Calling all GTFC fans…The Mariners need YOUR help!

Grimsby Town Football Club are dedicated to minimising our environmental impact as a result of our day-to-day operations.

As part of our commitment and work towards becoming more eco-friendly, Grimsby Town Football Club will be introducing recycling points inside the footprint of Blundell Park to help reduce the carbon footprint specifically attributed to matchdays.

Since the industrial production of synthetic materials began in the 1950s, over 8 billion metric tonnes of plastic has been produced. Of this, 6.3 billion tonnes has become plastic waste, with only 9% being recycled. At this moment in time, 79% of this plastic waste is sitting in landfills or littered in the natural environment.

8 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean each year, adding to the 150 million tonnes already polluting marine environments. This number is predicted to reach 750 million tonnes by 2050. By working together, we can all help contribute to a cleaner and safer environment for all.

Facilities Manager, David White explains more about what fans can expect to see in the coming weeks.

“The recycling bins will be housed within a fabricated structure in fixed locations in each corner of the stadium. Supporters will be encouraged to take a few seconds prior to disposing of their waste to help ensure each item is placed in the correct bin and separated accordingly.”

This is part of our commitment to the United Nations Sports For Climate Action Framework, where we have committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. We also commit to working collaboratively with our peers and relevant stakeholders to enhance the climate action agenda in the sports sector and to use sport as a unifying tool to drive climate awareness and action.

The Mariners will be working with the Mariners Trust to engage with our supporters to highlight the importance of these facilities and to help the club minimise its environmental impact. We would encourage our supporters to help us implement these changes as quickly and effectively as possible.

Chair of the Mariners Trust Kristine Green, also spoke of the Trust’s work already conducted to help support the Club’s plans. “From the first day of the Family Fan Zone, we’ve had bins separating plastic from other waste items. There is, without doubt, more we can do and we’ll work with the Club to ensure that happens”.

Be sure to keep your eyes out for future green initiatives that the club will be rolling out in due course.