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Paris 2024: single-use plastic banned, 100% renewable energy used to restrict carbon footprint
CGTN
Olympic rings are on display in front of the City Hall in Paris, France, March 13, 2023. /CFP
Olympic rings are on display in front of the City Hall in Paris, France, March 13, 2023. /CFP

Olympic rings are on display in front of the City Hall in Paris, France, March 13, 2023. /CFP

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said on Friday the city planned to ban single-use plastic when it holds the 2024 Olympic Games as part of efforts to tackle a global plastic pollution crisis.

"We have decided to make the Olympic Games the first major event without single-use plastic," Hidalgo told a press conference at a session of the International Forum of Mayors against Plastic Pollution.

Visitors to temporary Olympics competition sites in the French capital will be admitted only without plastic bottles.

Coca-Cola, the American beverage giant and designated sponsor of the Paris Olympics, will distribute its products in reusable glass bottles and more than 200 soda fountains, which will be redeployed after the games.

Reusable cups will also be used for refreshments during the Olympics marathon.

"Plastic (waste) remains a major global issue: Each year, 14,000 mammals and 1.4 million seabirds are killed due to the ingestion of plastic waste," Hidalgo's office said in a statement announcing the Olympics single-use plastic ban.

"Our goal is to halve the emissions arising in relation to the Games, while offsetting even more CO2 emissions than we will generate," according to Paris2024.org.

Paris 2024 organizers said they have actively chosen to minimize environmental impact by using 95 percent of existing or temporary venues.

"Reducing the number of new build projects means we are able to significantly restrict the carbon footprint and give center stage to the wealth of French architecture by transforming Paris' most stunning landmarks into sporting arenas," said the organizers.

According to Paris2024.org, other initiatives include using 100 percent renewable energy during the Games, the circular economy, sustainable food sourcing, responsible digital technology, clean mobility solutions for the Olympic fleet, public transport and environmentally friendly means of transport for spectators, biodiversity protection and water management.

(With input from Reuters)

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