Could we address the waste crisis and the activity crisis at the same time — and make it fun?
The waste and activity problem.
1 TON
The average UK household produces a ton of waste every year.
75%
75% of young people polled worldwide feel that “the future is frightening”.
-10%
Less than 10% of our teenagers get the recommended amount of exercise.
FUN
People are far more likely to take action when it’s fun, positive and engaging.*
*This is the hypothesis we’re testing.
What’s the idea?
To use local indoor and outdoor spaces to run a series of games that are open to all kids. The games all involve the reuse and repurposing of waste materials. It’s a way for kids to play and have fun, but also engage with environmental issues. We’re calling them The Rubbish Games.
The Olympic motto translates as Faster, Higher, Stronger – we’re aiming for Better, Smarter, Funner.
The events.
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![Tower made from polystyrene and pencils.]()
Rubbish towers.
Build the tallest/widest/most audacious tower in a limited amount of time.
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![Improvised marble run.]()
Rubbish marble run.
Set a start and finish line, then ask the athletes to build a marble run to take a ball from start to finish. They can use any of the limited set of waste materials we supply.
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![Throwing games with people dressed in cardboard armour.]()
Rubbish throwers.
We use old, clean socks rolled in balls.
Individual event: throw the ball into a bin from the furthest distance.
In pairs: DUEL – start back to back, walk ten paces, then FIRE.
Team event: throw the balls at each other, use cardboard as armour and/or as a shield. We could have defenders and attackers on both sides.
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![Picking up bottle caps with a litter picker]()
Pick-up challenge.
Our athletes pick up as many bottle caps as possible in a limited amount of time.
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![Plastic bottle skittles]()
Rubbish skittles.
We use plastic bottles as skittles. We can fill them with coloured water to make them heavier and prettier,
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![Paper plane]()
Rubbish flights.
Make planes out of waste paper and card. Fly them from a set distance, closest to the target wins! Alternatives include going for the greatest distance or flying most impressively/stylishly.
Let’s celebrate.
To recognise the contribution of all the participants, we make sure that everyone receives a medal, even if they’re a bit rubbish. Ribbons are made from waste fabric and the medals out of jar lids. The Rubbish Games logo is applied as a stamp or is handwritten.
The podium (not tiered) is made from a repurposed pallet.
Pallet as podium
Host cities and towns and villages.
If you have a venue or event where you are looking to engage a younger audience with something that is fun, active and connects to sustainability, get in touch. We’re keen to host The Games in a variety of locations.
