How the NBA is Supporting Environmental Action

The NBA (National Basketball Association) dubbed April 1-9 the league’s official 2010 Green Week. This week marks the second annual green week for the NBA.

I can be a bit of a skeptic when it comes to  determining if a major association is simply using the green movement as a marketing tool. However, the NBA is putting some a-c-t-i-o-n behind their Green Week.

Here’s some examples of what NBA teams are doing to support the environment:

• Players are sporting NBA Green headbands, wristbands, and socks made from 45 percent organic cotton during games throughout the week.
• Several NBA teams are encouraging fans and providing them with incentives to take public transportation to and from their respective games.
• The Celtics are organizing a clean up day with local 8th graders throughout the city of Boston.
• The Chicago Bulls will honor its All Star Green Team comprised of students who excel at getting others to participate in recycling and improving environmental issues at their schools on ‘Go Green Night’.
• The Golden State Warriors and Esurancewill team up with the non-profit organization ‘Urban Releaf’ to plant trees in West Oakland to beautify the area and combat pollutants naturally.
• The Oklahoma City Thunder are taking part in a trash pick-up at a local Boys & Girls Club with the Mayor and City Council.
• New Orleans Hornets staff members will work with ‘Save the Wetlands’ to plant trees along the Gulf Coast and in the marsh areas.
• The Dallas Mavericks are planning to give away eco-friendly grocery bags in exchange for fans bringing in their plastic bags.
• The Portland Trail Blazers are rolling out hundreds of new recycling/compost stationsat the Rose Garden to eliminate waste, collect compostable materials and keep recyclables from reaching landfills.
• The Phoenix Suns will provide fans with energy efficient light bulbs upon exit, reusable grocery/tote bags, green wristbands, and magnets with recycling tips.

Learn more about NBA Greening efforts here.

Posted by Beth