They won't all make the playoffs this year, but there's one thing a growing list of big leaguers have come together on: promoting recycling and reducing the use of oil to blunt the environmental impact of pro ballparks and stadiums across the US.
From educational campaigns about alternative energy and making biodiesel from concession grease, to powering ballpark tractors and mowers with biodiesel blends and composting the clippings, going green is a rising trend in professional sports.
We Play Green, founded by Cincinnati Reds outfielder Chris Dickerson and Cleveland Indians right-hander Jack Cassel, is one group fighting to reverse global warming by inspiring everyone to pitch in to reduce carbon emissions and excess waste. The initiative -- which seeks to cut down on plastic bottles and promote recycling and other green practices -- has drawn support from a handful of major league All Stars and expanded beyond baseball to include pro football, soccer and hockey players.
Meanwhile, pro franchises including the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres have all turned to biodiesel as a tool in their overall strategy for sustainability.
ESPN is even getting in on the action. In July, the sports network's 2009 ESPY awards event boasted of being carbon neutral for the first time. By recycling and collecting waste grease from caterers and concessionaires for use as biodiesel, the ESPYs managed to shrink its environmental footprint to zero.
So far, the use of biodiesel amounts to a modest offset compared to the carbon emissions just from air travel by pro sports teams. But it's a step in the right direction, say advocates who argue that every gallon used has a positive impact on the environment and extends the life of the world's petroleum supplies.
Click here for more information from the National Biodiesel Board on the following professional sports teams and organizations involved with biodiesel:
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Houston Astros
• Seattle Mariners
• Boston Red Sox
• Washington Nationals
• Philadelphia Phillies
• San Diego Padres
• ESPN
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