It has become hip in recent years for sports teams to “go green” for a game or event. For the Houston Dynamo, however, environmental responsibility means going purple by partnering with jersey partner Greenstar Recycling.
With Earth Day rapidly approaching on April 22, the Dynamo and Greenstar Recycling, in conjunction with MLS W.O.R.K.S. Greener Goals, will mount a major environmental awareness campaign as part of the club’s April 17 match against the New England Revolution.
Thanks to MLS W.O.R.K.S., all electricity used during the April 17 match will be offset through a donation to the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. The carbon dioxide reduction, from 100 percent wind sources, exceeds 201,600 pounds and will support enough wind energy to power an average U.S. home for more than 13 years.
The first 5,000 fans will receive a free T-shirt from the Dynamo and Greenstar Recycling, made from organic cotton. Additionally, the Dynamo will distribute 5,000 eco-tip guides from the Natural Resources Defense Council and 1,000 seed packets provided by the America the Beautiful Fund.
At halftime of the match, the Dynamo will be recognizing top performers from the Houston Green Office Challenge, in which the Dynamo are participating, and welcoming Houston Mayor Annise Parker and Houston Sustainability Director Laura Spanjian.
Finally, Dynamo Charities will be holding a jersey auction to benefit Keep Houston Beautiful. Bids will be accepted at the Dynamo Charities tent near Lloyd’s Register Gate 7 in the northwest corner of the stadium.
As at all Dynamo games, fans can bring recycling items to Greenstar SoccerFest and receive a free re-usable bag from Greenstar Recycling. Bins will be placed throughout the stadium to receive recycling items throughout the match.
As part of their commitment to environmental sustainability, the Dynamo have already worked with Greenstar Recycling to recycle more than 1 ton of mixed recyclable materials, enough to save 17 trees, eliminate 587 pounds of air pollution, conserve 4,077 kilowatt hours of energy and 6,953 gallons of water, and save 3 cubic yards of landfill.
Dynamo fans can join the effort by bringing recyclable materials to Greenstar SoccerFest prior to Sunday’s game and by recycling in their homes and communities.
