bbc.com
Belfast SSE Arena Adds £1 to First Drinks for Reusable Cups
The SSE Arena in Belfast will add a £1 non-refundable charge to the first drink purchased to cover costs associated with its new reusable cup scheme, differing from other participating venues, and sparking debate among patrons.
- What is the immediate impact of the SSE Arena's new reusable cup policy on event attendees?
- The SSE Arena in Belfast will impose a non-refundable £1 charge on the first drink purchased, covering reusable cup cleaning and transport costs to a new facility. This is part of a seven-venue pilot program aiming to eliminate single-use plastic cups by 2025. The charge applies only to the initial drink; subsequent drinks using the exchanged cup are levy-free.
- How do different Belfast venues approach the cost of implementing reusable cup schemes, and what are the potential consequences of these choices?
- The SSE Arena's £1 levy contrasts with other participating venues, such as the Waterfront and Ulster Halls, which won't charge extra. This difference highlights varied approaches to implementing sustainable practices within the events industry, impacting customer experience and operational costs. The policy's success depends on balancing environmental benefits with maintaining affordability for patrons.
- What are the long-term financial and social implications of the SSE Arena's non-refundable £1 levy for reusable cups, considering public reaction and alternative models?
- The SSE Arena's model, while aiming for sustainability, faces potential challenges regarding public perception and financial viability. The lack of a refundable deposit, unlike schemes in England, might discourage participation. The long-term financial sustainability of the scheme, dependent on a sufficient number of event attendees, is unclear. Surplus funds will support the Odyssey Trust's green initiatives.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline focuses on the extra £1 charge, potentially framing the initiative negatively from the outset. While the article explains the rationale behind the charge, the negative framing of the headline may lead readers to focus on the increased cost rather than the environmental benefits. The inclusion of Nicola Jones's critical quote prominently in the article also contributes to a more negative framing of the initiative. The positive aspects of the initiative, such as the reduction in single-use plastics, are presented but are not emphasized as strongly as the cost.
Language Bias
The article uses language that could be considered loaded, such as describing the £1 charge as an "extra" cost or "effectively paying for the trial." These word choices may subtly influence the reader's perception of the scheme. Neutral alternatives could include phrases such as "a £1 levy" or "a fee to support the initiative." The description of the cleaning facility as "state-of-the-art" may also be considered subtly promotional language.
Bias by Omission
The article omits the overall cost-benefit analysis of the reusable cup scheme. While the £1 charge is justified as covering operational costs, no data is provided to assess whether this is a net positive for the environment considering the transportation costs and energy used in cleaning the cups. The long-term environmental impact versus single-use cups isn't discussed. The article also omits details on the capacity of the Carryduff washing facility and whether it's sufficient to handle the volume of cups generated by SSE Arena events. Further, it omits perspectives from the cleaning facility operators and their assessment of the project's sustainability.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the choice as either using single-use plastic cups (bad) or paying £1 extra for a reusable cup (good), neglecting potential alternative solutions, such as offering a refundable deposit system or exploring partnerships with local businesses to handle the cleaning and transportation of cups. This simplification overlooks the complexity of finding sustainable and financially viable solutions.
Gender Bias
The article features a female voice (Nicola Jones) criticizing the scheme. While this is valuable, the article could benefit from including more diverse perspectives, particularly from environmental experts or representatives of the cleaning facility, to present a more balanced view of the initiative. The article does not display gender bias in language or representation.
Sustainable Development Goals
The SSE Arena in Belfast is piloting a scheme to remove single-use plastic cups, replacing them with reusable cups. While a £1 levy is charged, this is intended to cover operational costs of cleaning and transporting the cups, and any surplus will fund green initiatives. This directly contributes to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns. The initiative is part of a larger effort across seven Belfast venues to eliminate single-use plastic cups by 2025.