US Open green initiative in 5th year
August 28, 2012
FLUSHING, N.Y. — The United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced today that it is marking the fifth year of its environmental initiatives at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center during the US Open, which annually attracts more than 700,000 fans during the two weeks of the event. The US Open Green Initiative has become a recognized leader in greening efforts at sporting events, those efforts aimed at making the US Open responsible for its ecological footprint and creating a sustainable future.
The USTA continually expands its efforts to positively influence the awareness of fans and develops effective ways to create a lasting environmental legacy. Since the inception of the US Open Green Initiative, the USTA has diverted over 570 tons of waste through recycling and composting, saved more than 1,100 tons of greenhouse gas emissions, offset enough electricity to power 600 homes for one year, recycled close to 1 million plastic bottles, and entertained over 1.5 million fans who have arrived via mass transit.
Last year, the US Open’s Green Initiatives recycled more plastic bottles, aluminum, and glass bottles than any year in the past (see attached statistics). In 2011, the USTA launched a pilot program that introduced compostable serviceware in the US Open Food Village, and that program will further extend to the eateries located in and around Arthur Ashe Stadium at the 2012 US Open.
“The USTA is committed to reducing its ecological impact and continuously seeks new ways to be at the forefront of the global effort to preserve the environment,” said Gordon Smith, USTA Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer. “Our dedication to the US Open’s greening efforts will create a lasting legacy for the environment, as well as encourage tennis fans from all over the world to be environmental stewards.”
In collaboration with environmental consultant eco evolutions, llc as well as with partners, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Billie Jean King’s GreenSlam, and the newly- formed partnership with the Green Sports Alliance, the USTA will once again be working toward a global effort to preserve the environment.
Green Initiatives at the 2012 US Open: New Initiatives for 2012
Recycling
Transportation
Paper Procurement
Food & Service Ware
Fan Awareness
US Open Merchandise