Ben Mee on his carbon neutral transfer & how fans can get involved in Green Football Weekend

Ben Mee’s transfer to Brentford during the summer transfer window was significant for a number of reasons.

One was that the Bees were able to secure themselves a new star central defender, but perhaps the main reason was that it was the first ever carbon neutral transfer in Premier League history.

By teaming up with Carbon Neutral Britain, the former Burnley defender was able to offset his carbon output – planting 20 trees a month and offsetting 15 tonnes of CO² per year to do so.

To discuss his positive impact in football’s climate conversation and the upcoming Green Football Weekend – aimed at getting fans to help their clubs reduce their carbon footprint – Mee sat down with 90min‘s Sean Walsh:

Planet League’s Rich Holmes & Sustainable Clarets’ Cat Jebson join Shebahn Aherne to have football’s climate conversation ahead of Green Football Weekend. If you can’t see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!

How did you first get interested in reducing your carbon footprint?

“I got interested in reducing my carbon footprint mainly because I had children, that’s been a main part of it. Getting involved in it and getting used to changing my habits and just trying to reduce my carbon footprint, live a little bit cleaner, and I’m feeling better for it.”

Are there any specific climate conscious actions that you take that fans can replicate?

“I think fans could probably replicate lowering consumption. You see reusable items now, cups and things like that, that can help. Changing habits in and around the home is fantastic, recycling and using bit that are more than just for single use would be great.”

Have you noticed other players at Brentford taking more of an interest in climate change?

“Some players are definitely asking more questions about it. I have an electric car so some players have been asking about the electric cars and how they are used, the range on it, and how easy I’ve found it. So yeah there’s been interest and some of the boys are already keen to do some [climate conscious] things as well.”

Do you fancy Brentford’s chances in the Green Football Cup?

“I think our fans will do great in the Green Football Cup, we’re a forward-thinking club and I…