The Boston Red Sox are committed to maintain initiatives, launched during the 2008 season, that reflect the team's commitment to exploring the use of environmentally sustainable habits and technologies. The Red Sox, in partnership with internationally-renowned environmental group Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), are actively engaging sponsors, local groups and the fans of Red Sox Nation to help execute a five-year plan to bring "green" practices to Fenway Park. The plan, which was announced last September, will culminate in 2012 in time for the 100th birthday celebration of "America's Most Beloved Ballpark

The Boston Red Sox are committed to helping protect and preserve the environment and the neighbors around Fenway Park. Our commitment to environmentally sustainable practices can be seen organization wide in the front office, on the field and in the concession stands and restaurants.

"As stewards of such a storied venue we recognize our unique position and ability to raise public consciousness about important issues. Our decision to enhance the ballpark's environmental attributes is one born out of a sense of personal responsibility and professional duty," said Tom Werner, Boston Red Sox Chairman. "For us, this announcement marks some of the first steps in an ongoing process to make America's most beloved and oldest ballpark also one of America's greenest."

Poland Spring Green Team
Every game of the 2008 season, the Poland Spring Green Team, a group of 30-50 local college student volunteers spread throughout the seating bowl during the game to gather plastic recyclable materials. In 2008 the Green Team collected over 25 tons of plastics. In addition to the Green Team, fans are encouraged to utilize the Poland Spring/Waste Management recycle bins that have been placed throughout the ballpark. The 100 bins can hold up to 55 gallons.

Big Belly Trash Cans
The Boston Red Sox are now using Big Belly trash compactors placed around the perimeter of the ballpark. Installed in March 2008, the large green vessels contain solar-powered compactors and can collect six times as much refuse as the old trash barrels that filled up quickly on game days. The solar powered waste collectors can compact up to 6 times as much trash as the current can. By working directly with the makers of the receptacle, Big Belly, the Red Sox were able to secure a deal that would allow for Fenway neighborhood groups and businesses to receive the same price for additional compactors in the effort to keep the Fenway area clean.

Solar Panels
On May 10, 2008, the Red Sox were the first team in Major League Baseball to install solar thermal panels at their ballpark. The solar thermal panels are located on the roof behind home plate, and help heat water used throughout the facility. The panels replace 37% of the gas traditionally used for the process, saving both energy and expense, and avoid 18 tons of CO2 emissions each year.

Miscellaneous Greening Activities Around Fenway Park

• Grounds Crew
  • Bio Diesel fuel is being used in all mowers
  • Two new electric utility carts were purchased that will be exhaust and noise pollution free
  • All grass clippings are recycled
• Publications and Print -- All Red Sox publications were printed on recycled paper for the 2008 season
  • Media Guide
  • Pocket Schedules
  • Yearbook
  • Monthly Program
  • Coca-Cola Calendar

ARAMARK
ARAMARK has also committed to joining in the greening effort around Fenway Park in the areas of recycling, sustainable food, facilities services.

• Recycling
  • All beverage cups are made from recycled materials
  • All food containers and wraps are made from recycled materials
  • All concession paper napkins are made from 100% recycled paper
  • All aluminum are recycled
  • All glass bottles are recycled
  • All plastic soft drink bottles and plastic water bottles are recycled
  • All non-spoiled corrugated cardboard is centralized in the warehouse and baled for recycling
• Sustainable Foods
  • Executive Chef and supply chain managers have worked to eliminate all non-sustainable foods from menus
  • Food specifications list fruits and vegetables that consistently have low levels of pesticides and other chemical treatments
  • Locally grown foods purchased in season at farmers market networks are on the menu in the restaurants
  • Hormone free, antibiotic free, and pasture grazed beef, pork, and chicken are used in the restaurants at Fenway Park
  • Guidelines listed on the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch are followed when selecting fish and shellfish
  • Restaurant chefs follow regional harvest calendars when selecting fresh ingredient seasons
  • Heritage foods and seeds are sourced to ensure sustainability in the marketplace
  • All foods are prepared in zero trans fat environments
• Facilities Services
  • Facility services department utilizes 100% post consumer paper products in many applications such as napkins and hand towels in concession stands
  • Utilization of "Green Certified" chemicals in cleaning processes
  • All restaurant grease is recycled by certified vendor
  • Compostable trash bags used in pick-ups
  • Use of water minimized by stadium cleaners for conservation
  • All garbage is commercially compacted to reduce hauling trips
  • Education - All managers and supervisors are actively involved with ongoing waste management education offered by ARAMARK, waste facility vendors, state, and national advisories