Serving the world an ecological tennis ball
With “tennis fever” sweeping the nation, we’ve released some exclusive eco-friendly tennis balls so we can enjoy this centuries-old sport whilst being friendly to the environment!
More than 17,000 hours of tennis are played annually on Royal Parks’ tennis courts; equating to almost two days’ worth of tennis for every day of the year. Activity peaks and the number of people playing soars as Wimbledon and Queen’s top the headlines and the hotter weather encourages people outdoors.
More than 54,000 tennis balls are ordered just for Wimbledon’s two weeks and, across the country, a veritable mountain of balls will be used and carelessly discarded. Balls in the Royal Parks are recycled but, inevitably, the manufacturing process and high-turnover places an environmental strain on the planet. Add to this the great quantities of metal used in the production of traditional, non-recyclable, ball tubes and it’s clear the planet needs our help!
‘Your Friendly Green Tennis Balls’ is an eco-project designed in partnership with Will to Win, Second Serve and the Royal Parks Foundation. The balls are International Tennis Federation (ITF) approved, pressureless and arrive in a recyclable box. Being pressureless, the balls have guaranteed ‘lifetime bounce’ and because they last longer fewer environmental resources will be used over a player’s lifetime.
“London’s Royal Parks’ tennis courts ensure the sport remains open to everyone, regardless of background,” says Steve Riley, Director Will to Win. “People playing sports provide the heartbeat of the park, but we are aware of the environmental impact that can occur with tennis balls.”
“Henry VIII, creator of the Royal Parks, was also a keen player of real tennis, so we’re especially pleased that this new initiative not only echoes him, but also helps conserve the environment and raises funds to keep London’s precious Parks blooming with life,” says Sara Lom, CEO Royal Parks Foundation.
10% of every tube purchased will be donated to the Royal Parks Foundation, the charity that helps support the magic of London’s eight amazing Royal Parks.
You can purchase the tennis balls here: SupportTheRoyalParks.org/tennisballs
