There is nothing more Coloradan than supporting our sports teams all season long.
Who could forget the exhilaration of the 2016 Broncos Super Bowl Parade in downtown Denver? Have you ever considered how much carbon production goes into attending a game at Coors Field, the Ball Arena, or Empower Field at Mile High? On an individual level, one must consider transportation to and from the sporting event, dinner and drinks before or after the game, beverages and snacks at the facilities, and using the utilities provided at the stadium, such as the restroom and garbage fixtures. Waste Management estimates that the four major professional leagues of the US (NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL) generate roughly 35,000 metric tons of carbon each year just from fan waste alone.
The carbon production of our individual activities while attending a sporting event is minimal in comparison to the carbon emissions generated by lighting and providing energy for these infrastructures, the travel and resources needed to accommodate teams, and much more.
The next time you prepare to bleed Orange and Blue on football Sunday, be sure to visit the
Carbon Cut Colorado website and offset the costs of your carbon production using the Colorado Day Out calculator!
Three actions you can take to be a greener sports fanatic:
- Use the Carbon Cut Colorado Calculator to determine how much carbon you are generating going to and from the game. Donate to balance this amount!
- If possible, opt for public transportation instead of driving your personal vehicle.
- Always be sure to put your Cracker Jacks and Coors Light cans in the appropriate waste bins to recycle them.
Sources:
- https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/1/14/1826238/-What-s-the-carbon-footprint-of-the-Superbowl-Or-the-Avengers-films-Or-the-blogosphere
- https://theecologist.org/2020/jun/11/hockey-leagues-carbon-footprint
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/uhenergy/2017/12/11/big-sports-events-have-big-environmental-footprints-could-social-licenses-to-operate-help/#79681dc650cf
- https://www.wm.com/sustainability-services/documents/insights/Stadiums%20and%20Arenas%20Insight.pdf