Spanish La Liga side Real Betis aimed to draw attention to a worldwide problem with the latest version of their special edition kits over the weekend.
On Sunday against UD Almería, Real Betis wore the latest edition of their Forever Green kits, which stem from the club’s commitment to environmentalism. This year’s version aimed “to raise awareness about the responsible use of water, reflecting the impact that climate change is having on our fields, punished by the worst drought in living memory,” according to Betis’s website (translated to English by Google).
The shirt featured two-tone green vertical stripes at the top, which faded into an arid desert landscape near the bottom. The shorts are tan with darker desert-like cracks all over.
This season, the theme of the Forever Green matches will be focused on the threat that drought represents to our planet, promoting the responsible use of water. Despite the improvement in the situation of the swamps after the rains that fell last March, the green and white club has decided to focus this campaign on raising awareness about good use of this natural asset after the lack of rainfall that has been about to cause water restrictions in Spanish homes this summer, and which may still occur in certain areas nationwide.
— RealBetisBalompie.es (translated to English by Google
This is the third season that Real Betis has worn a “Forever Green” kit. Last year’s kit was solid green with tonal mottling all over.
Betis also released a pre-match shirt with graffiti-style graphics featuring words and phrases related to the environment. Both kits were made with 100% recycled polyester, and the transfers used were manufactured without chemicals in order to meet sustainability criteria.
Real Betis holds several “Forever Green” matches each season. During these matches, players use reusable water bottles and more recycling receptacles are placed throughout their home stadium, the Estadio Benito Villamarín. Biodegradable tote bags are distributed to fans, and the club promotes sustainable transportation to the stadium, including giving out discount codes for scooter, motorcycle and electric bike sharing services.
During four Forever Green matches in the 2022-23 season, 11 tons of carbon dioxide was saved compared to normal matches.
