The NBA, partnering with Sprint and the Natural Resources Defense Council, has pledged to offset more than 10 million pounds of CO2 as it tips off NBA Green Week, which runs through April 12.
NBA Green Week presented by Sprint includes community environmental projects, recycling programs and energy efficiency initiatives along with giveaways to encourage fans to “go green.”
In conjunction with Green Week, the NBA is also launching Mosaic, an online tool that measures environmental impact. In partnership with NRDC and Renewable Choice Energy, Mosaic will allow all NBA teams and venues to track, analyze and identify cost savings opportunities within their environmental footprint.
In addition, the league says it will work with renewable energy supplier Sterling Planet to offset the amount of electricity used at all 67 NBA games taking place during Green Week. This commitment will result in a carbon avoidance of more than 10 million pounds, the NBA says.
Also, the NBA and Sprint are launching Pledge to Recycle, a fan contest that continues through May 16. Fans who pledge to recycle their old mobile devices can enter to win a grand prize trip for two to the 2013 Finals. As part of the Sprint Buyback program, fans will be able to recycle their eligible phones from any carrier and receive up to a $300 service credit from Sprint, along with autographs, tickets to upcoming games and other items. Spring says this program has kept more than 28 million wireless devices out of landfills.
Throughout Green Week, Adidas will outfit all players with 100 percent organic cotton shooting shirts. Players will also wear NBA Green headbands and wristbands made from 45 percent organic cotton. NBA teams across the league will also host in-arena nights along with events and activities to support environmental protection.
The NBA has also partnered with Ekocycle, which will debut a limited-edition Adidas Feel Good Tee during Green Week. The T-shirt, which features a custom Ekocycle Glyph pattern along with the Adidas stripe logo and official NBA logo, is made with 50 percent rPET and 50 percent organic cotton. The rPET component is comprised of three assorted recycled PET bottles.
Last summer, Coca-Cola and musical artist will.i.am partnered to create Ekocycle, an initiative to brand recycled products and encourage sustainability among young consumers.
According to the NBA, five team arenas — Philips Arena (Atlanta Hawks), AmericanAirlines Arena (Miami Heat), Rose Garden Arena (Portland Trail Blazers), Toyota Center (Houston Rockets), and Amway Center (Orlando Magic) — have received LEED certification.
