Indians Announce 2011 Green Progress on National Recycling Day

On November 15, National Recycling Day—a nationwide celebration of waste reduction and conservation—the Cleveland Indians were honored for their commitment to environmentally sustainable practices with the selection of Progressive Field as a host location for the festivities. The event was hosted by the Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC)

The Indians announced during National Recycling Day that they had recycled 173.93 tons of waste materials at their facility during 2011, amounting to 23% of their total waste production. During the season the franchise cut their landfill trash by 47%, reducing their trash hauling pickups by more than one-third. Part of the team’s initiative has included the exclusive purchase of eco-friendly consumables, including Green Seal certified 100% recycled paper products, compostable foodservice products and biodegradable retail bags.

Beyond their recycling efforts, the Indians have expanded their green initiatives to include the 2007 installation of 42 solar panels in partnership with Green Energy Ohio and Doty and Miller Architects, providing the stadium with 37,500 kilowatt-hours of power annually. The installation of non-UV, non-infrared, non-glass signs during the stadium rebranding in 2008 also reduced costs and total energy usage -- reducing 74,000 tons of CO₂ emissions since their installation.

“The Cleveland Indians are committed to exploring the opportunities to help preserve the environment through the use of advanced energy,” said Jim Folk, Indians Vice President of Ballpark Operations. “Using the latest sustainable technologies is not only good for the community, but good for baseball.”

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