Three ways to educate young people about sustainability

The last panel discussion of the Sustainable Innovation in Sport Conference in Munich discussed how to use sport to educate young people to behave in a more environmentally aware way. On the panel were Vuk Karanovic, development manager at the European Confederation of Volleyball, Kattia Juárez Hernandez, director of the International Sustainability Commission (CID) at the International Motorycling Federation and Geert Hendriks, head of projects at AISTS.

They all work with young people to promote sustainable lifestyles and gave a number of examples, a selection of which show the variety of ways young people can be reached.

Walk on the beach

The European Confederation of Volleyball holds huge festivals in multiple countries across Europe. Young people have the opportunity to play volleyball, make friends and have fun. But they are also taught sustainable habits. A large beach volleyball festival in Portugal, which attracts around 1,400 young people, organises for participants to clean the beach afterwards. They are taught the importance of doing so and the goal is to promote habits that the young people will take home with them.

Take time to KiSS

The World Motorcycling Federation’s Keep It Shiny and Sustainable (KiSS) programme is rolled out during various major races on the motorcycling circuit. It promotes a culture of sustainability, focusing on recycling, littering, food waste and support for social causes. Event organisers incentivise fans to attend by public transport, provide sorted waste collection points and recycle batteries and cooking oil. Social media campaigns take place to raise awareness ahead of the events.

Ask a tricky question

“The most sustainable development in sport would be to stop organising mega-events.”

This is the statement posed to students at AISTS. Students are asked to stand at one side of the room if they agree and the other if not. Chocolate bars are on offer for students who persuade others to change their mind.  AISTS offers higher education courses in sports management, with many students going on to work for federations and national associations. The curriculum includes a module on sustainability, with students told it is an important part of the sector. The goal is to educate the next generation of sport policy makers.