Youth Sailing World Championships

Impact

Setting a high standard for sustainability moving forward, the 2018 Youth Sailing World Championships set out to not only minimize their impact but provide education on sustainability and ocean conservation to competitors and beyond. Highlights include:

• Developed a comprehensive Sustainability Report sharing lessons learned for future events and a Sustainability Event Plan so that other events in Corpus Christi can reduce waste.
• Avoided the use of 65,000 single-use plastic water bottles (12 oz.) by using refillable water bottles and water refill stations.
• A total of 3.28 tonnes of waste was diverted from the landfill or 89.8% of the total waste created. This meant 53.8% was recycled and 31.5% was composted – preventing 22 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being emitted.
• 400 reusable bungee cord connectors replaced plastic zip ties, banners and flags were held with renewable bamboo flag poles – the bamboo poles were given to community gardens for reuse after the event.
• 283 storm drain inlets were marked with information about the flow of pollution and to prevent illegal dumping.
• More than 400,000 people were exposed to the problem of plastic pollution through art events that engaged the broader public, including an exhibit at Corpus Christi International Airport.
• Achieved Platinum Level of Clean Regatta from Sailors for the Sea, with the support of a ‘Green Team’ volunteers that brought the sustainability plan to fruition.
• Promote environmental awareness and ocean conservation to the youth participants in the regatta and the local South Texas community by including an environmental education component in the regatta festivities.