Savings by the tens of thousands

The 151st Open Championship produced some startling sustainability numbers. The championship, conducted at Royal Liverpool Golf Club July 20-23, featured hydration stations from Swedish water purification and beverage company Bluewater.

"In a major sustainability win for the planet, the week-long 151st Open at Royal Liverpool averted 87,966 single-use 500 ml plastic bottles ending up in landfills and oceans by utilizing our innovative Bluewater hydration stations," Bluewater founder and CEO Bengt Rittri said. The Swedish environmental entrepreneur added that The Open’s sustainability triumph showcases how even large-scale events can prioritize ecological responsibility without compromising quality or convenience.

Bluewater’s hydration solutions provided golfers, fans, staff, officials and volunteers with on-site water purifiers and dispensers. By refilling their reusable water bottles at conveniently placed Bluewater stations throughout the venue, individuals were quenching their thirst while simultaneously playing a vital role in reducing global plastic waste. With each refill at the hydration stations, spectators also actively contributed to minimizing their carbon footprint and protecting oceans from being inundated by more plastic bottles.

"The commitment shown by The R&A sets an inspiring example for future sporting events worldwide who want to champion practical sustainability solutions that delivery real and measurable progress on key global issues," Bluewater events chief Philip Russell said. "By embracing innovative and smart water solutions like those offered by Bluewater, we can collectively tackle one of today's most pressing environmental challenges – excessive single-use plastics. Together, the sporting event community can make a real difference by acting as a catalyst for awareness-raising and behavior change.”