The Desert Vipers cricket team, already established in their campaign to highlight environmental issues and encourage the adoption of green practises in sport, are now set to go green in two more ways for season four of the DP World ILT20.
Firstly, the Vipers have partnered with the Cleaner Seas Group to play their part in reducing the amount of microfibres and microplastics entering the ocean by installing a filter to the Desert Vipers’ team laundry facilities.
And secondly, the franchise have decided to play in green kit for the entire duration of the DP World ILT20 season four to highlight their commitment to sustainability as a core brand value.
As a part of the collaboration the Desert Vipers will arrange for the installation of Cleaner Seas Group INDIKON Microfibre filter to the washing machine at their team hotel to capture microfibres released during washing.
Microfibres from laundry wastewater are the leading cause of primary microplastic pollution in our oceans, with up to 700,000 microfibres shed from clothing every time a washing machine is used, adding up to 91 million fibres leaving every washing machine, every year.
By installing a Cleaner Seas Group filter, the Desert Vipers will capture these fibres for recycling, reducing the amount of microfibres polluting our oceans.
Capturing the damaging microfibres and microplastics will help reduce the negative environmental impact of washing the polyester on marine life and the food chain.
The announcement is the latest in a series of initiatives undertaken by the Desert Vipers to reduce their own impact on the environment in the kit they use and to raise awareness about sustainability issues in sportswear.
The Desert Vipers already play in 100% recycled polyester kit; however, some recent research suggests that recycled polyester could be shedding more microplastics at a greater rate than virgin fibre. This announcement is therefore a logical next step for the team.
Matt Bailey, Head of Strategy for the Desert Vipers, said: “By partnering with Cleaner Seas Group for Season 4 of DP World ILT20, we aim to share how every sports team, hotel, and individual in the world could make a simple change to reduce the environmental impact from washing clothes and sportswear.
“Microplastics are now found in food chains and human and animal bodies. While scientists continue to research potential health implications, we prefer to minimise our environmental impact, avoid pointless plastic, and educate around plastic pollution and recycling.
“At the Desert Vipers we want to be proactive in playing for people and the planet, and the partnership with Cleaner Seas Group is the perfect example of this”.
Dave Miller, Founder and CEO at Cleaner Seas Group, said: “After months of exciting discussion, we are thrilled to be supporting the Desert Vipers in mitigating their plastic footprint by capturing and recycling their laundry pollution.
“The team is not only helping to lessen microplastic impact by installing our groundbreaking filters, but they are also promoting a cricket industry first and helping to set a precedent for teams and hotel laundry rooms worldwide.”
“It is with partners like the Desert Vipers that we can raise awareness and set new sea-saving standards from our laundry rooms. Together we can turn the tide on ocean pollution.”
Jana Janotova, Engagement Officer, Sports for Nature at International Union for Conservation of Nature, said: “As cricket’s first Sports for Nature Framework signatory, the Desert Vipers are committed to taking measurable action for nature.
“This latest initiative highlights how even small actions at the level of sport facilities can lead to bigger changes, both directly and indirectly.
“Using the Sports for Nature Urban Playbook as inspiration, the Desert Vipers have demonstrated that through smart partnerships and cooperation, any sports organisation can lead the way. We look forward to seeing the results of this initiative and sharing the findings with the wider sports community”.
This partnership is just the beginning. While the global sports industry has been relatively slow to address issues from microfibres in sportswear, the Desert Vipers and Clean Seas Group are committed to showing how sports can play its part in driving a more sustainable future, benefitting both people and the planet.
This decision to play in green kit for the whole of season four of the DP World ILT20 reflects the Desert Vipers’ desire to raise awareness of the existential challenge that cricket faces from climate change.
Fans can look forward to seeing the new look for the team that will be unveiled shortly before the tournament starts on December 2.
The Desert Vipers also have a very special surprise in store for the kit for the team’s annual Sustainability Match, this year against the Dubai Capitals at the Dubai International Stadium on December 14.
