of the Carlton Football Club Chris Judd is an environmental ambassador for Visy and is passionate about the environment. This passion is highlighted by the car he drives, the award winning Hyundai i30, the ‘Green Car of the Year’.
Judd said he was thrilled he was invited to attend the official launch to highlight what all football supporters can do to help the environment.
“Our game against Geelong on Friday night was promoted as our green match. Being a home game it gave Carlton an opportunity to be proactive in promoting the important role we all play in caring for our environment. This weekend is the official AFL Green Round and all supporters are encouraged to be involved.
“We aim to have all footy fans more aware of what they can do to help. A lot of the recyclable packaging consumed by fans at AFL grounds isn’t recycled as fans simply leave them under their seats so they then get sent to landfill along with the waste. The only was to make sure your packaging gets recycled is to place them in the recycling bins at the ground or take them with you and discard in your kerbside bin at home.
“Of course supporters can also get involved at home doing minor things to change their behaviour such as being conscious of their personal usage of water and energy. It can be as simple as turning the lights off.
“The Carlton Football Club in partnership with Visy is committed to educate, motivate and inspire young people to lead more sustainable lives through healthier lifestyle choices and increased environmental awareness,” Judd said.
Speaking at the launch, Andrew Demetriou said the Australian football industry is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and welcomed the opportunity to partner with the Department of Climate Change.
“Like every organisation, the AFL needs to better understand and reduce our environmental footprint and this partnership with the Australian Government will ensure future generations can continue to participate in grassroots football by working together to save our grounds.
“We will collaborate with our AFL Clubs and junior football clubs to develop a long term position in response to the environmental challenges that we all face,” Mr Demetriou said.
The Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, said climate change would affect all Australians and that all Australians should be part of the solution – whether governments, businesses, individuals, or football fans.”
“The climate change partnership between the Australian Government and the AFL is sending the message that you can still have fun, enjoy life, and be part of the climate change solution. I welcome the AFL’s initiative and look forward to working with them on this important issue.”
In addition to incorporating sustainability program initiatives, the AFL will also raise awareness this weekend during AFL Green Round.
In 2007 and 2008, the AFL and participating clubs purchased offsets for 63,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions generated from AFL House and energy used at games.
Mr Demetriou said Green Round provided the AFL with an opportunity to encourage fans to make some small changes to the way they access football and consume resources generally with some tangible suggestions around saving energy, sustainable modes of transport and recycling waste.
“It can be as simple as turning the lights off before leaving home, catching public transport or car pooling to go to the game and putting your rubbish in the recycling bin,” Mr Demetriou said.
He said the AFL had also worked with Cricket Australia to develop an artificial turf suitable for drought-affected community football grounds as another long-term response to the issue of climate change.
Highlights and activities across Green Round include:
Fans will be encouraged to “Make Green Their Second Team”, by adopting environmental tips during and beyond Green Round. These include energy saving measures at home, using sustainable modes of transport and recycling waste.
The centre circles at each AFL venue will be replaced by the three-arrow recycling logo.
AFL umpires will wear Green uniforms and goal umpires will use green flags.
Port Adelaide v Carlton.
Trees for Life will giveaway seedling packs (or gold coin donation).
SA Lotteries Footy Express transport service to the game. Fare is included in the match ticket price.