Abstract

Due to a global environmental issue where plastic waste gets into our water resources, this research identified management perspectives on the implications of moving to plastic-free beverage services at sport facilities. The focus encompassed implications of both eliminating plastics and the introduction of biodegradable alternatives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sampling of expert food and beverage managers employed at sport facilities with Canadian Hockey League tenants. Interview questions were developed using Transition Management Theory (Kemp, Parto & Gibson, 2015), Attitude-Behaviour-Gap (Jacobs et al., 2018), concepts of consumerism (Koskijoki, 1997), and the call for sustainability business models (Borgert et al., 2018). Using thematic analysis, this study accessed the nuanced understandings of plastics use and the implications of implementing biodegradable alternatives. Results revealed inconsistent environmental management strategies: that government mandates are key; that there is a lack of public pressure concerning plastic waste management pratices; that bioplastic options are overlooked; that seven barriers impact the use of plastic alternatives; and, that mitigation and management of plastic is not their management role. In conclusion, much work is needed to move towards eliminating plastics and the introduction of biodegradable alternatives at sport facility concessions.

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