MLB chooses WM as first green partner

Article posted by Coliseum, April 29^th, 2024

Image: MLB and WM

Major League Baseball (MLB) has picked leading environmental services provider WM as the Official Sustainability Partner of the League.

MLB said the aim of appointing the first sustainability-focused partner in League history is to elevate MLB’s continued sustainability-related efforts in ballparks and throughout communities.

WM, North America’s leading provider of integrated environmental solutions, will become the presenting sponsor of MLB’s official Earth Day and Green Week celebrations, which will include a variety of environmental-positive practices and messaging.

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The company will also offer sustainability advisory services to MLB Clubs, which includes end-to-end solutions intended to help customers achieve their sustainability goals in waste reduction and diversion, greenhouse gas emissions management, and more.

Alongside this, WM will also support MLB Green Teams at MLB All-Star Week, the World Series and other MLB special events, as well as provide support to the League office and its facilities.

Noah Garden, Deputy Commissioner, Business & Media, Major League Baseball, said, “As with any event driven industry that prioritizes sustainability at our facilities and in our communities, it is critical that we partner with organizations that share similar values in that space.

“This new partnership with WM takes our sustainability efforts to new heights. We look forward to continuing this work with WM as we host best-in-class events that are sustainability-focused driven for years to come.”

The relationship follows MLB’s extensive history of sustainability efforts, which have garnered positive recognition from both the Green Sports Alliance and Council for Responsible Sport.

MLB recently earned the highest honor and achievement in sports, receiving ‘Evergreen Status’ from the Council for Responsible Sport for the League’s efforts during 2023 MLB All-Star Week at T-Mobile Park, home of the Seattle Mariners.

In years prior, MLB has consistently earned Gold Status, which is the second highest level granted by the council.

Greening Efforts Across MLB include:

29 MLB Clubs have installed LED field lighting
11 Ballparks utilize on-site gardens
10 Ballparks utilize solar power
6 MLB Ballparks are LEED certified

Tara Hemmer, chief sustainability officer, WM said, “WM has a more than 20-year history for its advisory services team, providing sustainability solutions for a variety of customers of all sizes and industries.

“Our expertise has helped us triple the number of customers in the sports space since 2021 – including leagues, events, teams and venues — and we look forward to the incredible opportunity to build comprehensive and custom plans designed to improve sustainable operations for MLB and its Clubs.”

Aileen McManamon, Chair, Green Sports Alliance, said, “The leadership and commitment of MLB in the delivery of environmental, social and economic impact has been evident, from being the first North American league to join the Green Sports Alliance, to achieving the Council for Responsible Sport’s top-level Evergreen status of Event Sustainability for the 2023 All Star Game in Seattle.

“Their holistic and substantive approach to sustainability merits notice and imitation by all sports rights holders.”

MLB Clubs will host several activations in honor of Earth Day and throughout Earth Month including volunteer projects and other sustainability efforts such as field renovations and ballpark “Green Teams.”

As an annual Earth Day tradition, MLB also announced the recipient of the 2023 Green Glove Award, which recognizes the Club that demonstrates outstanding commitment to diverting waste from landfills at their ballpark.

From implementing comprehensive recycling programs to promoting composting initiatives and reducing overall waste generation, this award celebrates the Club’s dedication to responsible waste management practices.

This year, MLB recognizes the Toronto Blue Jays for their work reaching nearly 100% annual waste-diversion rate, this is the first time the Toronto Blue Jays have received this special honor. Award finalists for the Green Glove Award include the San Francisco Giants, Minnesota Twins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres.

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