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!

 

Sustainability Presentation

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

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: The Future

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

What makes a sporting event sustainable?

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

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?

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.

GreenMatters

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.

Green (LEED) Stadiums | Bleacher Report

 

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.

LEED Ingenuities

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.

 

 

USGBC Initiatives

Sports and the Environment

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