At many stadiums around the country, beverages at concession stands are served in non-recyclable cups. The Oakland Coliseum Complex's use of compostable cups sets a great example that other teams and stadiums may be able to implement. A composting program like this saves money while also improving your team’s environmental performance. Consider further steps your team can take to reduce waste and continue to expand your recycling programs.

For more information, contact the City of Oakland Environmental Services Division, Recycling Program at recycling@oaklandnet.com or 518-238-7283.

Installing drinking water fountains can also help reduce the adverse impacts related to the production of plastic bottles, including global warming pollution, other hazardous air emissions, bio-diversity loss, water pollution and solid waste impacts.

In 2005, the McAfee Stadium in the Oakland Coliseum Complex became the first stadium to offer drinks in compostable bioplastic cups. This move keeps hundreds of thousands of cups from going to landfills and prevents the purchase of over three tons of petroleum-based plastic each year. Case Study

Dear _______,

The Oakland Athletics have initiated an effort to improve our environmental performance in all aspects of our operations. We would like to meet with you to discuss these objectives in more detail. We would also like to discuss ways to cost-effectively switch to more environmentally responsible products within the next few years.

We would like to reduce as much as possible the harmful effects associated with our operations, and we would like to speak with you to ensure that the products we are purchasing do not contribute to these problems.

Please call me as soon as you can so that we can set a time for a meeting to pursue this discussion.

Very Truly Yours,

The production and disposal of single-use plastic cups contributes to a number of environmental impacts. Most plastic is produced from petroleum products, which increases our consumption of fossil fuels and whose drilling and exploration can contribute to oil spills and habitat destruction. By purchasing compostable cups or recyclable bottles, and by composting and recycling these products at the end of their use, your team helps reduce these impacts.

Eco-products
Biodegradable products from Worldwise
EPA – Strategies for Record Setting Waste Reduction
American Recycling Markets, Inc – Recycled Products Guide
BioCorp