Going to the ballpark, whether its a football field or a baseball diamond, fans are used to seeing plenty of green grass (well, unless you’re a Boise State fan!). But more and more teams are also going green when it comes to the fuel they use in those stadiums.
The National Biodiesel Board has this story about how biodiesel is making the team with many professional sports:
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Chris Dickerson is one of the founders of We Play Green. The group works to unite athletes in encouraging environmental awareness and promoting alternative energy.
“With baseball winding down and football heating up, this is a great time to commend those teams and players who are leading the charge for biodiesel in sustainable venues,” said Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board.
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 to be refined for biodiesel. They use biodiesel blends in field and facility maintenance vehicles and equipment, tractors and stand-by emergency generators.
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 connects with and educates students of all ages.
“Growing up in Iowa, I understand the importance of biofuels to our farmers and rural 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.”
Other professional sports teams and organizations that are using biodiesel to win the clean energy game include the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, the Kansas City Chiefs, and sports network ESPN.