To celebrate Earth Day, the World Champion Kansas City Royals offer a review of the various sustainability initiatives implemented by the organization throughout the year.
Royals Green Team
The Royals offer the opportunity for fans to volunteer with the Royals Green Team, sponsored by Republic Services, during select home games. Volunteers from organizations across the community collect plastic and aluminum bottles and cans outside the stadium gates and inside the stands of Kauffman Stadium. For more information, leaders of volunteer groups of 20 or more people ages 16 years or older, should email [email protected].
Electric Car Charging Stations
Last year, the Royals and the KCP&L Clean Charge Network added five electric car charging stations in the parking lot of the complex. Located in Lot M between Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium, each station offers two slots allowing up to ten vehicles to "park and plug." Fans are directed by a parking attendant to the area upon request until the stations are occupied. A Lot M parking pass is not required, and the area is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Solar Energy Initiatives
In addition to recycling efforts, the Royals have partnered with KCP&L on a solar energy initiative. In 2012, KCP&L installed a 28.8 kilowatt solar system that produces approximately 36,000 kWh of renewable energy each year. In addition, KCP&L installed energy efficient lighting and power infrastructure as part of the Kauffman Stadium renovations.
Food and Organic Waste Recycling
In 2015, with the assistance of Aramark, the Club was able to recycle more food waste than ever. Excess food from food preparation in Kauffman Stadium's main kitchen, along with discarded food from suites and premium areas not donated to local emergency assistance providers, is composted through Missouri Organic Recycling. 85 tons of food and organic waste were composted, along with close to 13 tons of cooking oil recycled to Biodiesel. Composting stations have been added to the Triple Crown Suites and other areas to encourage guests to think about what they throw away.
Aluminum/Plastic Recycling
In addition to the Royals Green Team, Kauffman Stadium concourses also feature separate waste containers for trash and recyclables. All plastic and aluminum items are also collected from the seating bowl for recycling following each game, and the Royals provide separate compactors for aluminum cans and plastic bottles.
Glass Recycling
All glass materials inside Kauffman Stadium, including suites and premium areas, are recycled in conjunction with Ripple Glass. Nearly five tons of glass was recycled in 2015.
Cardboard Recycling
All cardboard from Royals and Aramark operations, including all giveaway and delivery boxes, is collected in a cardboard-specific compactor for recycling.
Office Recycling
Internally, the Royals front office staff takes part in the recycling efforts at the ballpark. All office spaces feature containers for plastic, aluminum, paper and cardboard recycling. They have reduced paper waste by recycling old publications including RBI magazine, media guides, yearbooks and other documents. Employees are also encouraged to print double-sided for documents and reuse water bottles and containers by using a water cooler. In addition, eight pallets of electronics were also collected through Surplus Exchange donations in 2015.
Paper Recycling
The Royals have implemented a number of environmentally-friendly initiatives to reduce paper waste. In addition to office recycling efforts, the Royals have moved to a digital ticketing system and have made efforts to reduce the number of printed materials by creating electronic collateral pieces and publications, such as the Royals media guide.