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Tampa Bay Rays

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Teaming Up

Rays Teaming Up for the Environment

The Rays are teaming up for the Environment

The Tampa Bay Rays believe in an ongoing commitment to sustainability within our own business operations, including practices that promote energy and water conservation, and reduce, reuse and recycle waste. We will strive to make a positive impact on our environmental footprint, and coupled with educational programs and awareness initiatives, we will serve as a community role model for environmentally responsible activities.

    The goals of our program include:

  • Shifting to non-toxic, recycled and remanufactured supplies and materials
  • Preventing, reducing, reusing and recycling the waste we create
  • Minimizing energy and water usage by employing both straightforward and innovative conservation practices
  • Institutionalizing sustainability as a corporate value and raise employee awareness
  • Becoming a community leader in environmental stewardship.

In 2008, we launched the "Teaming Up for the Environment" to promote sustainability in the Rays' organization and in the community. The program is the result of almost a year of benchmarking, including procurement, waste and energy audits. The three major components of the program are (1) Rays' internal practices, (2) advocacy and awareness, and (3) partnerships.

For the 2009 season, we enhanced this program by (1) increasing internal goals to decrease the amount of waste diverted to traditional waste streams, (2) highlighting and financially supporting Teaming Up for the Environment Partners, and (3) enhancing our in-game message executions via the introduction of a unique mascot and between-inning Clean-Up Hitters collections.

In the Office

  • Rays recycle cardboard, paper, magazines, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles. On-line training was provided employees to educate staff on the proper methods and importance of recycling.
  • Staff kitchen supplies and utensils including paper products, silverware, etc. are eco-friendly.
  • All cleaning supplies (e.g. soaps) and paper products (e.g. toilet paper, paper towels) used throughout Tropicana Field are certified Green-Seal products.
  • Green procurement practices are employed, including the careful monitoring of quantities ordered and materials used.
  • Occupancy sensors have been installed in restrooms, and all eligible lights (95%) have been replaced with energy efficient fluorescent lights. The Rays have also upgraded the Tracer Summit System to improve energy efficiency throughout the facility. These system upgrades are making a substantial difference in overall energy management and are helping to significantly decrease consumption.

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At Spring Training

  • Rays' new spring training facility in Charlotte County incorporates innovative sustainability features (e.g. 1,600 square foot educational green roof) and promotes responsible stormwater management.
  • A significant on-site recycling program was put into place during construction. The following materials were recycled during the construction process: 0ver 1,189 tons of rebar, 66.5 miles of wire, 14.25 miles of conduit, 5.26 miles of plumbing pipe, 312,540 pounds of fill, 2,665 tons of concrete, 74,000 pounds of metal, 14,920 pounds of wood.

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On the Field and In the Stands

  • To encourage car pooling, Rays continued to offer free parking to cars with 4 or more passengers (normally $10.00) during the 2009 season. In the 2007 season, 14% of cars had 4 or more passengers (all cars parked free). During the 2008 season, 29% of cars have had 4 or more passengers. Bike racks have also been made available for fans to ride to the game.
  • Rays recycle aluminum cans and plastic and glass bottles in Tropicana Field. Clearly marked recycling centers are located throughout Tropicana Field encourage fans to recycle. Rays have increased the number of cans by 50 percent. Cans have been upgraded to user-friendly bottle shapes.
  • Concessions partner, Centerplate, has incorporated many green practices in its business operations at Tropicana Field, including back-of-house recycling of all appropriate materials, use of corn-oil based beverage cups, use of biodegradable and eco-friendly serving products. Centerplate focused on creating additional customer and staff awareness regarding recycling in 2009.
  • During the game, Rays' cleaning staff takes on the role of "clean-up hitters". All staff undergoes training at "R.A.Y.S. University" to encourage recycling by fans. "Clean-up hitters" walk throughout stands to collect recyclables during a fun, mid-game promotion led by a video board announcement from the Manager, Joe Madden. During the 2009 season, "clean-up hitters" made two in-game sweeps.
  • The Rays introduced a new mascot that interacted with fans on game-days and encourage recycling.
  • Signage throughout Tropicana Field was developed to provide green tips for fans to practice at home.
  • During the 2009 season, we held six "Teaming Up for the Environment" nights at Tropicana Field. Each night promoted a partner of the Rays' "Teaming Up for the Environment" program. In 2009, this program was enhanced to include a small grant component.

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