Major League Soccer has announced the launch of the third annual MLS W.O.R.K.S./Continental Tire Greener Goals Week, a League-wide effort, in conjunction with Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF), the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Earth Day Canada (EDC), focused on increasing environmental awareness and helping MLS clubs, fans and communities reduce their environmental footprint.
The Renewable Energy Certificates (100% wind resources) purchased from Portland, Ore.-based Bonneville Environmental Foundation will offset 100% of the electricity used at JELD-WEN Field during the April 21 match against Sporting Kansas City, and will support enough wind energy to power an average U.S. home for over 13 years.
During Greener Goals Week, 100 percent of the electricity used at MLS stadiums will be offset with the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from BEF, ensuring that only green energy will be used at home matches taking place April 14-22. The clubs’ combined REC purchase (renewable wind energy) represents a carbon dioxide-equivalent reduction value of more than 2,906,000 pounds and will support enough wind energy to power more than 227 homes in a one year period. Additionally, fans attending MLS matches during this time frame will receive flower seed packets courtesy of America the Beautiful Fund and green tips provided by the NRDC and Earth Day Canada.
MLS W.O.R.K.S., Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative, and MLS corporate partner Continental Tire, announced their commitment to educate the next generation of energy users during MLS Cup 2011 and are participating in BEF's Solar 4R Schools program. A solar panel installation was awarded to KIPP Los Angeles Preparatory School -- also the location of an environmentally friendly service project that will culminate Greener Goals week and will include players from MLS Cup 2011 champion LA Galaxy.
“We are excited to be working with MLS W.O.R.K.S and BEF to install a complete, working solar installation in KIPP Los Angeles Preparatory School,” said Travis Roffler, director of marketing for Continental Tire the Americas. “In addition to an immediate energy saving impact, this program will continue the education process by showing the local community the many ways we can positively impact the environment.”
In addition, MLS W.O.R.K.S. and Continental Tire have launched the “How Green Are Your Goals?”campaign as a way to engage MLS fans to participate and support environmentally friendly efforts leading up to Earth Day. Fans are encouraged to visit the Greener Goals website to share stories of how they incorporate green efforts into their everyday lives. The MLS market with the greenest MLS fans will win a $50,000 solar panel installation for a deserving school in their city for Earth Day 2013. One (1) grand prize winner will win a trip to the 2012 AT&T MLS All-Star Game at PPL Park in Chester, PA, and a set of EcoPlus technology tires, courtesy of Continental Tire. The sweepstakes will continue until June 29 and the MLS city to be awarded the next BEF Solar 4R Schools solar panel installation will be announced during the 2012 AT&T MLS All-Star Game.
Continental Tire will be on-site in select markets and will encourage fans to be responsible and environmentally friendly. Reusable bags and eco-friendly car and tire tips, along with Continental Tire and MLS W.O.R.K.S. Greener Goals co-branded jar openers, will be distributed at games during Greener Goals Week and at Continental Tire activations throughout the season. The jar openers are made of recyclable tires and invite fans to participate in the “How Green Are Your Goals?” sweepstakes.
MLS W.O.R.K.S. Greener Goals will help to identify ways to reduce our environmental footprint and raise awareness about environmental issues throughout the soccer community. The greening of our game will encourage MLS clubs, players, corporate partners and fans to create a cleaner, healthier environment.
