US Open Hits Landmark Of 100 Tons Of Compostable Waste

Written by: Staff on 7th September 2012

US Open Hits Landmark Of 100 Tons Of Compostable Waste |

The US Open Green Initiative has diverted more waste than ever before, hitting a landmark of 100 tons collected as of Tuesday, Sept. 4. That is a 22-ton increase over the final amount collected at the 2011 US Open. This increase is the result of the USTA’s expansion of its collection efforts in the Food Village to also include the eateries within Arthur Ashe Stadium in 2012. Compostable waste includes compostable serviceware and food waste. Thanks to the support of the fans, as of Tuesday’s sessions, the total collection of compostable materials is at an all-time high – far in advance of the finals.

US Open Green Initiatives

– Fact: During the 2011 US Open, 14 tons of glass was recycled, saving enough energy to power the lights in Arthur Ashe stadium for the entire US Open.

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(Courtesy of the US Open)

Green Initiatives at the 2012 US Open

Recycling

The USTA will continue its fan waste recycling program with a one-to-one ratio of trash and recycling receptacles throughout the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

The USTA collects the tennis balls used during the matches and player’s practices to reuse in USTA tennis programs and donate to various community and youth organizations throughout the United States.

From the kitchens at the US Open, over 12,000 gallons of food grease will be converted into biodiesel fuel and 21,000 pounds of food will be donated to the community.

Over 80 tons of food and fan waste will be collected to be turned into compost for landscape and farming uses.

Transportation

To encourage fans who attend the US Open to utilize mass transit, Esurance, official car insurance of the US Open, will award 150 fans a $4.50 MetroCard each day during the two-week event.

Paper Procurement

The 2.4 million napkins in the general concession area are comprised of 100% recycled material.

All US Open-related printed materials (US Open media guide, marketing collateral, tickets and the Daily Drawsheet, among others) will be composed of at least 30 percent post-consumer waste.

US Open tickets are printed on paper comprised of 30 percent post-consumer waste, and parking books, parking visors and coupon books are printed on paper comprised of 10 – 15 percent post-consumer waste.

100 percent of paper towel dispensers have been replaced with motion-sensor dispensers and all paper towels are comprised of 40 percent post-consumer waste.

Food & Service Ware

All service ware in the US Open Food Village and in Arthur Ashe Stadium eateries is 100 percent compostable.

Utensils, plates, cups, etc. are comprised of bio-based materials.

Stonyfield Café located in the US Open Food Village, will feature a grab-and-go dining option serving healthy food—fast. Options are all-natural and/or organic and locally grown.

Fan Awareness

2012 US Open Green Initiatives are featured in the official 2012 US Open program.

NRDC’s Simple Steps (environmental tips) will be featured in the Daily Drawsheet as well as communicated through US Open social media channels.

US Open Merchandise

At the US Open Collection merchandise locations, fans will receive with their purchase a US Open souvenir-style shopping bag designed for multiple-use with a “Recycle and Reuse” message printed on the bottom.

The US Open Collection will feature for sale a cinch backpack made from recycled plastic bottles as well as a reusable tote made from 80 percent post-consumer waste, notepads printed on recycled paper, and journals and notecard cases constructed from 100 percent recycled paperboard and 100 percent recycled post-consumer and post-industrial paper product.

Topics: Compostable Waste at US Open, recycling at teh US Open, Sports, Tennis News, US Open going green, US Open Green Initiative