Continental Tire the Americas LLC is helping Major League Soccer (MLS) launch the second annual “Greener Goals Week.”
Through MLS W.O.R.K.S., the league’s community outreach initiative, MLS is partnering with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Bonneville Environmental Foundation “to identify and enact tangible ways to reduce our environmental footprint and help raise awareness throughout the soccer community.”
During Greener Goals Week April 16-23, 2011, Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) will be purchased from Bonneville Environmental Foundation to offset 100% of the electricity used at MLS stadiums during home matches. The clubs’ combined REC purchase (renewable wind energy) represents a carbon dioxide-equivalent reduction value of more than 2,126,600 pounds and will support enough wind energy to power over 137 homes in a year.
Additionally, fans attending MLS games during this week will receive “Eco-tip Wallet Guides,” which were developed by the NRDC as a tool to better educate fans and to further the ongoing movement toward a more sustainable future. Fans also will receive flower seed packets courtesy of America the Beautiful Fund.
Continental Tire will help raise “green” awareness throughout the 2011 season. Reusable bags and eco-friendly car and tire tips will be distributed during MLS games. Continental is the official tire of the MLS.
Continental and MLS W.O.R.K.S. also will conduct a Greener Goals event surrounding the 2011 AT&T MLS All-Star Game festivities at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J.
The 10 MLS clubs also will do their part to educate local communities and participate in sustainable projects in support of Earth Day. For example, the Chicago Fire will launch the “Fire Goes Green” campaign for the second consecutive year. Fire players will be wearing commemorative jerseys with a patch and green lettering. The jerseys will be auctioned off post-game to benefit the Chicago Fire Foundation.
For more information, visit the www.MLSsoccer.com/works.