Cincinnati Reds - The Reds' Great American Ball Park is among the greenest ballparks in the country.
Their efforts range from composting the grass clippings to using biodiesel blends for facility vehicles and standby emergency generators. Also, the park collects waste cooking oil from their kitchens and concession stands for biodiesel producers to use in making the fuel. In the last season, the Reds have sent 8,234 gallons of used cooking and motor oils, some to be refined for biodiesel. They use biodiesel blends in field and facility maintenance vehicles and equipment, tractors, and stand-by emergency generators.
"In the global effort to be more environmentally friendly, the Cincinnati Reds believe that the use of biodiesel as an alternative fuel source is an important part of our overall greening strategy," said Declan Mullin, Vice President, Ballpark Operations.
Houston Astros - The Astros use B20 biodiesel in diesel grounds crew equipment. This includes a tractor and a professional turf mower used to groom the Astros' playing surface daily. They use approximately 75 gallons of B100 over the course of a year and 2009 was the second year they used biodiesel.
Indianapolis Colts - During the 2009-2010 season, Indiana soybean and corn farmers teamed up with the Indianapolis Colts to educate consumers about the benefits of biofuels. With Colts' tight end Dallas Clark serving as the official spokesperson, Hoosier Horsepower connected with and educated students of all ages.
"Growing up in Iowa, I understand the importance of biofuels to our farmers and rura communities," said Clark. "I'm also excited that the Colts will donate $100 in the name of Indiana farmers to a scholarship program for every catch I make this season."
Kansas City Chiefs - Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel said using biodiesel makes sense on a number of different levels, especially at sports venues.
"Turning potential waste into fuel is just a smart thing to do," he said. If we can begin conditioning players and fans at a young age to recycle, we've taken a big step. Using alternative fuels such as biodiesel is an even bigger leap. Through the efforts of weplaygreen.org and athletes across the country, we are making our voices heard and are encouraging all sports venues to Go Green!"
Philadelphia Eagles - In 2008, the Philadelphia Eagles bought more than 300 gallons of biodiesel blends (B10 and B20) to power diesel equipment. That includes hot pressure washers, tractors, utility carts and mowers. The Eagles continued to replace high polluting fuels in 2009.
"During the 2008-2009 season we sent 6,925 gallons of used kitchen oil and more than 1,150 gallons of grease trap to local re-processors," said Don Smolenski, Philadelphia Eagles, CFO. "The process begins in our kitchens and ends with our on-site vehicles and other machinery. By recycling our own oil and grease, we have effectively closed the cycle."
Philadelphia Phillies - The Phillies work with a local company that collects frying oil from the concessions at Citizens Bank Park, which is then processed into biodiesel fuel. "The Phillies are pleased to work with a local company in an effort to reduce air pollution as we strive to create a cleaner environment," said Marketing Initiatives Coordinator Mary Ann Gettis.
San Diego Padres - In 2009, the Padres recycled approximately 8.5 tons of cooking oil that could be converted into biodiesel fuel. Through the assistance of their food and beverage provider, Sportservice, they collected cooking oil at the conclusion of every event and removed it off-site twice a month. Darling International, Inc. processed the used cooking oil for application in safe, useful products including biodiesel, animal feed, and lubricants.
