Event organizers introduce new initiatives to make the “Greenest Show on Grass” even eco-friendlier

By Gretchen Pahia

It isn’t nicknamed the “Greenest Show on Grass” for no reason. The Waste Management Phoenix Open is getting ready to tee off once again, and this eco-friendly event is getting an even bigger sustainability upgrade over years past.

Since 2013, Waste Management has taken a zero-waste approach with the Phoenix Open through recycling, composting, donations, and reuse efforts. For 2023, cutting the carbon footprint remains a priority. According to Lee Spivak, senior manager of Waste Management Sustainability Advisory Services, the difference will be noticeable.

“Fans on [the] course will not see a trash bin anywhere. Instead, everyone places items in either a recycle or compost bin,” he says. Zero waste begins with ‘Recycling Right,’ which means placing only bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard in recycle bins, while keeping food, liquid, and plastic bags out of recycling bins.”

With plastic waste becoming a growing global concern, the Waste Management team will aim to reduce plastic waste generated by the tournament. Spivak shares, “New for this year, fans can refill their water bottles for free at the WM Green Scene located in the tournament’s Fan Zone.”

And while incredibly important, these hefty green initiatives aren’t the only ones in play. Spivak notes that those working on the event are committed to managing and reducing the environmental impact from all tournament activities and collaborating with various Valley partners to lend a hand. For him and his team, it’s much bigger than just garbage.

“For the last 12 years, the tournament has purchased 100% renewable electricity from Arizona Public Service, and [uses] generators that are not plugged into the grid [and] run on biodiesel, which emits fewer emissions than diesel fuel,” he notes. “Most Waste Management trucks used to haul tournament materials run on compressed natural gas, emitting less than half the greenhouse gas emissions of diesel.”

Tournament officials have also partnered with food vendors to reduce food waste throughout the four-day affair by delivering unused food to local schools and charitable organizations throughout the Valley. They will also continue to invest in water conservation through various efforts, like recovering water from on-site kitchens and bars for use in tournament port-a-potties. Additionally, all public handwashing stations have been replaced with hand sanitizing stations.

The tournament is widely known as one of the biggest sporting events each year, and there could be even more national attention in 2023 due to the NFL’s biggest game being played in Arizona on the same weekend. Spivak says that from a sustainability perspective, this is a good thing. “More fans will mean an increase in recycling and compost materials, which necessitates additional workforce to keep the tournament a zero-waste event. More fans also mean added opportunities to engage and educate about the importance of being more sustainable in our daily lives.”

Fans looking to get in on the eco-friendly action are encouraged to stop by the interactive area in the FanZone, where they can learn about recycling, zero waste, water conservation, and much more. There, they can also meet with Waste Management Ambassadors, ask questions, and play educational games.

For more information on Waste Management’s sustainability commitment to the tournament and the Valley of the Sun, visit wmphoenixopen.com/sustainability.