Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Sport Stadiums Utilizing Sustainability

“Out of 126 professional teams in the five major sports, 38 use renewable energy.”  68 teams have green programs.  18 facilities have invested in solar panels.  Lincoln Financial Field (home of the Philadelphia Eagles), in Philadelphia utilizes:
  •  11,000 solar panels
  •  14 wind turbines
  •  Recycled paper products for tissues & recyclable packaging for food
  •  Conversion of cooking oil into biodiesel fuel
  •  99% diversion from the landfill, soon to be 100%
  •  They use a “Go Green Playbook” that promotes recycling, conserving, and buying eco-friendly items.  It promotes recycling tires and being cautious about how long the cycles are run in the dishwashers and washing machines.

CenturyLink Field in Seattle has 3,750 solar panels powering the facility. The Minnesota Twins use rainwater to clean down the seats.  NASCAR is using “NASCAR Green” which includes tire recycling and it plans on planting 8,000 trees this year.  The Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania has 40,000 solar panels.  In California, the Sonoma Raceway has 3,000 sheep that keep the grass trimmed.

People could look upon these sports facilities as role models and follow their lead.  These ideas should be implemented in facilities everywhere!

For more information, visit this site below:  

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Air Emission Sites and Trenton School Obesity Data Mashup


It is hard to believe that there are areas that do not have clean air circulating around them.  Furthermore, these areas do not comply with the National Clean Air Act (CAA).  This includes areas right around where we live in the Trenton area.  The mashup below is well organized by different fields and colomns that provide information about each address. These addresses are then located on a map to make the viewer see pricely where the violations are taking place and which air pollutants are surrounding this area..

Below is a link that takes you to a fusion table constructed from air emission sites and interrelating to Trenton school's obesity that my group and I put together.



Thursday, April 11, 2013

Sustainability in Sports Facilities Video


Below is a video that was put together pertaining to Sustainability in Sports Facilities.  The manager from Princeton Racquet Club spoke about how they are implementing solar energy at their facility.  The second interview was with the supervisor of the TCNJ Recreation Center.  The supervisor talked about the camps that they run in the summer and how they keep tennis green.




Sunday, April 7, 2013

Fascinating Ways To Go Green

There is a wide range of opportunities that one can go green without having to go out of their way.  In the following examples, efficiency plays a key role.

  • Heat: Watch the thermostat so that it does not stay on while you are away.
  • Computer & Taxes: Turn your computer off at night and do your taxes online.
  • Cars: Try to be eco friendly by having a hybrid car and carpooling whenever possible.
  • Newspaper and Bills: Try to read your news online instead of ordering a newspaper.  Play your bills online and switch to paperless billing.
  • Batteries: Use rechargeable batteries and recycle old batteries correctly.
  • Dryer Lint: Give the dryer lint to the birds.  They will use it for their nests.
  • Coffee Mug: Bring your coffee mug to the shop.  You might even get a discount!
  • Pool: Cover your pool when not using it.  This will stop evaporation and avoid fill-ups.
  • Movies: Buy e-tickets so that you save time and avoid the use of unnecessary paper.
  • Detergent: Use an all-natural dishwasher detergent.
  • Stairs: Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
  • Diapers: Use cloth diapers.
  • Appliances: Use Energy Star-qualified appliances. 
  • Heat: Wear an extra sweater or blanket instead of turning the heat up.
  • Lights: Use compact fluorescent, LED or halogen bulbs.


The website below lists a few other ways that you could be environmentally friendly.


Thursday, March 28, 2013

Sustainability in Facilities

The 2012 Olympics that were held in London focused on environmental sustainability.  We all know that the Olympics is an event that occurs every four years so it is known that it will be packed and full of life.  With so many people and events happening, it is vital that sustainability be addressed to the full extent.  The London Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and the Olympics Delivery Authority (ODA) are two companies who made their mission to encourage and implement sustainability.

Beth Goodbaum wrote an article entitled, “3 Ways the Olympics Have Gone Green”, where she stated, “The Olympic Stadium is the most lightweight stadium that has ever operated. The roofing truss was constructed from unwanted gas pipelines from a North Sea oil project and an estimated 40 percent of the structure’s concrete was made of recycled material.”  This shows that it is possible to build an economy friendly facility.  Entrepreneurs and owners should follow this example and try to make their facilities the same way.

Furthermore, Goodbaum said, “with so much anticipated waste during the games, LOCOG has implemented a rule that every scrap of food and beverage packaging at the Olympics must be compostable or recyclable.”  How many times do people go to sporting events and throw away the rest of their meal that they cannot finish?  It happens more often than we think.  This is therefore a remarkable idea because companies such as Coca-Cola can implement their “PlantBottle”.  30% of this “PlantBottle” is made out of plants.  In addition, McDonald’s also added to the mix their bioplastic packaging, which reduced the number of unsustainable products that were used.  Recycling was also highly stressed.  Moreover, the Olympics used electric vehicles that cut down on the emission and pollution. 

These ideas are worth taking into consideration when opening up a stadium or facility because they would cut down on pollution and keep sustainability flourishing.  If the work and effort is put in, everything is possible!

Below is a link to obtain more information: 

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Sustainable Marathon

This marathon below is one of the most sustainable marathons in the United States.  It has a huge recycling program and single stream recycling.  The food that is served here is organic and their merchandise is made out of bamboo.  It has a massive 40-person water bubbler, which decreases the amount of water bottles drastically.  Furthermore, they collect used athletic shoes that will be used to make athletic tracks and playgrounds all over the US.  Additionally, the ING Hartford Marathon promotes greening activities. 

I believe this is a great program that makes sustainability its number 1 priority.  All the ideas that it implements help make the environment greener.  Marathons like these should be implemented in cities and schools.  These events will help people understand that it is possible to be eco-friendly in athletic events. 





Thursday, March 7, 2013

Renewable vs. Recyclable Resources

Some of you may be wondering what is the difference between renewable and recyclable resources.  Each of them are a little different and bring something else to the table. 

    Renewable resources are sources that are constantly replenished.
     
                                      Renewable Examples
          • Solar Energy
          • Wind Energy
          • Geothermal Energy
          • Biomass 
          • Water

     A reusable resource could be used more than once.
 
                                     Reusable Examples
          • Wood
          • Steel
          • Plastic bottles
          • Air
          • Water

You notice that water is both a renewable and reusable resource.  It has a rain cycle but that will only go so far depending on the weather.  Water is becoming less available as every day goes on.  This is because the population of the world is increasing.  Since there are more people coming into this world everyday, more drinking water needs to be consumed.  Furthermore, a portion of the water becomes polluted as each day progresses.  In conclusion, we should try to conserve water to the best of our ability considering it might not be as obtainable in the future.


Thursday, February 28, 2013

Going Green

There is a lot of talk about going green, but it is not too clear what you can do to help.  Sports are a big part of a lot of people’s lives and they should be educated on what they can do to keep the environment green.  You do not have to contribute hundreds of dollars to promote solar energy.  Whether you are an athlete or enthusiast, there are a few simple things you can do that will be just as effective. 

To start, you could invest in environmentally friendly sports gear and equipment.  These products are made from environmentally friendly and/or biodegradable materials.  Refer to my previous blog for different examples of materials.  Treehugger is a website that provides the latest stories on what is happening in the “Green” world (www.treehugger.com).  

If playing sports is not for you, then no worries!  Sports fans can help keep the sports community green.  They can promote sports arenas to go green and follow organizations that specialize in this.  A few would include Green Sports Alliance or Green LEED stadiums.  Some topics that are worth promoting include: solar energy, recycling systems, and water productivity.  Most stadiums go through a ridiculous amount of fossil fuels every time they operate.  Wouldn’t it be easier to use environmentally friendly resources?  I certainly believe so.  These resources will be reused, save money, time, and most importantly… The Environment!



Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Sustainability Presentation

Below is a video that explains what can be done in order to help sports arenas become more sustainable.




Saturday, February 23, 2013

Solar Energy


Solar Energy generates its own power using sunlight.  It is renewable, prevents pollution, and is often noise free.

I believe that everyone should make the switch over to solar energy because it will significantly cut down on pollution and toxins that get into the atmosphere.  Solar Technology could be placed almost anywhere in today's time.  A few examples include: windows, trees, buildings, and other locations where the sun could reach.  Solar energy could be used to start and power almost anything.

According to National Geographic, "solar energy use has surged at about 20 percent a year over the past 15 years, thanks to rapidly falling prices and gains in efficiency. Japan, Germany, and the United States are major markets for solar cells. With tax incentives, solar electricity can often pay for itself in five to ten years."

Below is a website that explains why solar power should be applied.


Solar Energy is efficient, saves money, and is environmentally friendly.  Why not implement solar technology everywhere to make the environment greener?


Thursday, February 21, 2013

What makes a sporting event sustainable?

Below is a phenomenal video explaining how sustainability can be implemented in sporting events.





Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Sports Equipment?


What sports equipment could be made out of sustainable and recycled materials?


Organic and Sustainable Fabrics


Below are a Few Examples of Reusable Fabrics



Natural Fabrics Made From Plant Materials 
  • Cotton 
  • Bamboo 
  • Flax 
  • Vine 
  • Hemp

Natural Fabrics Made From Animals

  • Silk
  • Wool
  • Cashmere
  • Hair
  • Feathers


Can you think of any other natural fabrics?



Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Sports Apparel and Downcycling


It is important to recycle so that these products could be reutilized.  Plastic bottles could be used to create uniforms and apparel.  During the World Cup, a few teams wore jerseys that were created from plastic bottles.  These techniques could be implemented in Mercer County for our local school sports teams.  Instead of purchasing brand new apparel, recycled plastic could go to use creating jerseys or shirts.  Coca-Cola makes shirts that are made from cotton and the other half from plastic bottles.  The process of turning bottles into fabric is called downcyling.  This technique maximizes the potential for helping the environment.


Below is a link from GreenMatters where they interrelate recycling and apparel.




Monday, February 18, 2013

Implementing Sustainability in Sports Arenas

 
Green (LEED) Stadiums are on the rise.  These are stadiums that are LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) certified.  According to the Bleacher Report, “some of the aspects that make a stadium LEED certified are waterless urinals, grey water collection systems, recycling programs (construction materials + game day waste).”  These are great ideas to promote and follow.  They will help with the environmental sustainability. 

Money might be needed to help support these Green Stadiums.  This is not a problem!  The arenas will need to host different fundraisers, which will allow for funds to help pay for these LEED certifications.  Getting sponsors and owners involved will also bring revenue towards this cause.





Implementing Sustainability in Schools

It is important to be ecological.

 

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is, "an internationally recognized green building program."  Their ideas will keep schools environmentally friendly.

In Mercer County, their solutions could be implemented in local elementary, middle, and high schools along with colleges.  A few examples are: Lawrence High School, Ewing High School, The Lawrenceville School, Lawrence Middle School, Ben Franklin Elementary School, Hopewell Valley Central High School, Rider University, The College of New Jersey, etc.  If these schools and others slowly invest in the green building plan, then they will have a huge impact on the development of environmental pureness.


Keeping Parks Sustainable

The goal is to keep arenas and parks unpolluted.

 

The USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), is a nonprofit organization that is, "committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings."  The USGBC specializes in distinctive programs that promote keeping the environment clean and green.

Below is a link that explains how you can help.

 

 

Sports and the Environment

It is vital to promote sports that are suitable with the environment.