Green is in.

Teams everywhere are going green.  Last week we talked about the Astro’s going green.  The Pirates are into the act as well (and dozens of other teams).

The Pittsburgh Pirates have launched the “Let’s Go Pirates. Let’s Go Green.” campaign, a sweeping initiative that includes community outreach, more energy efficient ballpark elements, and recycling. Here are some features of the initiative: the installation of 180 recycling containers; the use of corn-based beverage cups and the elimination of non-biodegradable materials in utensils, food containers, napkins, etc.; the use of low voltage light bulbs; and motion detectors in 86 specific locations that will trigger lights only when people are in the area. (Team Press Release)

Benjamin Hill has a list of more Green-related promotions in a story for minorleaguebaseball.com, and I highly recommend his blog for more promotions, mascot, and logo related topics.  Here is a list of green promotions he found for 2008.

• Lake Elsinore Storm - Going Green Weekend, including Green fireworks display and seeded postcard giveaway
• Memphis Redbirds - Going Green with the Redbirds
• Myrtle Beach Pelicans - Earth Day Going Green Promotion
• Great Lakes Loons - Going Green Night
• South Bend Silver Hawks -Tree Saplings Giveaway
• Rancho Cucamonga Quakes - Recycled Mug Giveaway
• Sacramento RiverCats - Going Green Weekend
• Lancaster JetHawks  - Recycled Content T-Shirt Giveaway
• Charleston RiverDogs - Being Green is Hulky (Note: This promotion has nothing to do with the environment)
• Stockton Ports - Ports Go Green Night
• Clinton LumberKings - Going Green Night with Reusable Grocery Bag Giveaway

This is a tend I suspect will continue to grow, since not only is the public interested in green promotions, but many sponsors have green initiatives, and this can be a way for them to meet their objectives.

–cudo