As we all settle our tushes into our couches this glorious Super Bowl Sunday, my mind drifts to thinking about how this sporting event galvanizes so many people. The three most watched television broadcasts in U.S. history were Super Bowls (XLVI, XLV, and XLVII, in case you were wondering). 111.5 million people watched last year's big game, and most of those were certainly not die-hard fans of either team playing. Even a 30-second commercial during this event now costs $4 million (or roughly $133,333 per second!) All to see who will win the game. Yes, game.
And yet when trying to get people to pay attention to sustainability, we just, we dance, we shout, we put together great presentations...maybe we should take a lesson from the Super Bowl - put on some colorful uniforms, get a great announcer on the loudspeaker, and maybe even cheerleaders.
In all seriousness, maybe we have something to learn about the passion of sports fans. 70% of people on earth are at least casual sports fans. If we could find the key to what drives these fans to pay attention, we could harness that fun-loving spirit to join our cause.
It's not like we don't have a good cause. Sustainability is important to life as we know it. Don't get me wrong; I am a huge sports fan. I'll be watching the game today. And I am an athlete. I play volleyball, do yoga, bike, and run several times a week. Been playing sports since I was a kid.
I love the idea of bringing these worlds, these passions together. For me, the intersection is simple. I make sustainable decisions in my life to protect the earth, both the health of the outdoors and environment as well as the health of the people surrounding me in my global community. Caring about sports and sustainability satisfy both of these desires. Without the outdoors, sports is greatly diminished. If we don't take care of the world around us, we can't run outside, rock climb, play soccer or football outside of a dome...
I think bringing this to every one's attention, especially teaching kids the benefits of sustainable choices, is infinitely important. When we can educate kids early about how sustainable choices can improve their health and keep the environment safe, we will ensure a better future. Let's set out to make a new generation of fans - fans that whether they are rooting for the NFL or AVP, attending the Super Bowl or the World Cup, skating on an ice rink or climbing a mountain - are fans of sustainability.
Until we get there, let's keep racing ahead! Now have a great Super Bowl Sunday. Enjoy!
Also, learn more about colleges and universities that prioritize lasting solutions to positive change in the global supply chain and selling responsibly sourced products by holding membership in the Fair Labor Association. Check out http://www.fairlabor.org/ and http://www.fairlabor.org/affiliates/colleges-universities to see if the school you are a fan of is involved!
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