The KPMG Women’s Irish Open will focus on Sustainability and Inclusivity from 29 August – 1 September 2024 at Carton House, a Fairmont Managed Hotel, supported by Golf Ireland and ForeFront Sports.
The KPMG Women’s Irish Open will be the first sporting event in Ireland to introduce “The Deposit Return Scheme” this week at Carton House, a Fairmont Managed Hotel, marking a significant milestone in the sustainability journey.
By introducing the Deposit Return Scheme, The KPMG Women’s Irish Open and Golf Ireland teams are taking proactive steps to lead the organisations, players, and spectators on a shared sustainability journey, encouraging the return of bottles and cans to significantly reduce the event’s carbon footprint.
The Deposit Return Scheme units have been provided by TOMRA Collection Ireland and Andrew Boyle of TOMRA Collection Ireland said: “We are delighted to be part of this fantastic event and help promote environmental sustainability and the Re-Turn deposit return scheme in Irish sporting events.”
As part of this innovative program, two charities will benefit: Golf Ireland’s new charity partner, Special Olympics Ireland and Forefront Sports’ charity partner, National Breast Cancer Research Ireland, with each organisation receiving 50 per cent of the refund value from returned bottles and cans. This not only supports environmental sustainability but also drives social impact, with the funds raised making a meaningful difference in the lives of many.
Golf Ireland will closely monitor the success of this initiative and will provide comprehensive data after the event, highlighting the social, financial, and environmental benefits of the Deposit Return Scheme.
Players and spectators are encouraged to actively participate by using the machines available on-site to dispose of their bottles and cans, thereby contributing to an initiative that benefits people, the planet, and the pocket.
“Golf Ireland is delighted to support the KPMG Women’s Irish Open in promoting sustainability and inclusivity. The Deposit Return Scheme is a huge step in our collective efforts to minimize the environmental impact of these events, while also contributing to important causes through our charity partnerships. These initiatives create a more inclusive and responsible golfing experience for everyone.” said Golf Ireland CEO, Mark Kennelly.
Tournament Operations Director, Simon Honan said: “We are taking a sustainable approach to this year’s KPMG Women’s Irish Open which includes the introduction of the bottle Re-Turn scheme to the event. It is really important to us that we do everything we can to help the environment and look at all the areas where we can be more sustainable.”
Also, as part of a global movement towards Period Positivity, The KPMG Women’s Irish Open and Golf Ireland are committed to ensuring that all who menstruate feel comfortable and welcomed.
To support this, free period products and leak-proof, sustainable disposal bags will be available in the toilets throughout the event at Carton House, a Fairmont Managed Hotel. This initiative, rolled out in partnership with FabLittleBag, ensures participants and spectators have access to environmentally friendly period product disposal bags, which are sealable and discreet, making them ideal for use on the course.
“It is both exciting and encouraging to welcome Golf Ireland to our Period Supportive Movement. The women’s game is growing fast both in terms of participation and visibility,” said Martha Silcott, CEO of FabLittleBag.
“In a sport where women have fought particularly hard to be included, this is a positive step forward, rolling out a committed strategy to ensure that over the coming year, golfing events involving Golf Ireland will provide access to free period products and FabLittleBags for easy discreet disposal for the players and supporters.
“FabLittleBag is really proud to play the small but important role in making women’s golf more inclusive and welcoming to women and girls.”