Mariners take pride in 'green' efforts

SEATTLE -- Tuesday was Earth Day around the country, but the Mariners didn't line up any special events to promote the day for one simple reason.

"Every day is Earth Day at Safeco Field," said public information director Rebecca Hale, noting the club takes great pride in being one of the top recycling teams in Major League Baseball.

Last fall, the Mariners won their second consecutive award from the Commissioner's Office as the top recycler in the American League and were just edged out by the Giants as the top recycler in MLB. The team has increased its recycling rate at Safeco Field from 12 percent in 2005 to over 90 percent in 2013.

Nearly everything used at Safeco Field is recyclable or compostable, down to the straws, spoons, forks and leftover food. Hale said the club continues to look for recyclable products as it move toward a goal of zero waste.

The Mariners are in their third year of a partnership with BASF for Sustainable Saturdays, a season-long interactive program that raises awareness of environmentally responsible practices through ballpark signs and a trivia game that asks fans questions.

Fans are able to win an iPad Mini or Galaxy Tablet at the Sustainable Saturdays, which will be May 10, May 31, June 14, June 28, July 12, July 26, Aug. 30 and Sept. 27.

Additionally, outfielder Michael Saunders and shortstop Brad Miller have participated in a project for the King County EcoConsumer program where they videotaped themselves making an environmental message using a refurbished iPod Touch.