The Red Sox Go Green

By Margaret Scott
Everything about the Red Sox is big: the Green Monster, a few World Series Championships, Big Papi.

And so, true to form, the Red Sox entry into the green movement has made a big impression. Mainly, the team put together a five-year plan for the “greening” of Fenway Park by 2012, the ballpark’s 100th anniversary. The team has planned for and implemented numerous changes all over the park that incorporate innovative technology as well as common sense practices that are considerably more environmentally sound. For example:

Waste

• The Poland Springs Green Team: a group of volunteers at each game that walk around the park to collect recyclable items and direct fans to the nearest recycling receptacles
• Use of solar powered trash compactors
• Concessions stand: containers from recycled materials, recycled used grease
• Implementation of a water conservation system for grass (infield and outfield) watering
• Use of biodiesel powered lawn mowers

Energy

• Installation of solar panels behind home plate, used in order to heat water
• Installation of energy efficient (LED) light bulbs
• Use of recycled paper for main office use, publications, etc.
• Distribution of NRDC (National Resources Defense Council) literature (printed on recycled paper, for sure) with tips for a “greener” lifestyle

This list, although not exhaustive, is a fair representation of the variety of changes undertaken at the famed Fenway Park. Significant and laudable as these changes may be, this “greening” is bigger than even the Red Sox themselves, difficult as that may be to believe.

At every single home game, upwards of 30,000 fans make their way to Fenway Park. These fans represent a captive audience, not only to a well played game of baseball but also to the Red Sox’s efforts toward environmental stewardship. Of the changes listed above, many represent options that could be realistically and economically implemented in the homes of many fans (LED light bulbs, recycled paper, recycling bins, etc.). In this way, the Red Sox green initiative serves not only to lessen the impact of the park and its users but also to encourage “green” efforts by all fans, even after they leave the park.

As a fan, I wholeheartedly approve. It is precisely this sort of authentic, well-intentioned, and well-planned “greening” that needs to be made more visible and better understood to a wide range of people. In their fame, the Red Sox have power. They have the power to set an example of continued, careful responsibility toward the environment. The team has set (and continues to set) an example for fans, other ball clubs, and the entire sports entertainment industry.
As I see it, this is big.

For a couple of informational articles, check out:

A Green Fenway is a Better Fenway

or

On Earth Day, the Sox turn 'green'