PORTLAND, Ore. (December 12,2023) – The Portland Trail Blazers will host the organization’s Green Game on December 14, when the team takes on the Utah Jazz at Moda Center, to spotlight the numerous programs that are part of the franchise’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and protecting the places we live, learn, and play. Fans attending the game will have opportunities to learn how they can positively impact the environment through their own behavior, win prizes, and sample the future of sustainable packaging. Learn more about the entire night at NBA.com/blazers/green.
The Trail Blazers have a long history of being leaders in the greening of sports, helping co-found the Green Sports Alliance in 2011 and becoming the first existing arena to receive LEED O+M (v4.1) Platinum Certification in 2019. In recent years, the organization has launched a first-of-its-kind reusable cup program in U.S. professional sports, revitalized its compost program, installed free EV chargers on campus, and earned a new LEED Gold certification for the original home of the Trail Blazers – Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Learn more about the Trail Blazers sustainability efforts HERE.
Notpla
The Trail Blazers are excited to partner with Notpla, a UK-based packaging company that recently won The Earthshot Prize for their innovative materials, on the first-ever pilot of their products at a North American professional sporting event. Their products, a family of regenerative packaging materials made from seaweed and plants, are on the cutting-edge of biomaterial innovation. Customers on the club level will utilize their seaweed-based products, which can be composted and will disappear without a trace—just like a fruit peel. Early arriving fans can swing by Entry A-18 to try one of Notpla’s famous Oohos – an edible liquid bubble that eliminates the need for single-use plastic while providing a perfect on-the-go hydration option. Try one filled with Gatorade while supplies last!
Rip City Reuse
Launched arena-wide this fall, Moda Center is the only venue in North American professional sports to utilize reusable cups for every event on every level. Any alcoholic beverage purchased at Moda Center will be provided in a Rip City Reuse cup, at no charge to the customer. Over their lifecycle, reusables beat single-use alternatives in every environmental measure (climate, water, land use, waste, pollution, etc.). Partnering with Portland-based Bold Reuse, the organization has already eliminated more than 80,000 single-use cups from ending up in landfills in just a couple of months. If every fan returns their cup this season, the organization can eliminate half a million single-use cups from going to landfill, making it one of our most fan-connected opportunities to spotlight and participate in sustainability. Learn more at NBA.com/blazers/reuse.
Compost
The Rose Quarter operates a robust compost program, with both venues featuring Eco-Products compostable foodware and compost receptacles throughout the entire campus. Partnering with ServiceMaster for all post-event sorting across recyclables, compostables, and reusables, the organization has composted more than 115 tons of material in 2023 alone. In recent years, the Trail Blazers have partnered with long-time local hauler COR Disposal & Recycling to collect compost and deliver it to a fifth-generation Oregon farmer, Annen Brothers Inc., near Mount Angel, Oregon. Annen Brothers composts the material into nutrient-rich soil which is then utilized for farming and growing Oregon hazelnuts.
Additional Sustainability Efforts at the Rose Quarter
Over the summer, Moda Center replaced 4,500 seats in a renovation project. With the help of Universal Recycling Tecnologies, we were able to recycle 99% of our old seats components and divert 90,000 pounds of waste from landfill. Beyond our campus, we invest in renewable energy generation, supporting more than 10 million killowatt-hours (100% of Moda Center’s electricity use) every year since 2017, through Pacific Power’s BlueSky Program. In our community we are bringing food to thousands of children and families through our partnership with Urban Gleaners. To date, 60,305 pounds of reusable food has been recovered from Rose Quarter games and events, equaling 50,254 meals donated to children and families in need since 2014.
Community Partner: Adventures Without Limits
Adventures Without Limits (AWL) is a nonprofit organization that is on a mission to provide access to outdoor adventure for all people, regardless of their ability level, socio-economic status, gender, ethnicity, or age. Since its founding in 1995, AWL has worked with thousands of children and adults of all abilities to experience the thrill of adventure. Support their great work with tonight’s 5050 Raffle, tickets available for purchase throughout the Moda Center concourse!
CONCOURSE ACTIVATIONS
Upon entering the arena, or in a break in the action on the court, visit the Moda Center 100-level concourse to learn about sustainability best practices, win a prize, and try the future of liquid packaging.
Entry A18
Ohoo from Notpla
Notpla’s Ooho is an edible bubble made from seaweed that revolutionizes how liquids are packaged by replacing the need for single-use plastic. Oohos are 100% plastic-free, making it a perfect on-the-go hydration! Stop by A18 to try an Ohoo filled with Gatorade while supplies last.
Energy Trust of Oregon
Energy Trust helps Oregon residential, business, and nonprofit utility ratepayers use less energy, save on energy costs, and move to renewable resources. Stop by Energy Trust of Oregon’s community table at A18 for tips and tricks on how to save energy at home and learn about incentives available to you.
Entry A26
Jamba Power Pedal Challenge Put your pedal power to the test with a friend in this interactive challenge that harkens back to the classic carnival Sledgehammer game. Hop on a sLEDgehammer bike and see if you have what it takes to fully power the light display first for a chance at fun prizes while supplies last.
