The 2009 ESPYs: Greener Than Ever
Event Virtually Waste Free for Second Consecutive Year & Carbon Neutral For First Time
“The ESPYs celebrate the best in sports every year, so it makes sense for us to raise the bar and make this event as green as can be,” said Maura Mandt, executive producer. “Each year, we will find new ways to improve our efforts.”
The 2009 ESPYs will represent a major step in ESPN’s continued commitment to environmentally friendly productions as the event, for the first time, will be carbon neutral. And, by implementing stringent recycling and composting measures, the ESPYs will again be virtually waste free.
The 2009 ESPYs will be taped Wednesday, July 15 at the Nokia Theatre at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles and televised Sunday, July 19 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Virtually Waste Free
The 2009 ESPYs will reduce its environmental footprint through innovative waste reduction and recovery strategies, ensuring proper lifecycle management of materials through careful procurement and extensive recycling efforts.
In 2008, through comprehensive recycling, composting and responsible purchasing, 86% of all event waste was diverted from the landfill. Photos and video of the 2008 initiatives are available.
Reduction techniques include:
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Set and décor elements designed for reuse with many used originally in 2008;
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Locally rented items used wherever possible to ensure reuse;
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Purchasing consumables locally in bulk to reduce excess packaging waste;
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Reusable water bottles and refilling stations to eliminate over 5,000 individual single-use bottles;
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Necessary disposables will be carefully selected to ensure maximum recycled content, ability to be recycled or composted, and use of renewable and sustainable materials in the manufacturing process;
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Extensive, rigorous program to recover every possible recyclable material;
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Beyond basic recycling of paper and beverage containers, construction and demolition debris, cardboard, food waste, electronics, even cooking grease will also be recycled (see below for specifics).
Carbon Neutral
ESPN will apply energy conservation strategies to minimize the use of fossil fuels and prevent pollution. After reducing energy consumption wherever possible through innovative applications, the remaining greenhouse gas emissions will be mitigated through carbon offsets.
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Solar and wind power to be used on red carpet and press center;
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After show, solar panels to be donated to local charity;
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Multi-passenger vehicles instead of individual limos for many ESPYs special guests to reduce vehicle miles driven;
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Hybrid and flex fuel vehicles used for other transfers;
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Energy efficient electronics used wherever possible;
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In honor of the nominees, trees planted in Los Angeles to improve local air quality and temperature;
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Using bioplastics instead of petroleum based plastics for all disposable foodservice products;
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Waste grease collected from venue caterer and concessionaire and turned into biodiesel.
In 2008, 6.3 tons of CO2, equivalent to driving approximately 13,000 miles, was avoided through use of alternative fuels, non-petroleum products and other energy saving tactics
Awareness and Education Campaign
ESPN has developed an environmental awareness campaign to encourage individual participation beyond the scope of the event, inspire future productions and create lasting impact.
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Staff specially trained to explain and implement environmental efforts;
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Sustainable products featured throughout the production, with the environmental benefit of using each item explained;
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Eco-facts played in-theatre for all ESPYs attendees during pre-show;
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Environmentality section on http://www.espys.tv to share environmental best practices;
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http://www.Idealbite.com eco-facts to explain everyday individual efforts that benefit the environment.
Additional Environmentally Responsible Elements
Recycling
The following recyclable materials will be sorted on site in custom designed recycling containers and sent to a specialized recycling facility for maximum recovery:
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Beverage containers (including, aluminum, plastic and glass);
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Mixed office paper (including copier paper, newspaper and magazines);
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Organic waste (food and plant waste) and all compostable products;
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Cardboard;
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Construction materials (including wood, drywall, and metal);
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Used cooking grease;
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Electronic waste (including printer cartridges, batteries, copper wire).
Environmentally Responsible Purchasing
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Plastic cups, made from corn and fully biodegradable, and compostable serviceware used in all areas including crew catering, press tent, backstage hospitality areas and dressing rooms, and at venue concession stands;
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Red carpet for arrivals and carpet in press tent made from 100% recycled material and will be reused after the event and recycled at the end of its usable life;
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Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood used wherever possible for set construction
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All paper products made from high post-consumer recycled content;
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Non-toxic hand wash and cleaning products used in ESPY production offices and venue bathrooms;
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Lanyards for staff credentials made from 100% recycled material.
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Christina Cottingham says
It’s really great to see professional sports organizations and outlets that reach such a wide audience spreading the eco-word out there! We are committed to the importance of eco-friendly products and have recently brought to market in North America a line of sports balls (basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, etc) that are certified Fair Trade, eco-certified, and NFHS certified for quality. Please stop by our blog at fairtradesports.com to learn more about us, and thank you for the post!