MLB progresses sustainability focus with first environmental partner

Marking Earth Day earlier this week, WM became the presenting sponsor of the league’s celebrations that included positive practice and messaging. The partnership will also see WM act in a sustainability advisory role for MLB clubs, offering end-to-end solutions in waste reduction and diversion, and greenhouse gas emissions management.

WM will not only support MLB in its bid to make league offices and facilities more sustainable, but also aid MLB Green Teams during MLB All-Star Week, the World Series and other special events.

While WM is the league’s first sustainability focused partnership, the league has incorporated environmental and social initiatives into its operations for a number of years. MLB recently earned ‘Evergreen Status’ from the Council for Responsible Sport for its efforts during the 2023 MLB All-Star Week at T-Mobile Park, which is home to the Seattle Mariners. Prior to this, the league had earned Gold Status, the second-highest level granted by the council.

Some 29 MLB clubs have installed LED field lighting at their ballparks, while 11 venues utilise on-site gardens and 10 have installed solar power. An additional six ballparks are LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified.

Clubs are also praised and rewarded through the league’s Green Glove Award, which recognises efforts around comprehensive recycling programmes, composting initiatives, waste generation and more.

“As with any event driven industry that prioritises sustainability at our facilities and in our communities, it is critical that we partner with organisations that share similar values in that space,” said Noah Garden, Deputy Commissioner, Business and Media, Major League Baseball.

“This new partnership with WM takes our sustainability efforts to new heights. We look forward to continuing this work with WM as we host best-in-class events that are sustainability-focused for years to come.”

Tara Hemmer, WM’s Chief Sustainability Officer, added: “WM has a more than 20-year history for its advisory services team, providing sustainability solutions for a variety of customers of all sizes and industries.

“Our expertise has helped us triple the number of customers in the sports space since 2021 – including leagues, events, teams and venues – and we look forward to the incredible opportunity to build comprehensive and custom plans designed to improve sustainable operations for MLB and its clubs.”

Image: Jose Francisco Morales on Unsplash