From beach volleyball tournaments to indoor club events, parents and fans play a huge role in the volleyball community. While cheering for your athlete, it’s easy to forget how much waste these events generate—from single-use plastic bottles to discarded gear. Fortunately, with a little planning and a commitment to sustainability, volleyball parents and fans can make eco-friendly choices that benefit both the sport and the environment.
Why Sustainability Matters at Volleyball Events
Volleyball tournaments, especially multi-day events, can leave behind a significant environmental footprint. Between snacks, drinks, packaging, and worn-out gear, the amount of trash left behind can be shocking. This waste not only harms the beaches, parks, and facilities hosting the events but also contributes to the larger issue of sports-related environmental impact.
As volleyball parents and fans, small changes in the way you prepare for and attend tournaments can make a big difference. By choosing eco-friendly gear and adopting greener habits, you can support sustainability while setting a positive example for young athletes.
Start with Eco-Friendly Fan Gear
One of the easiest ways to reduce waste is by choosing sustainable fan gear, especially when you’re stocking up on essentials for the next tournament. BeachBum Sportz specializes in upcycled sports apparel, giving new life to retired volleyballs and other materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Examples of Eco-Friendly Fan Gear
- Upcycled Visors and Hats: Stay shaded in style with visors made from retired volleyballs. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and keeps sports equipment out of the trash.
- Reusable Tote Bags: Carry snacks, sunscreen, and tournament essentials in a bag made from upcycled materials, reducing the need for plastic bags.
- Sustainable Apparel: Choose clothing made from recycled or upcycled fabrics, reducing the demand for new raw materials.
Bring Reusable Essentials
Another way to support sustainability is by replacing single-use items with reusable alternatives. This simple step significantly cuts down on waste at tournaments.
Sustainable Items to Pack
- Reusable Water Bottles: Skip bottled water and bring your own refillable bottle to keep hydrated. Many venues offer refill stations.
- Reusable Food Containers: Pack snacks and meals in containers from home instead of relying on disposable packaging.
- Cloth Napkins and Utensils: For meals on the go, reusable napkins and utensils eliminate the need for disposables.
Choose Local and Eco-Friendly Vendors
Many tournaments feature on-site vendors selling food, drinks, and gear. Whenever possible, support vendors who prioritize sustainability—whether through eco-friendly packaging, locally sourced food, or offering recycled or upcycled merchandise.
Questions to Ask Vendors
- Do they use compostable or recyclable packaging?
- Are their products made from sustainable materials?
- Do they minimize food waste by donating leftovers?
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle at the Event
Even with the best planning, some waste is inevitable. Make it a point to dispose of waste responsibly by looking for designated recycling and compost bins. Encourage your fellow fans to do the same and set a positive example for younger athletes.
Tournament Clean-Up Tips
- Bring a small trash bag for your own waste and recyclables.
- Leave your spectator area cleaner than you found it.
- Separate recyclables like cans and bottles from regular trash.
Support Brands That Care About Sustainability
By choosing to purchase from brands that prioritize eco-friendly practices, you’re helping to build demand for greener products in the volleyball community. BeachBum Sportz is proud to upcycle retired volleyballs and expand into sustainable gear for other sports, continually “Keeping the Ball in Play.”
Small Steps Add Up to Big Impact
Volleyball parents and fans can’t eliminate all waste at tournaments, but small, consistent actions create meaningful change. Whether it’s packing reusable gear, buying upcycled apparel, or encouraging others to follow your lead, every step toward sustainability helps protect the beaches, parks, and communities that host the sport you love.
Ready to gear up sustainably for your next tournament? Contact BeachBum Sportz at (310) 347-2159 to shop eco-friendly volleyball gear and show your support for sustainability both on and off the court.