EL1 Trenton Thunder

Environmental Awareness Programs Return To Trenton Thunder

Published on April 24, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Trenton Thunder News Release


(Trenton, NJ) - The Trenton Thunder, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, have announced the return of the Thunder Clean Water Pledge Program and the Earth Share of New Jersey Environmental Awareness Fair for the 2008 season.

The Thunder Clean Water Pledge is a partnership with the NJ Watershed Ambassadors, an AmeriCorps program hosted by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Watershed Management. The pledge program, which began prior to the 2007 season, educates students about water pollution and rewards them for making a "Pledge" to live in a more environmentally sound way.

The NJ Watershed Ambassadors offered interactive presentations for students of all ages throughout the school year. At the conclusion of the lesson, students were given a "Pledge" form listing actions they can take to preserve the health of our watersheds and our communities. Students were encouraged to sign the pledge form and return it to the Thunder in order to earn two tickets to a game (April 26 at 1:05 or April 27 at 1:05). The students will be recognized on the field for their commitment to the environment in a pre-game ceremony. Questions about the presentations or the NJ Watershed Ambassadors should be directed to Helaine Liwacz of the Central Delaware region at 609-883-9500 ext. 246.

The Second Annual Earth Share of New Jersey Environmental Awareness Fair will be held on the "approach" at Waterfront Park on Saturday, May 17 from 5:30 until 7:30 PM. The Thunder vs. New Hampshire (Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays) game that night is scheduled for 7:05 with a fireworks display courtesy of the RE/MAX of New Jersey to follow.

The event will feature exhibits and demonstrations from Earth Share of NJ member organizations including Pinelands Preservation Alliance, Clean Ocean Action, American Littoral Society, Clean Water Fund, South Branch Watershed Association, and more. Eco-friendly businesses will also be present to share products and services with fans. Businesses interested in participating in the Environmental Awareness Fair at Waterfront Park should contact Earth Share of NJ Executive Director Paula Aldarelli at (609) 989-1160.

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The Trenton Thunder have made a commitment to use their place in the public eye to raise awareness for environmental issues while also pursuing ways the organization can minimize its footprint on the environment.

"Many teams talk about 'Going Green,' but we're doing it by implementing programs and products that prove it," said Thunder General Manager Brad Taylor. "Whenever possible, we will continue to develop new relationships with eco-friendly businesses and organizations to keep making our ballpark greener and spreading an environmentally friendly message to our fan base."

The following are bullet points highlighting some of the team's initiatives to date:

* The Thunder has worked with Mercer County to increase the recycling efforts in the ballpark. In addition to providing new highly visible recycling bins prior to the 2007 season, the Mercer County Improvement Authority is the sponsor of the four "All 15 Year Team" Baseball Card Set giveaways this year. The MCIA is using the sponsorship to promote its "Keep Mercer Beautiful" campaign. The Thunder also created in-stadium PSA's featuring the team mascots to promote recycling in the stadium.

* In January 2008, the Thunder became the only sports franchise in America to become part of the Earth Share workplace giving program. This program allows Thunder employees to make charitable donations through voluntary payroll deductions.

* The Thunder have partnered with Eagle Maintenance Supply to provide Waterfront Park with all environmentally friendly paper products (paper towels, toilet paper etc) and hand soap this year.

* In conjunction with White Eagle Printing, the Thunder's yearbook, scorecard, pocket schedule and media guide were all printed on recycled paper.

* For the last two years, the rule sheets for PSE&G "Baseball Bingo" (about 40,000 per year) and the "Coming Attractions" fliers posted around the ballpark have been printed on recycled paper by Bill's Printing.

* The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection used signage at the ballpark to promote its anti-idling campaign starting in 2007.

* The staff reuses printer toner cartridges from the front office by bringing them to a local ink re-filler.

* The Thunder Company Store at the ballpark is offering a sweatshirt made with recycled PET, which is created from used soda bottles which are broken down and processed into polyester yarns.

* In 2006, the Thunder replaced old light bulbs with more energy efficient lighting throughout the stadium.

* Thunder corporate partners, Waste Management and PSE&G have used their presence at the ballpark to promote their own "green" initiatives.

The Thunder are always looking to pursue more environmental initiatives. Companies interested in using the Thunder to promote their "green" brand or message should contact Thunder Director of Public Relations, Bill Cook at 609-394-3300 ext. 157 or bill@trentonthunder.com.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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