Games To Go Single-Use Plastic Free Launches New Greening Campaign and Slogan
The Games Organising Committee announced today the move to go Single-use plastic free for the upcoming Samoa 2019 XVI Pacific Games.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Games, Falefata Hele Ei Matatia, made the announcement at a press conference that included the launch of the Greening of the Games slogan and campaign that begins next week.
“The decision to go plastic-free during the Games is a bold one and is aligned to Government’s vision in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.” said Falefata.
“Two key areas that it will impact within the Games Operations is catering and waste management.”
The Greening of the Games Committee is spearheaded by co-Directors, Ulu Bismark Crawley, CEO of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and Leota Kosi Latu, Director-General of the Secretariat Pacific Regional Environment Programme.
“Today marks another special day, another milestone for the Organising Committee as we prepare to host the 2019 Pacific Games. The Greening of the Games is looking at implementing Green Business models across the event and most significantly make strong stands in reducing of single-use plastic and waste,” said Ulu.
Leota added: “Our goal is to leave a legacy for other host countries to pick up the baton from Samoa. We are confident through Greening of the Games there will be important lessons that we can pass on to other sporting events like this.”
He continued this is about government and regional agencies working together, as well as with the Organising Committee, MNRE and SPREP, “realising the importance of introducing and ensuring sustainability” to the Games.
Read more:
- SPREP to co-lead with MNRE in Greening the Pacific Games
- Greening of the Games a part of Pacific Games In schools programme
- Gratitude for sponsors supporting the Games
The slogan adopted by the Greening of the Games Committee is “Beautiful Samoa – keep it clean and plastic free” uses the existing tagline of Samoa Tourism Authority to ensure a longer lifespan post-Games.
Todays launch concluded with the signing of an Memorandum of Understanding between Pacific Games Office and Pure Pacific Water who will be supplying the Games with 250 UV water filtration systems that will help to reduce the use of plastics during the Games.
Key Activities within the Beautiful Samoa – Keep it Clean and Plastic-Free:
a) Tree Planting Project - Co-led by MNRE and the Ministry of Forestry working in schools to plant 2,000,000 trees.
b) Clean Up Days – Co-lead by Samoa Tourism and SPREP
c) Reusable Bags – Led by SPREP to reduce the use of plastic bags during the Games
d) Samoa 2019 Games Hydration Project – Led by the Pacific Games Office to service the hydration needs of athletes, officials, spectators and the Games workforce.
e) Waste Management – Led by MNRE, SPREP and the PGO. Over 200 waste collection receptacles across all Games venues, and the measurement of waste produced and recycled.
