MLB Honors Seattle Mariners with 2017 Green Glove Award

Major League Baseball (MLB) has honored the Seattle Mariners with the 2017 Green Glove Award, which recognizes the MLB Club that diverts the highest rate of waste from area landfills.

In 2017, the Mariners followed waste diversion, composting and energy-efficient practices to divert 96 percent of all waste at Safeco Field from landfills, which is an increase of 6 percent from the year prior. Although the Mariners have received the top honor for American League Clubs every year since the award was established, this marks the Mariners’ first Green Glove Award for best in baseball.

“We are thrilled to present the Seattle Mariners with the 2017 Green Glove Award,” said Paul Hanlon, senior director of ballpark operations and sustainability for Major League Baseball, in a statement. “With its 96 percent conversion rate at the top of the list, the club has done a tremendous job of promoting and instilling sustainability practices and initiatives that will positively impact our environment. We look forward to supporting all 30 MLB Clubs as they continue to move the needle when it comes to sustainability.”

Since 2013, the Mariners has worked with Eco-Products to utilize compostable serviceware like soft drink cups, beer cups, coffee cups, plates, lids, spoons, knives and forks at Safeco Field.

“We’re proud to partner with the Seattle Mariners, and we’re thrilled to see everyone’s hard work pay off with the 2017 Green Glove Award,” said Sarah Martinez, director of marketing at Eco-Products, in a statement. “This award is truly a team effort and a huge victory for the Seattle Mariners, the community and the planet.”

In addition the Mariners have made the effort to replace garbage cans on concourses with compost and recycling bins and hire cleaning crews to hand separate plastics and compostable waste after each game.

 “We have worked hard over the years to make Safeco Field one of the ‘greenest’ ballparks in pro sports,” said Trevor Gooby, Seattle Mariners senior vice president of ballpark operations, in a statement. “With the help of all our sustainability partners, we have been able to significantly reduce our impact on the environment. Thanks to Major League Baseball for recognizing these efforts with this great honor.”