Watch Games, Reduce Carbon! Kaohsiung Partners with Taisugar Hawks to Launch Reusable Cup Program, Cutting 1,200 Disposable Cups per Game

Kaohsiung's Environmental Protection Bureau has partnered with the local professional baseball team Taisugar Hawks to launch a 'plastic-reduction cheer' reusable cup service during home games at Chengcing Lake Baseball Stadium. By integrating the team, on-site beverage vendors, and a reusable container provider, a sustainable spectator model has been established, receiving enthusiastic responses from fans. The Environmental Protection Bureau estimates that each game reduces approximately 1,200 single-use drink cups, equivalent to cutting about 460kg of carbon emissions, setting a new benchmark for waste and carbon reduction in large-scale sports events.

The reusable cup service was introduced during three home games. Taisugar Hawks specially designed an exclusive 'Ying Le Ji Eco Cup,' combining team identity with collectible value to boost fan borrowing interest and environmental awareness. During the campaign, in addition to vendor discounts, the Environmental Protection Bureau offered an extra NT$10 discount for drinks purchased using the reusable cup. Eco refill stations and lucky draw events were also set up, along with a seamless borrowing and returning process, enabling fans to easily practice plastic reduction while enjoying the game.

The Ying Le Ji Eco Cup has sparked a green cheering trend, achieving an estimated 460kg of carbon reduction per game and establishing a new model for sustainable events. To ensure hygiene and safety, all reusable cups are professionally cleaned and disinfected by a certified container service provider and have passed SGS inspection and certification. Borrowing and return stations are set up inside the stadium, with staff on hand to guide fans, and additional return stations are placed along exit routes, ensuring a convenient and user-friendly green spectator experience.

The Environmental Protection Bureau notes that large sports events often involve massive consumption of disposable drink containers. According to Environmental Protection Administration data, reusable cups reduce carbon emissions by approximately 70% compared to disposable cups. This initiative reduced an average of about 1,200 disposable cups per game, equivalent to 460kg of carbon reduction. This not only proves the feasibility of introducing reusable containers into large open events but also demonstrates the successful collaboration among businesses, government, and citizens in achieving net-zero carbon goals.

The Environmental Protection Bureau plans to continue collaborating with enterprises and civil groups to expand the use of reusable containers and the concept of plastic reduction to more event venues. Environmental protection should not just be a slogan but should be integrated into citizens' daily lives and leisure activities, collectively building a more sustainable and low-carbon Kaohsiung.