As part of ESPN’s continued commitment to environmental stewardship, The 2008 ESPYs will implement innovative strategies focused on energy conservation, emissions reduction and waste minimization in order to minimize the environmental impact of the event. Care and concern for the environment are at the forefront of both planning and execution. Highlights:
Minimize waste: recycle and use recyclable and compostable materials
Recycling
The following recyclable materials will be sorted on site in custom designed recycling containers and sent to a specialized recycling facility for maximum recovery:
- Beverage containers (including, aluminum, plastic and glass)
- Mixed office paper (including newspaper and magazines)
- Organic waste (food and plant waste) and all compostable products
- Cardboard
- Construction materials (including wood, drywall, and metal)
- Used cooking grease
- Electronic waste (including printer cartridges, batteries, copper wire)
Environmentally Responsible Purchasing
Necessary disposables will be carefully selected to ensure maximum recycled content, ability to be recycled, and use of renewable and sustainable materials in the manufacturing process:
- Plastic cups, made from corn and fully biodegradable, and compostable serviceware used in all areas including crew catering, press tent, backstage hospitality areas and dressing rooms, and at venue concession stands
- Red carpet for arrivals and carpet in press tent made from 100% recycled material and will be reused or recycled at conclusion of event
- All paper products made from high post-consumer recycled content
- Lanyards for staff credentials made from 100% recycled material.
Eliminate waste through thoughtful procurement of materials
Reuse
Non-disposable items rented locally wherever possible to maximize reuse of item, reduce waste and transportation miles incurred with delivery:
- Tables, chairs, tents, china, and greenery rented locally
- The 2008 ESPYs set designed with reuse in mind; stored after the show, instead of dismantled and discarded, and modified for future productions.
Waste Minimization
Packaging waste will be eliminated wherever possible through use of bulk items:
- Water refilling stations backstage, in production offices and in press center to reduce the need for individual water bottles; crew and media encouraged to refill bottles and cups;
- Hospitality items purchased in bulk to eliminate individual wrappers
- Vendors encouraged to reduce packaging in all materials
- Documents distributed electronically whenever possible to reduce paper.
Pollution prevention through minimization of energy produced from finite resources and use of energy efficient electronics.
Emissions Reduction
Alternative energy sources utilized wherever possible to reduce emissions that contribute to global warming:
- Solar power on the red carpet and in the press center
- Hybrid and flex-fuel cars for staff and guest transportation wherever possible
- A demonstration of bicycle-generated power will entertain ESPYs pre-party guests to promote the efficacy of zero-emissions human generated power.
Pollution Abatement
Measures taken to reduce pollution and the resulting impact on our environment:
- Low VOC paints and low toxic cleaning products throughout the production
- Wood used for construction of the set from responsibly managed forests
- Working with Million Trees LA to help replant trees in Griffith Park, devastated by fire in 2007
- Arbor Day Foundation planting 4000 trees.
Energy Conservation
Electronics with low energy consumption, produced with low levels of toxic chemicals:
- Energy-efficient lighting in press center
- Energy-efficient LED video screens on set
Raising awareness of everyday opportunities to demonstrate care and concern for the environment through individual actions
- Signage, videos and messaging with tips and suggestions in theatre and in
production areas - Sustainable products in participant gift bags, hotels and production offices
- Environmentality Ambassadors to assist staff, media and attendees with
recycling and energy conservation efforts.
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