Plastic pollution for charity? The charity event under scrutiny in this European country
Last April, Luxembourg launched a new edition of the Duck Race, in which 20,000 rubber ducks were released into the river.
Charity sports events are very common and successful. From boxing nights to professional soccer matches, numerous organizations and celebrities host events to raise funds for various NGOs and charitable institutions. However, when we think of a charity race, we would hardly imagine ducks as participants.
On April 26, 2025, the small country held the 24th edition of the Duck Race, a race along the Alzette River in Luxembourg City, where the athletes are none other than 20,000 rubber ducks, according to the Italian outlet GreenMe.
With a €5 donation (about $5.85), spectators have the chance to sponsor a duck and win various prizes, including a brand-new Volkswagen Polo, an outdoor kitchen valued at €6,500 (about $7,605), and even a Cannondale electric bike, estimated at €2,700 (about $3,159).
What is the environmental impact?
Despite appearing to be an innocent event, many associations and individuals have expressed deep concern about the environmental impact of the race.
The release of tons of plastic into the Alzette River could gradually degrade the water and, according to some critics, send the wrong message about environmental respect and the importance of recycling.
The traditional event, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and Mayor Lydie Polfer, aims to raise funds for various charitable organizations, including Pharmacists Without Borders, Aid to Benin, Study-Help ASBL, and Asha 4 Children. Eldoradio, the organization in charge of the event, defended itself by stating that the race is carbon neutral thanks to its participation in an emissions offset project. Additionally, it claims that the Duck Race is part of the “AntiGaspi” initiative, which fights against food waste.
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