Recently Mary Ann Gettis answered some questions about Phillies “Red Goes Green” campaign. Gettis is the Coordinator of Marketing Initiatives for the Philadelphia Phillies. The “Red Goes Green” campaign was created to try and help the clean energy movement at professional sports venues. The Phillies were the first Major League Baseball team to join the EPA’s Green Power Partnership program. This program encourages organizations to buy green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with purchased electricity use
Q: What made Phillies decide to put “Red Goes Green” together and what made you decide to join EPA's Green Power Partnership (GPP)?
M: The Phillies launched in 2008 and what a better way to get MLB baseball to give back to environment and get community involved?
Q: Is the stadium doing some of the energy suggestions for homes that are on your website? If so, what are they doing?
M: The biggest movement we are doing is purchasing 20 million hours of renewable energy. 2010 is third year it’s been done. Some other initiatives include 250 hand-soap dispensers in the bathrooms, biodiesel fuel is being used, recycle bins have been strategically put in place, and the “Green Team” picks up bottles throughout and after the game.
Q: Are there any other teams involved besides the Phillies at this point?
M: MLB is the overall bridge, each team has own green program, and each is allowed to do what they want. Each team purchases different events during earth day. There are some great programs out there.
Q: How did this idea come about?
M: It was just time. It’s time to get more employees involved. This is a learning process for everyone. There are so many things to be done. One aspect was the graphic department trying to figure out better ways to use printers. Recycling in-park and in office is a great way to start helping the environment. You must keep in mind that it’s not perfect, and it takes a lot of work to get everyone involved but we are doing our best.
Q: Has it been difficult so far between the in-park and offices?
M: Trying to get colleges involved will really help this cause. Groups can get involved and volunteer in-park and help collect recyclable bottles. This is done by helping the ball girls and walking around with bags collecting recyclables from the fans. This ensures that they get put in the right place instead of in the trash. Around office, recycle bins for paper, aluminum, and plastic are helping us remember the environment is important and to do our part.
Q: What do you think the biggest benefits are?
M: The Phillies purchase of renewable energy certificates saves 100,000 trees every year. That’s a lot of trees. One of the other big benefits is giving the community a way to get involved. We buy spring clean up on earth day and collected plastic toys for “second chance toys.”
Q: What would you like the public to know about this cause?
M: Red goes green needs volunteers. You can get involved and sign up at www.phillies.com/redgoesgreen.
Questions done by Derrin Minunni
Well done. Good questions and look of q&A.
ReplyDelete