The New Jersey Nets have little chance of outshooting the Boston Celtics, who have what seems to be an insurmountable lead in the Atlantic division of the NBA this season. But the Nets are well on their way to out-greening the clover-loving celtics, as well as every other team in the league.
This season the Nets committed to a comprehensive "greening" program for the franchise and have tipped-off a broad environmental assessment of their operations with the goal of adopting sustainable practices in their operations. The Nets are aiming to become the first carbon neutral NBA team.
According to team officials, initiatives include improving energy efficiency, recycling rates, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and establishing green procurement policies the Nets use on a regular basis, such as paper and cleaning supplies.
The center-piece of the Nets public campaign are a series of six home games being called Green Nights. Each Green Night focuses on the various Nets initiatives and what fans can do in their daily lives in regards to their personal commitment to the environment.
The first Green Night was held Friday, Nov. 16 when the Nets hosted the Orlando Magic. Throughout the game the Nets made announcements regarding environment tips on waste reduction, which was the theme for the night, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Recycling and Planning were at the game to provide information to fans.
At the second Green Night on Dec. 28, fans received a free energy efficient lightbulb as they left the Izod Center.
The Nets say they will be evaluating and establishing goals for the green effort throughout the season, announcing details as they are formalized. In addition they say next season they will expand the Green Nights public-awareness campagin.
("We are committed to leading the way in environmental and sustainable initiatives in the sports and entertainment industry," said Nets principal owner Bruce Ratner. "Our goal is to go carbon neutral and to further incorporate environmentally friendly strategies in our daily routine. We are making ourselves accountable and taking a positive approach to the issue of climate change."
("What makes the Nets initiative unique is their comprehensive approach and their commitment to engaging their fans and season ticket holders," said Pamela Lippe, president of e4, inc, a sustainability consulting firm working with the organization. "The most significant impact that greening a sports team can have is reaching and influencing their fan base."
On the Nets Go Green website, fans can read green tips, link to carbon calculators and learn about other green initiatives.
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