Dragons RFC this weekend launch a new ‘Eco Dragons’ campaign - as we strive this season to improve our sustainability, carbon footprint and drive positive change.
Our BKT United Rugby Championship opener with Edinburgh Rugby at Rodney Parade will see us roll out a number of new initiatives as well as championing local causes and work.
Last month we were delighted to announce a new partnership with Pledgeball as part of our efforts to lead rugby’s charge to protect where we play.
Pledgeball gives fans the platform to take a stand on sustainability. You can show support for us by joining us in making a pledge to take actions, actions that together will make a significant difference, and will save money at the same time!
From rugby, only Bristol Bears have made a mark at Pledgeball previously, pledging to save over 200,000kg of emissions per year, equal to taking over 46 cars off the road. So, we have our marker for the season!
To enter the prize draw, make your pledge, and see the impact that Dragons fans are making, click HERE. The more fixtures you pledge to support Dragons RFC, the more times you’re entered into the prize draw!
- One Rodney Parade stadium worth of fans turning down their thermostats to 18C would save the same amount of emissions as taking over 406 cars off the road.
- One capacity Rodney Parade stadium all switching to plant-based meals just two days per week equates to taking over 513 cars off the road.
- Dragons' Twitter followers switching to washing their clothes at 30C equates to taking 430 cars off the road.
We're inviting fans to join us in driving change, as we also do what we can:
This season, we are installing electric car charging stations, swapping the stadium lighting to LEDs that are timed and sensored saving on unnecessary energy usage.
We are rotating in more ecologically forgiving cleaning products, swapping to recycled paper and toilet paper, and phasing in granular fertiliser.
Newport Transport will be providing free public transport to all Dragons members and our official first Pledgeball match day against Edinburgh Rugby will also see Stagecoach South Wales – match sponsors for the game - offer free travel for the day.
You could also join in with Newport Live’s Momentum project, which includes demos of Technogym bikes and Pop-up bike storage units to facilitate cycling to the game. Pop in the marquee on match day to discover more or visit www.newportlive.co.uk/en/sports-wellbeing/momentwm/
Bee1 will also be in the marquee on match day. Bee1 has been established to address the decline in pollinators both locally and globally. Bees have now been declared the most important animals on the planet, and are now included on the endangered species list. Visit www.bee1.co.uk for more information.
And why not try one of the new vegan food options? Available at food stands across the stadium.
Ben Lucey, Operations Manager at Dragons RFC, said: “We’re really excited by our new partnership with Pledgeball and the Eco Dragons campaign, giving our fans the platform to take a stand on sustainability.
“Pledgeball is a really simple, fun way for supporters to make a huge difference while competing against other fans. We now look forward to our first Pledgeball game with Edinburgh and seeing how our fans get involved and help us make a difference.”
We’re really excited by our new partnership with Pledgeball and the Eco Dragons campaign, giving our fans the platform to take a stand on sustainability...
