As February draws closer, excitement surrounding the Waste Management Phoenix Open continues to grow. Valley residents and golf fans nationwide are curious about the sustainability initiatives that will soon be part of one of the most popular tournaments on the PGA TOUR. But what exactly does it take to minimize the environmental footprint of an event as large as the Waste Management Phoenix Open? What does Waste Management bring to the table when tackling this challenge? The answer is in the 4 R’s—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover—which is this year’s theme for the Greatest Show on Grass.
Reduce
An easy way to help the environment is to reduce the amount of waste that is created. This year, Waste Management will introduce solar trash compactors, which reduce the number of cardboard trash boxes you’d typically see along the course. Powered by a solar panel on top, the machine compacts the trash when triggered. Since the compactor holds five times more trash than a regular container, we’re also reducing the number of trips it takes to empty it.
We’ve teamed up with tournament vendors to eliminate some of the plastic cups used to serve beverages along the course. Though the cups can be recycled, the ideal scenario is to reduce their use. So this year, soda and beer will be served right out of the cans, instead of being poured into plastic cups (though cups will be used to serve spirits).
TIP: A simple way for you to “reduce” at home is to eliminate those water bottles—choose an insulated cup instead and refill it.
Reuse
Reuse is another important factor of sustainability, one that is sparking industry and innovation. Products made from reused materials are popping up all over the place, from paper to carpet to park benches. At the 2010 Waste Management Phoenix Open, souvenir cups will be introduced at Corporate Village to encourage fans to reuse at home. Plus, event tickets are being printed on recycled paper with soy ink.
TIP: To help at home, choose reusable grocery bags while shopping instead of paper or plastic.
Recycle
Two years ago, Waste Management introduced recycling to the Waste Management Phoenix Open. This year, we’re taking it to the next level. Our goal is to increase the overall diversion rate, which simply means we’ll be keeping more materials out of the landfill. We’re putting recycling stations all along the course that will be staffed by volunteers during peak hours to encourage fans to recycle. Our GreenOps Reverse Vending Machines, which give out points or prizes in exchange for aluminum cans or plastic bottles, will be showcased in crowded areas to give fans an incentive to recycle. We’re also looking at ways to recycle some of the larger waste streams, like carpet and scrim.
TIP: At home, make sure to keep your recyclables as clean as possible. Certain food containers that are not recyclable can sometimes contaminate all the materials in your recycle bin.
Recover
Waste Management finds ways to turn waste into a resource. We operate plants nationwide that are capable of powering over a million homes utilizing landfill gas-to-energy technology. Our Altamont, CA landfill converts landfill gas to natural gas, which is then used to fuel 200 of our trucks. Since the conversion process requires large amounts of moisture, it’s difficult for us to bring these types of projects to the Valley of the Sun. But we’re working on ways to change that.
What’s Next?
Though we have taken solid steps this year to make the Waste Management Phoenix Open more sustainable, this is definitely a work in progress. Our goal is to assess and to improve each year. We’re excited about the challenges ahead, and we are thrilled to be playing such an important role in the Greatest Show on Grass. See you in February!