Arizona Diamondbacks Make a Sustainable Green Move with Reusable Cup Program
The Arizona Diamondbacks are hitting a home run beyond the baseball field by introducing a groundbreaking reusable cup program. In a bold move that puts sustainability at the forefront, the D-backs have become the first MLB team and professional sports venue in Arizona to implement this eco-friendly initiative.
Ami Lyn Pierce, Diamondbacks VP of government affairs, expressed the team’s commitment to the community, stating, “It’s something that we’ve been committed to for a long time. We feel like it’s part of our responsibility to the community.”
Partnering with Bold Reuse, the D-backs have set up a ‘wash hub’ near Chase Field to support the reusable cup program. Heather Watkins, Chief revenue officer of Bold Reuse, shared, “Once we had operations ready, we asked the teams who’s ready to go and the Diamondbacks signed up.”
Supported by a grant from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Bold Reuse received funding to kickstart the program. J.B. Shaw, Recycling coordinator of ADEQ, expressed excitement for the initiative, highlighting the potential to build a reuse market in Arizona.
The reusable cup program is currently in a testing phase at Bar-S All-You-Can-Eat seats. After each game, the cups are collected, washed, and dried at the hub, then brought back to Chase Field for reuse. Watkins mentioned the positive response, with around 900 to 1000 cups used per game.
With an impressive 85% return rate in the first few weeks, the program has garnered attention for its environmental impact. Bold Reuse notes that a reusable cup reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 83% compared to compostable cups after 25 uses.
Watkins highlighted the importance of proper waste disposal, noting the positive behavior of attendees in using the designated return bins. In just five days, over 2,100 cups were washed and returned, demonstrating the program’s success.
Through initiatives like the reusable cup program, the Diamondbacks are championing sustainability in the sports industry. The team’s dedication to reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices sets a positive example for other organizations to follow.
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