Welcome back GFZ's!

Ready for some exciting news about the Paris 2024 Olympics? Not only are athletes going for gold, but the organisers are also aiming for green! Let's dive into six fantastic ways the 2024 Olympics are making things more sustainable this time round...

1. Reusable Cups and Containers

Spectators are not allowed to enter competition sites with single-use cups, saying goodbye to single-use plastics! Paris 2024 has teamed up with Re-uz to provide reusable cups and containers for all food and drinks. How will it work? It's simple: attendees will use these reusable & refillable items, which will then be collected, washed, and redistributed for further use. This move not only reduces waste but also makes sipping and snacking a guilt-free pleasure. Cheers to that!

However, there is some greenwashing going on here too. Coca Cola is the main sponsor and while they have made great efforts to implement 700 drink fountains, half of the drinks will be poured from plastic Coca Cola bottles into reusable cups. This has already sparked some conversation and we hope the next Olympics will step up their game.

2. Furniture with a Fun Twist

Athletes will be lounging in style with furniture that's as eco-friendly as it is quirky. Think coffee tables made from recycled badminton shuttlecocks and bean bags crafted from parachute fabric. Even the chairs have a green story, being made from recycled bottle caps. 

3. The Reuse Revolution

The Games will need a staggering 620,000 items to run smoothly, but Paris 2024 is all about second chances. From 7,000 toilet brushes to 16,000 mattresses, every item will be reused, resold, or donated after the event. Even the Paris Opera ballet school will get some new (to them) pillows.

4. Eco-Friendly Buoys

Protecting the precious seagrass meadows of the Calanques National Park in Marseille is a top priority during water events. Traditional buoys can damage these underwater plants, but Paris 2024 is using drone-like buoys to keep everything anchored without harm. These high-tech helpers are ensuring that the “lungs of the Mediterranean” stay intact.

5. Electric Parade on the Seine

Forget stadiums—the opening ceremony is hitting the Seine! Picture this: thirty electric boats cruising down the river, powered by newly installed charging points along the quays!

6. Medals with an Eiffel Touch

This year, the medals aren't just shiny—they’re historic! Each medal includes 18 grams of original iron from the Eiffel Tower. These metals were saved during past renovations, and now they’re getting their moment of glory around athletes' necks. Plus, the gold and silver are 100% recycled.

Wrapping Up...

While there is still a long way to go, it's great to see initiatives being taken and athletes standing up for Mother Earth. Let's keep pushing for progress and celebrating every win, big or small.

Stay tuned, and keep it green!

Ellie x