Progressive Field Launches Successful Recycling Program
In 2008, Progressive Field launched an aggressive waste reduction and recycling effort, resulting in 120 fewer garbage collections and a total reduction in waste from 1261 tons in 2007 to 923 in 2008. In addition, as of September, 2008, the Cleveland Indians baseball organization had recycled more than 113 tons of cardboard, mixed paper, newspaper, plastic, aluminum, steel and other scrap metal. The Indians saved money on the waste avoidance and also made money from the sale of recyclable commodities.
Solar panels were installed at Progressive Field in summer 2007 as part of a commitment to sustainability.
The ballpark did not hide its sustainability efforts. In addition to placing numerous recycling bins throughout the ballpark, the Indians helped educate fans. Scoreboard announcements showing Indians players hitting plastic bottles into the appropriate recycling bin helped spread word. In addition, a solar array on the south side of the ballpark demonstrates the viability of solar power in Northeast Ohio. The Indians Green Team also guides and educates fans about how they can participate in the Indians’ efforts.
More than 113 tons of cardboard has been recycled at Progressive Field since the beginning of a recycling program which began in early 2008.
Progressive Field’s commitment to recycling goes beyond just baseball games. The 100+ year round employees now have access to cardboard, paper, can and bottle recycling for their daily work. Employee education has been successful through bin labeling and emails. In addition, Progressive Field has provided numerous lunch and learn seminars for employees to learn about specific things they can do to recycle and help the environment.
While the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District is excited about hundreds of new businesses recycling this year, we feel that Progressive Field’s ability to leverage the sustainability message to hundreds of thousands of fans catapults this business to the top of the list.
For more information on how your business can implement recycling programs, contact Beau Daane at 216-443-3749 or bdaane@cuyahogacounty.us.