The green Packers

The Green Bay Packers have launched Packers Green Team, a new program the organization will utilize to focus on using renewable resources and other sustainable practices on game day and every day at Lambeau Field.

The chief component of this year’s effort is utilizing Wisconsin Public Service’s NatureWise renewable energy program to power Lambeau Field on game days. Other efforts include increased opportunities for fans to recycle in the stadium and Lambeau Field Atrium, as well as the use of more environmentally friendly foodware, such as plates and napkins, in suites, club seats and at special events.

“The Green Bay Packers are excited to enhance our efforts in the sustainable resources area,” said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. “By adopting NatureWise and increasing our recycling, we hope to have a positive impact on the environment. Many organizations and individuals already are taking these steps — we’re pleased to join them and hopefully encourage others to explore their options, too.

“It’s important to note that this will be an ongoing effort. We’ll continually evaluate the process and its results, and then add any measures that will improve the program.”

The Packers will join more than 40 commercial, 1,800 residential and 11 large agricultural operations customers in using NatureWise. Approximately 1.2 million kilowatt hours of electricity — enough to power 140 average homes for a year — will be purchased through the season, including Family Night, preseason and regular-season games, along with any playoff contests. The green energy in the NatureWise program includes electricity produced from wind and biogas sources.

“We applaud the Green Bay Packers’ initiative and leadership in the use of renewable energy sources for their electricity used for home games,” said WPS President and CEO Charlie Schrock. “WPS is proud to ‘power the Pack’ and we are pleased to support this great organization with our NatureWise program.”

In addition to NatureWise, the Packers are offering more opportunities for fans to recycle in the concourses at Lambeau Field and in the Lambeau Field Atrium. In conjunction with Waste Management, the team’s waste and recycling partner, the Packers will be placing additional recycling containers, shaped like beverage bottles, in several areas around the stadium. The parking lot will continue to feature the large, helmet-shaped recycling containers for use, too.

“We need our fans’ help on recycling,” added Murphy. “We’ve accomplished a lot in recent years around the stadium, but we can do more, and we need our visitors to be cognizant of where to discard their used items. It’s an educational component we’ll be stepping up.”

“We’re pleased to join the Packers’ Green Team to increase recycling at Lambeau Field,” said Bill Snow, Waste Management market area sales manager. “We look forward to contributing to sustainable efforts and encouraging fans to do their part. We can’t do it ourselves — we can provide the tools, but they need to take advantage of them.”

These efforts will add to a practice that last season collected an average of 2 tons of recyclable material per game from the stadium bowl, consisting mostly of plastic bottles. Other stadium recycling programs collected an average of 4.6 tons from game operations, roughly half glass and half paper/cardboard. Through recycling at Lambeau, materials are used in the manufacturing of new products, energy and trees are spared, and less landfill space is used. All these benefits will be increased with the new effort.

In Lambeau Field suites and club seats, Levy Restaurants will be replacing plastic plates with more environmentally friendly paper products, made from recycled materials, which will biodegrade much more quickly in landfills. Special events clients also will have the option of using the products.

The Packers‘ new endeavor is highlighted by a logo, “Green Team,” with the phrase, “Defending Our Resources.” A new Web page, www.packers.com/community/green_team, has been launched and includes detailed information about the Packers‘ everyday sustainable efforts, along with links to resources other organizations and individuals can use to increase their own sustainable practices.