3 ‘Green’ Women’s Soccer Players Advocating for the Environment
Over the past few years, more and more attention has been brought to the effects of climate change and the importance of sustainability. As a result, companies like Nike have committed to more sustainable practices, most recently releasing the new USWNT jerseys ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which are made from 100% recycled material.
These topics have even made their way into conversation amongst sports leagues and athletes who have become ambassadors for change. Players like Lauren Barnes, Jasmyne Spencer, and Zoe Morse are well-known for their influence in making their clubs and businesses more environmentally friendly. Through their lead and education, more players and teams are beginning to follow suit! Here are a few players who are supporting environmental causes.
Shae Holmes
Shae Holmes, one of the newest additions to the OL Reign, is in the perfect place to share her environmental background. Holmes, the 19th overall pick in the 2nd round of the 2023 NWSL Draft, majored in Environmental Studies while at the University of Washington.
Almost time… come to the in-person #POEcap capstone symposium Day 2 tomorrow! All my peers did an outstanding job last week, so now it’s time to finish out strong💪🏼I’ll be talking about how PAC-12 student athletes & non-athletes can be more of the change colleges need. #ENVIR492 pic.twitter.com/lrdu1jnlGy
— Shae Holmes (@ShaeHolmes_) May 31, 2022
Because of her passion for bringing awareness to sustainability and climate change, she created an “environmental” Twitter account and uses it to share her knowledge on the topics. Over the last few years, the OL Reign has made great strides in furthering its commitment to sustainability. So it seems that Holmes will be in great company along with Lauren Barnes, who originally sparked the club’s ongoing sustainable practices.
Sam Mewis
Even while recovering from surgery, Sam Mewis didn’t stop putting in the work to get back to the game she loves. Not only was she trying to get back to playing, but she inspired action against climate change. At the end of last 2022, she attended an event focused on climate change at Columbia Climate School. There, she shared her first-hand experiences with playing soccer in extreme heat and its impact on athletes.
Check out this article I wrote for @TheAthletic on how climate change can be addressed through the lens of sport. Thanks for all the help @itsmeglinehan! https://t.co/eNOnYxdI6k
— Samantha Mewis (@sammymewy) December 19, 2022
Mewis went on to write an article for The Athletic urging soccer leagues to take action and prioritize sustainability in their future plans.
Lotte Wubben-Moy
Across the pond, England National Team and Arsenal player Lotte Wubben-Moy has teamed up with the environmental non-profit Football For Future and Nike to become a “Climate Champion.”
View this post on Instagram
In addition, she was the first Nike athlete to recieve a “climate champion” handbook, which educates athletes on ways to talk about climate change with others. She is now using her platform to raise concerns about the climate crisis and educate others on how to help prevent it.
April is the perfect month to join these players in caring for our environment and, in turn, the world of soccer!
Featured image via @_shaeholmes11, @sammymewyy, @lottewubbenmoy on Instagram
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