Earth Day is an opportunity for both individuals and companies to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the environment. The Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF), Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Player’s Association serve as great examples of how highly visible sports organizations can also make their mark . 

For instance, the BTF collects used equipment via collection drives at Major League Baseball stadiums across the country through one of our major annual initiatives – Equipment Day. The equipment is then donated back to local baseball and softball organizations in need. This serves as a great example of how ‘recycling’ can be more than tossing your empty water bottle in the recycling bin. In fact, recycling can create win-win situations: the people who donate equipment AND the people who receive equipment both benefit from the act of recycling.

In addition to Equipment Day, many MLB teams are going above and beyond to make their mark on Earth Day. The Pirates are leading a trash pick-up on the North Shore prior to their game on Earth Day, while the Mariners are encouraging children to think of ways they can improve the environment via their new kid-friendly mascot, Kid Compost.  The Diamondbacks Solar Pavillion will not only provide fans with shade, but it will also generate 75 kilowatts of solar power, and the Red Sox were the first to install solar panels at their field in 2008.

We ask that you think about ways that you can make your own community greener. For example, consider  buying reusable water bottles or donating your old glove to charity at the end of the season. Every small step counts!