Other biodiesel connections in professional sports

• Philadelphia Eagles – In 2008, the Philadelphia Eagles bought more than 300 gallons of biodiesel blends (B10 and B20) to power diesel equipment. That includes hot pressure washers, tractors, utility carts and mowers. The Eagles continue to replace high polluting fuels in 2009.


“During the 2008-09 season we sent 6,925 gallons of used kitchen oil and more than 1,150 gallons of grease trap to local re-processors,” said Don Smolenski, Philadelphia Eagles, CFO. “The process begins in our kitchens and ends with our on-site vehicles and other machinery. By recycling our own oil and grease, we have effectively closed the cycle.”


• Houston Astros – The Astros use B20 biodiesel in diesel grounds crew equipment. This includes a tractor and a professional turf mower used to groom the Astros’ playing surface daily. They use approximately 75 gallons of B100 over the course of a year and this is the second year they have used biodiesel.



• Seattle Mariners – The Mariners use B20 biodiesel to power motorized grounds-keeping equipment.



• Boston Red Sox – The Sox use biodiesel fuel in all mowers.



• Washington Nationals – The Nats use a mixture of B5 or B10 biodiesel to power a tractor and a couple of smaller machines.



• Philadelphia Phillies - The Phillies work with a local company that collects frying oil from the concessions at Citizens Bank Park, which is then processed into biodiesel fuel. “The Phillies are pleased to work with a local company in an effort to reduce air pollution as we strive to create a cleaner environment,” said Marketing Initiatives Coordinator Mary Ann Gettis.



• San Diego Padres – In 2009, the Padres have recycled approximately 8.5 tons of cooking oil that can be converted into biodiesel fuel. Through the assistance of their food and beverage provider, Sportservice, they collect cooking oil at the conclusion of every event and removed off-site twice a month. Darling International Inc. processes the used cooking oil for application in safe, useful products including biodiesel, animal feed, and lubricants.



• ESPN’s 2009 ESPY Awards ceremony held in July was, for the first time, carbon neutral. The event reduced its environmental footprint through a number of innovative waste reduction and recovery strategies as well as recycling. They collected waste grease from venue caterers and concessionaires for biodiesel.

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