Pirates Launch Recycling Programs at Ballpark

Pittsburgh Pirates fans can embrace a new team color next year: green.

The team has launched a greening initiatives program branded “Let’s Go Bucs. Let’s Go Green.” It will include:

• Recycling—PNC Park will feature 180 recycling containers for the estimated 76,000 plastic bottles sold throughout the season. A “Green Team” will sweep each section at the end of games for remaining recyclables. The Pirates already recycled all cardboard since PNC Park opened.
• Paper Usage—All of the team’s office paper, including copy paper, team stationary and business cards will be made from 30 percent post-consumer paper. Toilet paper will be 100 percent recycled and restroom towels will be 45 percent recycled.
• Printing—Publications will be printed in soy-based ink on Forest Stewardship Council certified paper.
• Cleaning Products—The Pirates will use EPA recommended Designed for Environment (DFE) cleaning products to clean the ballpark
• Concessionaire Initiatives—PNC Park’s concessionaires will use corn-based beverage cups and eliminate most of the non-biodegradable materials in the utensils, plates, napkins and food carriers.
• Energy—The ballpark will feature motion detectors to control energy use, use low voltage Exit signs and energy efficient bulbs that are now available. The club will also conduct a complete energy audit.

“We are not launching this program because ‘going green’ is a popular trend. We are doing it because it is the right thing to do,” said Bob Nutting, Pirates Chairman of the Board. “The measures being put into place at the ballpark will have an immediate positive impact. These initiatives not only make sense for the environment, but they make good business sense as well. This is another example of our systematic approach to improve our operations, both on and off the field.”

To see what your business can do to be more eco-friendly, visit Earth 911’s recycling locator.