AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons begin their celebration of Pistons Green Week, presented by EDSS, today with a visit to the winner of the Pistons Green Classroom Giveaway presented by Chalkfly and will continue with a park clean-up and gardening project at a Detroit elementary school with Republic Services. Over the course of the week, the Pistons will join the community and partners to highlight the importance of protecting the environment.
"EDSS is honored to sponsor the Pistons for NBA Green Week," said David Ely, President/CEO of Energy Design Service Systems (EDSS). "EDSS prides itself on assisting organizations across the nation to become more energy efficient by identifying cost-saving measures and incentives to increase their return on investment, and even here at home, at The Palace of Auburn Hills. EDSS' lights have illuminated The Palace for the past seven years, and we are enthusiastic to shine a spotlight on our 'green' partnership with the Pistons during Green Week."
The Pistons partnership with EDSS is a part of NBA Green Week, presented by Sprint from April 3 to April 10, showcasing the league and its teams, participating in “greening” programs and events encouraging fans to “go green” in their local communities. Adidas is outfitting NBA teams with shooting shirts made from 100% organic cotton throughout the week.
“Chalkfly is extremely excited to partner with the Detroit Pistons Green Week,” said Lisa Alberts, Chalkfly Director of Branding. “We are honored to have the opportunity to support the environment and the incredible work teachers do every day.”
The Pistons Green Week will highlight two events with Chalkfly and Republic Services:
APRIL 3 – Pistons Green Classroom Giveaway Presented by Chalkfly at the Academy of the Americas in Detroit
Chalkfly, Pistons Legend Earl Cureton, Pistons Entertainment Team members and Hooper will present Academy of Americas teacher Maria Tamez and her winning second grade class with $1,000 in school supplies at an assembly for the Academy’s K-5 students. Her classroom was chosen to honor her 29 students’ participation in an e-waste and paper recycling program as part of their school’s green initiative.
Tamez’s class was selected from an online contest with teachers, administrators and students submitting pictures, detailing their green classroom activities (recycle program, garden, cleaning outside, conserving energy, etc.). In addition to winning the supplies, Tamez’s class will:
- See the Pistons face the Celtics, April 5, with transportation provided by the Detroit Pistons Transportation Program
- Be recognized before the April 5 game start
- Sit in Pistons Forward Kyle Singler’s Pistons CareTicket Section
- Receive Kyle Singler and Chalkfly-branded T-shirts
APRIL 4 – Park Clean-up/Gardening Project Presented by Republic Services at the Detroit Achievement Academy
With $10,000 worth of gardening and “greening” supplies donated by Republic Services, students, teachers and administrators from the Academy and Republic Services will begin preparing their vegetable gardens and (weather permitting) clean up a community park with Pistons Legend Earl Cureton, Detroit Pistons Dancers, D-Town Dancers and Hooper.
Detroit Achievement Academy students will also ride the Detroit Pistons Transportation Program bus to see the Pistons battle the Celtics, April 5, and sit in Pistons Forward Josh Smith’s Pistons Care Ticket Section.
“At Republic, sustainability is more than an ideal, it is a guiding principle, and we are thrilled to team up with the Detroit Pistons for Green Week,” said Matthew Marquis, Republic Services General Manager. “Like the Pistons, we take great pride in this community and we are committed to doing our part to leave a cleaner and healthier Detroit for future generations.”
The NBA is also encouraging fans to team-up with the NBA Family for Green Week to take small steps to keep our planet healthy. Fans who use the hashtag #NBAGreen and tag @Sprint will be entered to win a trip to the 2014 NBA Finals. The NBA and Sprint will also plant a tree each time the hashtag #NBAGreen is used (up to 10,000 trees). Learn more at: www.nba.com/green.
“The Pistons look forward to promoting conservation and environmental awareness during NBA Green Week each year,” said Dennis Mannion, Palace Sports & Entertainment, President /CEO. “We’re pleased to partner with EDSS, Chalkfly and Republic Services for this effort and we want our fans to join us in working to protect the environment.”