MLB Hits Sustainability Out of the Park: Green Initiatives Shine at the ...

Staff Writer

MLB’s Green Teams are back for the 2024 Series, setting an example on recycling with an expected diversion of over 75 tons of waste from landfills. These teams, dressed in bright green for easy identification, will work in every game, going row-by-row between innings to collect plastic bottles, cans, and other recyclables. Last year, Green Teams helped stadiums achieve a recycling rate of 72%, and this year they aim to surpass that with the support of new recycling stations and increased fan engagement.

In addition to recycling, the organization will distribute 5,000+ educational pamphlets with sustainability tips, connecting fans’ ballpark experience with everyday green practices.

Food Recovery and Hunger Relief

Through its partnership with Rock and Wrap It Up!, MLB is tackling food waste head-on. For each game at Yankee Stadium, surplus food is carefully collected, packaged, and delivered to local food banks and shelters, providing vital support to the community while preventing food waste. This initiative has donated over 120,000 meals to New Yorkers in need, and with additional games planned for this year’s Series, that number is set to grow by another 10,000 meals.

MLB Green has also committed $10,000 in additional funding on behalf of the Yankees to support Rock and Wrap It Up!’s broader initiatives in food recovery and community support, making a real difference beyond the ballpark.

MLB’s Eco-Friendly Record: A Recap of Past World Series Stats

Key stats from past years that showcase MLB’s progress and commitment to green initiatives:

2023: 70 tons of waste was diverted from landfills across host stadiums, achieving a 72% recycling rate. The Series also saw 15 tons of organic waste composted, marking a 20% year-over-year increase. Around 6,000 pounds of food were recovered and donated, providing 5,000 meals for those in need. 2022: MLB offset 450 metric tons of CO₂ emissions by sourcing renewable energy for stadium operations and covering travel emissions. 100,000+ reusable cups reduced single-use plastic waste by an estimated 35% compared to previous years, while compostable food packaging diverted 25 tons of single-use items from landfills. 2021: As part of the “Play Ball, Play Green” initiative, stadiums reduced water usage by 25% thanks to water-efficient fixtures and eco-conscious irrigation for the fields. Waste diversion efforts reached 55 tons, with 200+ recycling stations set up to encourage fan participation and manage the stadium’s increased waste. 2020: Limited fan attendance due to COVID-19 led to a 40% reduction in stadium waste. MLB also implemented digital ticketing, slashing paper waste by 90%. Despite smaller crowds, 3,500 pounds of food were collected and donated, equivalent to about 3,000 meals. 2019: MLB partnered with ride-sharing and public transit to offset 300 tons of CO₂ emissions related to fan travel. 48 tons of waste was recycled or composted, and a reusable container pilot program cut single-use packaging waste by 30% at host stadiums. The Dodgers + Yankees Los Angeles Dodgers

During the 2023 season, the Dodgers made significant strides in sustainability through waste reduction and recycling:

Donated 14,040 pounds of food (around 40,588 items) to the Midnight Mission, reducing food waste and supporting the community. Collected 35,740 pounds of aluminum and 19,110 pounds of plastic for recycling, ensuring these materials didn’t end up in landfills. Baled and recycled 264,300 pounds of cardboard, alongside 108,090 pounds of pallets. Recycled an additional 228,250 pounds of concessions equipment, signage, and office furniture. New York Yankees

In March 2024, the Yankees installed a cutting-edge, water-cooled modular chiller plant behind the center-field scoreboard at Yankee Stadium, aiming for energy efficiency:

The new system, weighing around 550 tons, replaced four older air-cooled chillers, providing the stadium's cooling needs with enhanced efficiency. This upgrade was projected to save approximately 850,000 kWh annually. What's Next for the MLB?

MLB’s continued commitment to sustainability, demonstrated through these targeted World Series initiatives, underscores the league’s influence in shaping eco-conscious practices within sports. 

Resources:

MLB Green Initiatives – Major League Baseball’s official page detailing its ongoing environmental initiatives and partnerships: MLB Green Initiatives. Rock and Wrap It Up! – Information on the non-profit organization’s food recovery and poverty reduction programs, which collaborate with MLB to fight food waste: Rock and Wrap It Up!. Green Sports Alliance – A resource on sustainability in sports, offering insights into how leagues like MLB are implementing eco-friendly practices: Green Sports Alliance. EPA Recycling and Waste Diversion – For additional details on recycling best practices and statistics on waste diversion, which underpin initiatives like MLB’s Green Teams: EPA Recycling.