MLB and Arizona State University to Launch Unique Sustainability Partnership Ahead of 2018 Spring Training Presented by Camping World
Initiatives include moving toward zero waste levels at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick and examining waste diversion practices at all ten Cactus League ballparks
Major League Baseball and Arizona State University's School of Sustainability (ASU) today announced a groundbreaking 2018 Spring Training presented by Camping World partnership that will see the two organizations undertaking sustainability efforts during parts of the Cactus League schedule.Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, the Spring Training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies, will be the focus site of the "Recycle Rally" initiative that will test and implement zero waste strategies with the overarching goals of reducing landfill impact, increasing operational efficiencies and improving the fan experience across all Cactus League ballparks. This new and unique partnership will launch tomorrow Wednesday, February 21st when the Arizona Diamondbacks host Arizona State University for a Spring Training exhibition game. Salt River Fields is expected to host nearly 300,000 fans over the course of the 2018 Spring Training presented by Camping World.As part of the initiative, a group of eleven ASU undergraduate and graduate students will analyze the waste stream and operations at Salt River Fields to help the venue become more environmentally friendly. ASU will then determine how the D-backs and Rockies can minimize, and most effectively manage, waste, including adopting effective waste diversion practices at the ballpark through recycling, reusing and composting. Additionally, the partnership will engage fans during Spring Training games at Salt River Fields through a series of interactive and fun-focused activities that educate about the challenges and impacts of waste."The Arizona Diamondbacks are proud to call Salt River Fields home and are excited to partner with Arizona State University and Major League Baseball on this initiative," said Arizona Diamondbacks President & CEO Derrick Hall. "We want do our part to ensure that future generations of D-backs fans can appreciate the beautiful Arizona landscape and will continue to focus on improving sustainability efforts throughout Spring Training and all season long at Chase Field.""The Rockies continue to put a strong emphasis on sustainability at Coors Field, so we are very proud that this partnership with ASU and MLB will educate us and further minimize the environmental impact of the entire Salt River Fields complex, making an already LEED Gold Certified facility even better," said Colorado Rockies Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Greg Feasel.While Salt River Fields will be the initial focus of the initiative, MLB and ASU will work with individual Clubs to incorporate a snapshot-level analysis for all Cactus League ballparks in 2018. The groups will visit each of the 10 Cactus League ballparks at least once during Spring Training for high-level analysis, documentation of current waste systems, and recommending opportunities for improvement.Read the full story.