Recycling at under-23 champs, one cup at a time

One of the most noticeable measures was at the many food stands around the Lake Varese regatta venue. All of the cutlery and non-glass glasses were made out of corn and were 100 per cent biodegradable. The paper for the trays was from straw and wooden spoons were used for coffee stirring. All of these products were biodegradable.

For the spectator stands alone the usage was 3,000 eco-cups for coffee and 5,000 eco-glasses as well as 5,000 large bowls and 3,000 smaller bowls.

A thorough recycling scheme was put into place with separation into differentiated recycling bins around the course. This was partly produced as an awareness-raising exercise with users being made aware of the sorting process.

At the “REmida” stand (a not for profit that reuses industrial discards), old World Rowing Championships banners were being utilised in order to make fridge magnets and key holders. This helped signal that all waste is not waste and there is a second life in everything.

This awareness of recycling is an important part of World Rowing events and will continue to be seen at future events.