MyWaste Sports Club Toolkit – FAQs
Q: What is the MyWaste Sports Club Toolkit?
A: The MyWaste Sports Club Toolkit is a free resource designed to empower sports clubs and organisations across Ireland to improve their waste management practices and adopt the principles of the circular economy. It provides practical resources and guidelines for waste management, such as tips for reducing waste, best practices for recycling, and strategies for implementing circular economy principles. The toolkit is available at https://mywaste.ie/dispose-waste/sports-clubs/
Q: What does the toolkit include?
A: The toolkit includes:
- Guidance on waste segregation
- Guidance of how to do a waste audit
- Strategies for eliminating single-use plastics
- Tips for promoting gear swapping
- Tools for mapping your club’s sustainability journey
- Engaging communications assets for your club, including posters, bin labels and social media content.
Q: How can sports clubs access the toolkit?
A: The toolkit is accessible through the MyWaste.ie website. Clubs can download the resources and start implementing best practices immediately. Free waste segregation resources, including posters, bin labels, and guidance booklets, are also available.
Q: What are the expected outcomes of using the toolkit?
A: Expected outcomes include increased recycling rates, reduced waste, elimination of single-use plastics, and enhanced waste management practices across sports clubs in Ireland.
Q: For clubs just starting to think about sustainability, what’s the ONE thing they should focus on first?
A: Start with a waste audit. Identify the types and quantities of waste generated. This will help you pinpoint areas for improvement and prioritise actions. The MyWaste Sports Club Toolkit provides guidance on conducting a waste audit.
Q: Some clubs might be worried about the cost of implementing these changes. What would you say to them?
A: Many sustainable practices can save money in the long run. Reducing waste means lower disposal costs. The toolkit offers tips on cost-effective solutions like promoting the use of reusable items and gear swaps.
Q: Thinking about how getting buy-in from other club members. Some examples of ways clubs have encouraged participation in sustainable actions?
A: Engaging members by highlighting the positive impact on the club and the wider community. Running awareness campaigns, organising fun events like gear swaps, and celebrate successes. Showcaseing the cost savings and the positive PR generated by sustainable practices.
Q: The toolkit mentions gear swapping. Tips on how you can run a gear swap in your club?
A: Organise a designated swap day and time, promote it widely within the club, and make it easy for members to participate. Categorise items for easy browsing and consider having volunteers to assist. The toolkit provides further guidance on organising successful gear swaps. Visit MyWaste.ie
Q: I’m in a Gaeltacht area – any materials available in Irish?
A: Yes all the communications materials are currently available on the MyWaste website in Irish and English.
Q: It can be so confusing to know what to put in each bin. Any advice?
A: The toolkit includes clear guidance on waste segregation, along with free posters and bin labels which can be ordered or downloaded here from mywaste.ie. This material will help your members recycle correctly.
Q: Our club has limited storage space. How can we implement gear swaps effectively?
A: You don’t need a lot of space. Consider partnering with a local centre or school or hosting a “pop-up” swap event in a shared space. You can also utilise online platforms or social media groups to facilitate virtual gear swaps.
Q: We have a lot of members who bring disposable coffee cups to training and matches. How can we encourage them to switch to reusable options?
A: Promote the benefits of reusable cups, like long term cost savings and reducing waste. Offer discounts at the clubhouse for those who bring their own cups or consider selling branded reusable cups as a fundraiser. Organise a “ditch the disposable” campaign to raise awareness.
Q: What about food waste? Our clubhouse kitchen generates a lot of it.
A: The toolkit provides guidance on reducing food waste through proper storage, portion control, and composting. Visit MyWaste.ie
Q: How can we measure the success of our sustainability efforts?
A: Track your waste reduction progress over time. Monitor the usage of recycling bins and the amount of waste generated. Conduct regular waste audits to assess your progress and identify areas for improvement. The toolkit provides templates and tools to help you track your club’s journey.
Q: Are there any funding opportunities available to support our club’s sustainability initiatives?
A: Check with your Local Authority and Local Sports Partnership for information on available grants and funding programs related to environmental sustainability that may be available.
Q: Why is sustainability important for sports clubs?
A: Sports clubs play a vital role in the community. By adopting sustainable practices, clubs can demonstrate environmental leadership, reduce their impact on the planet, and create a healthier environment for their members and the wider community.
Q: How does the MyWaste Sports Club Toolkit align with the principles of the circular economy?
A: The toolkit promotes key circular economy principles, such as reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling resources. By implementing the toolkit’s recommendations, clubs can contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy.
Q: What is MyWaste.ie?
A: MyWaste.ie is Ireland’s official guide to managing your waste. It’s a one-stop shop for information on waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and responsible waste disposal.
Q. We are an orienteering club. We don’t have a clubhouse and we hold events in forests, public parks etc. How can we encourage event participants to segregate waste correctly?
A: Encouraging event participants to use recycling bins if available or alternatively requesting members to take their waste home from events can be achieved with a multi-pronged approach focusing on education, awareness, and positive reinforcement. Here are some tips:
1. Pre-Event Communication:
- Website & Registration: Clearly state the “Leave No Trace” policy on your website and registration forms. Emphasise the importance of respecting the natural environment and public spaces.
- Event Emails: Include reminders about waste segregation and disposal in pre-event emails. Make it friendly and informative.
- Social Media: Post engaging content about responsible waste management leading up to events. Use visuals and share tips on reusables and minimizing waste.
2. At the Event:
- Announcements: Make brief announcements before the start of the event and at the finish, reiterating the importance of leaving no trace.
- Lead by Example: Ensure all club members and volunteers visibly practice leaving no trace.
3. Post-Event Communication:
- Thank You Email: Reiterate the message in post-event thank you emails. Highlight the positive impact of participants’ efforts.
- Social Media: Share photos of clean event sites and thank participants for their cooperation.