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Southampton FC to highlight sustainability drive during Arsenal game

Premier League club Southampton is to host a series of activities relating to its sustainability strategy during this weekend’s home fixture against Arsenal.

The club will offer a free park and ride service for supporters driving into Southampton, promotions on vegan food options in the St Mary’s concourses, and a wire fish sculpture to collect supporters’ single-use plastic recycling. Packets of wildflower seeds will be given out to young fans at the game.

Supporters will also have the chance to feature on the stadium’s big screen by making their own environmental sustainability pledges.

The so-called Greener Game is a collaboration between Southampton and Arsenal with both clubs being members of BASIS (British Association for Sustainable Sport).

Referring to the travel initiatives, the club said: “Fans that live closer to the stadium are encouraged to leave their cars at home with information on how to get to St Mary’s by bus, train, walking or cycling available here.

“As part of the Greener Game, Arsenal is subsidising coach travel for away fans with all official club coaches offsetting carbon emissions. The first team coach will also be run on biodiesel fuel for travel to and from St Mary’s.”

The club’s sustainability strategy, The Halo Effect, was introduced at the start of 2021.

The Halo Effect document outlines Southampton’s focus on taking responsibility across the four pillars of Environmental, Corporate, Social and Fan. The club has a target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

In the first year after the implementation of the Halo Effect, the club offset 1,250 tonnes of carbon emissions and saved around 57,000 cups due to the use of reusable drinking vessels. The club spent £2.5m on improving accessibility and matchday experience.

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