CitizensNet Banner

June 4, 2008

THE MAYOR'S OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMMING RECOGNIZES THE HOUSTON ASTROS FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT

Green baseball caps and a 5th inning recycling stretch marked the launch of the Houston Astros Play Green campaign on Earth Day 2008. In addition to the 10,000 eco-friendly tote bags handed out to fans during the game, several Earth-friendly vendors set up booths to educate fans about how they can do their part protect the environment. Through the Play Green campaign the Astros hope to further their mission "to create a positive environmental platform at Minute Maid Park and throughout Texas through a commitment to earth-friendly efforts to enhance the quality of life for Astros fans."

As part of the Play Green campaign, the Astros will be kicking of several environmental initiatives in 2008 including composting Minute Maid Park's infield and outfield grass cuttings to use as fertilizer, recycling all light bulbs used in the ballpark, changing the manual paper towel dispensers in restrooms to automatic paper towel dispensers in order to save on the amount of paper used, and printing several paper products such as sales brochures, napkins and paper towels on post-consumer recycled paper.

The Astros have long showed a strong commitment to environmentally friendly practices. At Minute Maid Park, grease is recycled that will later become fuel, 125 recycle bins are placed throughout the ballpark for fans to recycle plastic, aluminum and cardboard, only eco-friendly safe chemicals are used on the field, and eco-friendly plastic bags are used at all ballpark merchandise locations.

Alongside their expertise on the ball field, the Astros have shown an impressive commitment to protecting the environment and spreading awareness about important environmental initiatives in the City of Houston.

 

Send nominations for the City's Environmental Spotlight to envcomments@cityofhouston.net.