Former footballer Mathieu Flamini is advocating for a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Flamini, who is now a partner in GFBiochemicals, a company that focuses on sustainable alternatives to oil-based products, believes that climate change and health are closely connected. He highlights the alarming amount of water required to make just one hamburger – 2,000 litres – and stresses the importance of addressing environmental issues.
Flamini acknowledges that football, a sport often associated with luxury and excess, may seem an unlikely ally in the fight against climate change. However, he is leading an initiative called Green Football Weekend, which aims to promote vegetarian food as a way to reduce carbon emissions. The campaign encourages small changes that can lead to significant progress, emphasizing the power of individual actions when multiplied by billions.
Flamini also calls on football to take a stand on climate change and start finding solutions. He suggests offsetting carbon as a minimum step that can be taken, but emphasizes the need for more comprehensive actions. He believes that football has the power to unite people from all walks of life and can use its platform to address environmental issues.
Looking ahead, Flamini has ideas for making future sporting events more sustainable. He suggests sourcing food locally, offering vegetarian options, reducing the use of plastics, and using more sustainable products. He acknowledges that the journey towards a greener future will require integrating these solutions into planning.
Flamini’s own journey towards a more environmentally friendly lifestyle involved giving up pescetarianism after discovering high mercury levels in his blood tests. He also admits to driving a sports car in the past but now travels by Eurostar to reduce his carbon footprint. He recognizes that advocating for the environment can sometimes make individuals hypocrites, but believes in encouraging people to make greener choices whenever possible.
Flamini draws inspiration from activists like Greta Thunberg and sees their message of hope as a catalyst for change. He believes that by pushing this message to corporations and the football industry, the consumers of tomorrow can be influenced to prioritize sustainability.
In conclusion, Mathieu Flamini is using his platform and influence to promote environmentally friendly practices and encourage the football industry to take action against climate change. He believes that small changes can have a significant impact when multiplied by a global scale, and that football can play a vital role in addressing environmental issues.
