OpinionNext step the South Stand? When it comes to Hong Kong Sevens, we’re all plastic fans

This year’s Green Sevens initiative introduced reusable pint cups to most of the stadium

Scheme was a huge success to follow on from other programmes to reduce waste and make Sevens more sustainable

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Fans in the South Stand had to drink from single use plastic cups. Photo: Winson Wong

Published: 6:03pm, 7 Apr 2019Updated: 12:21pm, 10 Apr 2019

This year marked the sixth annual Green Sevens campaign at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens and it dealt with single use plastic. It was the canniest idea yet.

Instead of filling up single use plastic pint pots, the Hong Kong Rugby Union bought 250,000 reusable cups and fans had to get one if they wanted to get a drink. That’s a masterstroke.

Single use plastic bottles are a huge issue, especially in Hong Kong where they find their way into the ocean so fair play to the HKRU.

The reusable cups are a simple, effective and painless solution that had little impact on fans with the exception that once they reached the front of the queue to order their refreshments they were told they needed a cup and it would cost them HK$10. Even the grumpiest of spectators would have to admit it is the most minor of inconveniences.

You could get your HK$10 back when returning the cup on the way out of the stadium or drop them in the “Cups-for-Charity” bin, ensuring the money goes to a good cause in the form of Laureus Sport for Good, the Sevens charity partner.

The agreement with local NGO Bottless means the cups will get a new life as they become available to be hired out for other events year-round, with an expected lifespan of five years.