Seattle Mariners receive the 2017 Green Glove Award

Major League Baseball has named the Seattle Mariners as recepient of the 2017 Green Glove Award, which recognizes the MLB Club with the highest diversion rate (amount of waste diverted from landfill for recycling) in the league. This previous season, the Mariners diverted 96% of all waste at Safeco Field from landfills - a jump from 90% in 2016. This marks the Club's first Green Glove Award, with the San Francisco Giants having won for nine consecutive years.
The Seattle Mariners emphasize sustainability efforts through waste diversion, composting, and energy efficient practices throughout the season. Nearly everything used at Safeco Field is recyclable or compostable, including food service items (plates, knives, forks, cups, straws, bottles, etc.). Compost and recycling bins have replaced garbage cans on concourses and cleaning crews hand separate plastics and compostable waste after each game. The Club has also continued to operate the "Urban Garden" at Safeco Field, which sources vegetables, herbs and radishes to concession stands and restaurants at the ballpark. Founded in partnership with BASF, Cedar Grove Compost and Seattle Urban Farm Company, the Garden is also utilized as a teaching tool to inform the public about the importance of their local environment.
During the 2017 season, the Mariners partnered with the Lonely Whale Foundation, Actor Adrian Greiner's non-profit organization, to support the city-wide "Strawless September" initiative. Over 100 Seattle-based businesses and professional sports organizations halted their usage of plastic straws in the fight against ocean pollution.
"We are thrilled to present the Seattle Mariners with the 2017 Green Glove Award," said Paul Hanlon, Senior Director of Ballpark Operations & Sustainability, Major League Baseball. "With their 96% conversion rate at the top of the list, the Club has done a tremendous job of promoting and instilling sustainability practices and initiatives that will positively impact our environment. We look forward to supporting all 30 MLB Clubs as they continue to move the needle when it comes to sustainability."
"We have worked hard over the years to make Safeco Field one of the 'greenest' ballparks in pro sports. With our hospitality partner Centerplate, and our founding sustainability partner BASF, we have been able to significantly reduce our impact on the environment. Thanks to Major League Baseball for recognizing our efforts with this great honor," said Trevor Gooby, Seattle Mariners Senior Vice President, Ballpark Operations.
In 2014, the Seattle Mariners became the first Major League Baseball team to illuminate the playing field with LED lights. The LED fixtures are also expected to last 30-years, compared with the 2-3 year life span of the old fixtures.
The Mariners were also founding members of the Green Sports Alliance, a groundbreaking coalition of professional sports teams and sporting venues committed to promoting "greening initiatives" in sports. The nonprofit organization was launched in 2011 with founding members from six major leagues (MLB, NFL, MLS, WNBA, NHL, NBA), their home arenas, the Environmental Protection Agency and Natural Resources Defense Council.