sustainability

Portland Trail Blazers

PORTLAND, Ore. (March 30, 2026) – The Portland Trail Blazers will host their annual&nbsp;Green Game, presented by PCL Construction, on&nbsp;Thursday, April 2, as the Trail Blazers face off against the&nbsp;New Orleans Pelicans. The evening will showcase the franchise’s sustainability programs and initiatives that are helping to create a greener future for Rip City. Fans will learn how they can positively impact the environment from interacting with local nonprofits to participating in giveaways and more.&nbsp;

As a fellow champion of sustainability, this year’s Green Game sees the Trail Blazers welcome their newest partner,&nbsp;PCL Construction,&nbsp;as the presenting partner of the Green Game. With a shared commitment to positively impacting and engaging with local community, PCL Construction will sponsor Rip City Hoops youth basketball clinics and other community-focused efforts. Learn more about Rip City Hoop&nbsp;at&nbsp;trailblazers.com/youthbasketball.

To encourage fans to reduce carbon emissions, in collaboration with&nbsp;TriMet&nbsp;and thanks to PCL Construction, all ticketed fans can use their game ticket as their proof of fare on TriMet on Thursday night, meaning they can ride for free to and from Moda Center for the game. Fans can show their Trail Blazer tickets to operators and TriMet Customer Safety Supervisors beginning three hours prior to tip-off and three hours following the final buzzer for a free ride. This promotion is valid only for the April 2 game. For more information, visit&nbsp;HERE.

Outside the arena, fans can bring their old, small electronic devices to be donated at the&nbsp;Free Geek&nbsp;E-Waste Drive&nbsp;at the RQ Boxcart. Free Geek is a non-profit that refurbishes and recycles locally donated technology, enabling digital access, and providing education to the community. The first fans to donate their old devices and electronics will be given a limited-edition reusable bamboo water bottle while supplies last.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Once inside Moda Center, fans can visit the PopCartPDX on the 100-Level concourse for a bike-pulled and battery-powered sound experiment, curated by local DJ Carlos Baca. At Rip City Clothing Co., check out custom-bleached pieces bringing a unique spin to existing styles from Bleached by Josh, and select one-of-one items transformed from retired jerseys into entirely new designs from First Draft. Stop by A4 to learn more about the scale and impact of the Rip City Reuse program and don’t forget to return the reusable cups throughout the night! Get to know more about local nonprofits&nbsp;ReBuilding Center&nbsp;(A18), Free Geek (A18) and&nbsp;Secondhand Pet Supply(A25) and their missions to reduce waste by responsibly reusing materials in our community.&nbsp;

Fans can also support our Community Partner,&nbsp;Columbia Slough Watershed Council,&nbsp;by participating in the 50/50 Raffle or bidding on signed items from the Trail Blazers in&nbsp;the&nbsp;silent auction.&nbsp;A portion of proceeds will benefit their efforts to improve water quality and heal fish & wildlife habitat throughout the Columbia Slough and its surrounding watershed..

Throughout the game, look for “Trash Talkers”,&nbsp;sponsored by ServiceMaster, wearing Green Game T-shirts near waste stations on the concourse! They are available to help fans sort waste correctly, answer questions about recycling and composting, and those who sort properly may even receive a special prize for participating. Low‑carbon menu items will be clearly labeled on digital menus throughout the arena, and fans can explore all in arena sustainability&nbsp;activations by checking out the&nbsp;digital&nbsp;Green Game booklet&nbsp;for the evening.

The Trail Blazers and the Rose Quarter continue to be leaders in the sports sustainability space, bolstering multiple programs for environmental responsibility. Over 1.5 million single-use cups have been eliminated from landfill at the Rose Quarter since 2023 through the organization’s groundbreaking Rip City Reuse program, in partnership with local business Bold Reuse. The 3’s for&nbsp;Trees program, presented by Daimler Truck, has planted over 52,000 trees in Oregon since 2013 with the help of nonprofit Friends of Trees. Additionally, the Rose Quarter’s extensive reuse, compost, and recycling program has diverted 78% of waste from landfills so far in 2026.&nbsp;Learn more about Trail Blazers sustainability initiatives at&nbsp;trailblazers.com/livegreener.

PCL Construction is one of the most respected and accomplished global construction leaders, comprising independent companies operating throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Australia. With an annual construction volume of $9.9 billion USD,&nbsp;PCL builds projects that shape communities and strengthen infrastructure. The company’s 100% employee ownership model fuels a culture of commitment for clients in the buildings, civil infrastructure, heavy industrial and solar markets. With a strategic presence in more than 30 major centers, PCL’s leadership teams consistently drive innovation and set new benchmarks for excellence, bringing unparalleled skill to every project. Watch us build at&nbsp;PCL.com.

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Portland Trail Blazers Celebrate Earth Month With Annual Green Game, Presented by PCL Construction

The program has surpassed the 50,000-tree mark after Caleb Love’s Three-Pointer on Dec. 14

PORTLAND, Ore. (December 15, 2025) – The Portland Trail Blazers, Daimler Truck North America and Friends of Trees have announced that the joint 3’s for Trees program has reached an important milestone, 50,000 trees! The milestone was reached on December 14 when Caleb Love sank a three-pointer against the Golden State Warriors. The 50,000th tree will be officially planted during a tree planting event in Spring 2026.

The program, a testament to the deep commitment of all three companies to environmental sustainability and creating a better future for the next generation, began in Fall 2014. Over the course of the program, the Trail Blazers have made more than 11,250 three-pointers, resulting in more than 33,750 tree’s planted. The remaining trees were planted via Blazer5 Gaming three-pointers, fans playing the digital Hoop Heroes game on the Trail Blazers app, and special promotions.

In total, the program has planted 21 acres of trees, the equivalent of 190 basketball courts. As these plants mature, they will absorb 500 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere and provide enough oxygen for 100,000 people annually, generating clean air for years to come.

“As a company that helps keep goods moving across North America, we recognize the importance of supporting a sustainable future,” said Angela Lentz, Chief People Officer, Daimler Truck North America. “Planting 50,000 trees is a remarkable milestone, and through programs like Threes for Trees, we’re investing in the communities where we live and work while helping create a greener tomorrow.”

“We're so grateful for the Portland Trail Blazers and Daimler Truck North America's support for trees and community over the past 11 years,” said Yashar Vasef, Friends of Trees Executive Director. “The 3's for Trees partnership has had a real impact, as thousands of volunteers have reached the incredible milestone of planting 50,000 trees. A project of this scale goes a long way toward making our communities greener and healthier. We’re excited to work together toward the next milestone!”

"We are proud of the growth of the 3’s for Trees program and the environmental benefits it has delivered in partnership with Daimler Truck North America and Friends of Trees. Together, we’ve planted 50,000 trees that are actively sequestering carbon, improving air quality, and enhancing ecological resilience in the Rip City community," said Brittany Saulsbury, Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter Director of Sustainability. "This program is much more than tree planting; it helps spread the word about the importance of native trees and plants to our environment and inspires fans to take action to keep our community thriving.”

Sustainability is at the core of Daimler Truck’s U.S. strategy, balancing immediate impact with long-term transformation. Daimler is scaling locally CO₂e-free technologies at the “speed of right,” while continuing to invest in advanced diesel systems to reduce emissions today. Their approach acknowledges that progress depends on infrastructure, energy availability, and customer adoption, yet our direction remains clear: improving fuel efficiency and accelerating zero-emission solutions to support a cleaner, more sustainable transport sector.

To learn more about 3’s for Trees or purchase premium seats to sit in the 3House, fans can visit Trailblazers.com/threesfortrees. Additionally, Friends of Trees hosts thousands of volunteers at dozens of planting events throughout the region every year. All are welcome to participate. More information at friendsoftrees.org.

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Portland Trail Blazers and Daimler Truck North America Celebrate 50,000 Trees Planted Via 3’s For Trees Program Alongside Friends of Trees

Portland, Ore. (Oct. 6, 2025) – The Rose Quarter is proud to announce today that the Rip City Reuse program, in partnership with Bold Reuse and the City of Portland, will be expanding to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum beginning October 16 with the Disney on Ice events. Guests purchasing pourable beverages in the arena will be provided a reusable BPA-free cup at no additional cost and asked to return it to the designated bins to be washed, sanitized, and reused at another Rose Quarter event.

This announcement comes in celebration of Green Sports Day, a day dedicated to the advancement of sustainability efforts in the sports industry.

Since the launch of Rip City Reuse in Moda Center in October 2023, the first-of-its-kind program has saved over 1 million single-use cups from landfill, equal to more than 50,000 pounds of waste eliminated. This is a significant milestone as the organization continues to make progress on the commitment of achieving zero waste by 2030.&nbsp;

“We are thrilled to expand the Rip City Reuse program to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum on the Rose Quarter Campus” said Brittany Saulsbury, Director of Sustainability for the Portland Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Bold Reuse as we continue to implement reusable solutions at our venues, giving fans simple and impactful ways to help protect the planet.”

“Sustainability and innovation have always been central to Portland’s values, and the values of our partners. With the Rip City Reuse expansion into the City-owned VMC, using additional funding from the Bureau of Planning & Sustainability, we are making strides when it comes to waste reduction and increasing our recycling efforts at our spectator venues,” said Deputy City Administrator for Community & Economic Development Donnie Oliveira. “As families and fans return to the renovated VMC, we are excited to show off this frankly, cool, new effort that reduces single-use plastics at Rose Quarter campus.”

"Rip City Reuse at Moda Center, the first program of its kind in sports and entertainment, has shown how fans can come together to make a real impact on waste reduction," said Heather Watkins, co-founder of Bold Reuse. "Expanding to Veterans Memorial Coliseum gives even more guests the chance to keep cups in circulation, cut landfill waste, and continues to inspire sports teams across the country to adopt reusable solutions, positioning Portland as a leader in innovative, sustainable reuse."

Studies have shown reusables surpass single-use options on every environmental scale. While it does require water and energy to wash and sanitize the cups, the overall environmental impact of reusables is substantially less than single-use alternatives over the lifetime of the reusable. The program is a small part of the organization’s sustainability program, with the cups being sourced from Waddington North America, a sister company of Eco-Products, a Trail Blazers Official Zero Waste Partner.

Rip City Reuse cups are made of BPA-free polypropylene #5, generally considered one of the safest choices for plastic products (other #5 products include yogurt cups and baby bottles) and are highly resistant to heat transfer while maintaining durability throughout use. While by no means perfect, plastic is lightweight and durable, which are all important criteria for reusable packaging and fan safety in an arena setting.

Previously, the Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum earned a LEED v4.1 Gold certification for Operations & Maintenance in 2023, an impressive feat for the building constructed in 1960.&nbsp; It is currently the oldest arena in the United States to obtain the globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement.

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RIP CITY REUSE PROGRAM TO EXPAND INTO VETERANS MEMORIAL COLISEUM

PORTLAND, Ore. (March 13,2025)&nbsp;– The Portland Trail Blazers&nbsp;will host the organization’s annual Green Game&nbsp;on March 17, when the team competes against the Washington Wizards at Moda Center. The night will spotlight the numerous programs and initiatives featured in the franchise’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and a greener future. Fans in attendance will enjoy exciting activations, including hands-on opportunities to make a positive environmental impact, live entertainment, and the chance to win amazing prizes.

As the community partner of the evening, The Blueprint Foundation&nbsp;will receive proceeds from the 5050 Raffle to support its mission of fostering personal and professional growth through environmental leadership. The Blueprint Foundation empowers Black-identified youth and young adults by providing culturally specific learning opportunities that reconnect them with nature. Through mentorship and workforce development programs, they inspire participants to overcome systemic barriers while investing in their communities and the environment.

On the commons, check out COR’s first-in-the-state electric garbage truck, reducing diesel emissions and paving the way for a greener future. Before the action begins on the court, be sure to bring your old, small electronics to donate to the Free Geek E-Waste Drive outside the South Entrance at the RQ Boxcart. Free Geek has been responsible for a large proportion of the entire state’s recycled, refurbished and reused electronic waste, providing tech access and digital literacy to underserved communities, helping bridge the digital divide. The first 80 donors will receive a limited-edition New Era Portland Green Camper Hat. Inside Moda Center, fans will be greeted with high-energy beats from Pop Cart PDX, a bike-powered DJ booth bringing intergalactic vibes to the concourse. At Entry A4, test your guessing skills and see the true impact of the Rip City Reuse program by guessing how many cups are in the display for a chance to win a signed team basketball. Fans looking to refresh their gameday gear can take part in the Jersey Exchange. Trade your clean, undamaged jersey at any retail location for 50% off a new Trail Blazers icon or association jersey. All jerseys donated will be upcycled into new products next season.

Learn more about sustainability-based organizations and initiatives throughout the arena at featured community tables. At Entry A18, stop by Energy Trust of Oregon to discover energy-saving tips, cost-saving incentives, and ways to transition to renewable energy. Also at A18 is Lloyd EcoDistrict, an organization transforming Portland’s nearby Lloyd neighborhood into one of the most sustainable communities in North America via local climate action and resilience efforts. To learn more about the Green Game, fans can visit NBA.com/blazers/green.

The Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter continue their long history of being leaders within the sports sustainability space. Through the organization's compost program, 223 tons of food scraps and compostables were diverted from landfills in 2024 alone. Since 2017, the organization has supported 10.14 million kilowatt-hours of offsite renewable energy generation through Pacific Power’s Bluesky program every year. Since October 2023, the transition to reusable cups in partnership with Bold Reuse&nbsp;has eliminated 800,000 single-use cups to further reduce waste. Through the 3’s for Trees program, presented by Daimler Truck, with the help of nonprofit Friends of Trees 47,718 trees have been planted since 2013, reinforcing the Trail Blazers’ dedication to environmental stewardship.

The day after the Green Game on March 18, the Trail Blazers will join the Green Sports Alliance to host a full day Reuse Symposium, to share more about pioneering the Rip City Reuse program. The symposium will bring together sports industry leaders to explore innovative practices in waste reduction and reuse, and circular systems.

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Portland Trail Blazers Host Annual Green Game on March 17

Rip City Reuse Cups to be Used for Fountain Beverages, Ensuring all Trail Blazers Fans can Participate in Zero Waste Journey

PORTLAND, Ore. (November 7, 2024) – The Portland Trail Blazers have announced an expansion of the groundbreaking Rip City Reuse program to include all fountain beverages inside Moda Center. The expansion to include fountain beverages means that every member of Rip City can participate in the program and aid in Moda Centers zero waste journey. Learn more at Trailblazers.com/reuse.

Rip City Reuse, the first-of-its-kind reusable foodware program launched in 2022, continues the organization’s commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact, including taking bold steps to eliminate single-use waste. In the first year of the full arena-wide reusable cup program, the organization and its fans eliminated half a million cups, equal to 27,000 pounds of waste eliminated from landfills. By expanding the program to include fountain cups, which all fans can enjoy, the impact of the program will increase significantly. Coca-Cola, the exclusive soft drink of the Portland Trail Blazers, will also adorn the reusable cups.

“We’re thrilled to expand Rip City Reuse so that every fan in the Moda Center can be part of our journey toward zero waste,” said Brittany Saulsbury, Sustainability Operations Manager for the Portland Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter. “We have seen the impact this program has on our operations and our fan experience, having eliminated over half a million cups from our waste stream in one year, and that was only with alcoholic beverages. By extending reusables to all drinks, we’re setting a new standard and hope to inspire other venues—and fans everywhere—to make reuse an everyday choice.”

"Partnering with the Portland Trail Blazers to expand Rip City Reuse to include fountain beverages marks a significant milestone in our shared mission to redefine sustainability in sports," said Heather Watkins, Co-Founder of Bold Reuse. "Together, we're creating a future where reusables are the norm, showing that lasting change is possible when fans and teams unite in the fight against waste. This expansion not only amplifies the environmental benefits but also strengthens the community’s role in driving Moda Center’s zero-waste journey. We’re excited to continue pushing boundaries and inspiring fans and teams across the country to choose reuse!"

Fans can easily participate in the Rip City Reuse program throughout the arena, where reusable drinkware is the automatic option at no extra cost. After use, fans simply return their cups to any Rip City Reuse bin. In partnership with Bold Reuse, a local, women-owned business, all cups are collected, cleaned, and sanitized for reuse at future events, making sustainability simple and community-driven. Bold Reuse follows state and federal food code requirements and guidelines related to the safe and sanitary washing, drying and transporting of reusable containers, the same as for durable plates, glasses and silverware used at restaurants.

Studies have shown reusables surpass single-use options on every environmental scale. While it does require water and energy to wash and sanitize the cups, the overall environmental impact of reusables is substantially less than single-use and even compostable cups over the lifetime of the reusable. The program is a small part of the organization’s sustainability program, with the cups being sourced from Waddington North America, a sister company of Eco-Products, a Trail Blazers Official Zero Waste Partner.

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Portland Trail Blazers Expand Rip City Reuse Program

PORTLAND, Ore. (December 12, 2023) – The Portland Trail Blazers will host the organization’s Green Game on December 14, when the team takes on the Utah Jazz at Moda Center, to spotlight the numerous programs that are part of the franchise’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and protecting the places we live, learn, and play. Fans attending the game will have opportunities to learn how they can positively impact the environment through their own behavior, win prizes, and sample the future of sustainable packaging. Learn more about the entire night at trailblazers.com/green.

The Trail Blazers have a long history of being leaders in the greening of sports, helping co-found the Green Sports Alliance in 2011 and becoming the first existing arena to receive LEED O+M (v4.1) Platinum Certification in 2019. In recent years, the organization has launched a first-of-its-kind reusable cup program in U.S. professional sports, revitalized its compost program, installed free EV chargers on campus, and earned a new LEED Gold certification for the original home of the Trail Blazers – Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Learn more about the Trail Blazers sustainability efforts HERE.

The Trail Blazers are excited to partner with Notpla, a UK-based packaging company that recently won The Earthshot Prize for their innovative materials, on the first-ever pilot of their products at a North American professional sporting event. Their products, a family of regenerative packaging materials made from seaweed and plants, are on the cutting-edge of biomaterial innovation. Customers on the club level will utilize their seaweed-based products, which can be composted and will disappear without a trace—just like a fruit peel. Early arriving fans can swing by Entry A-18 to try one of Notpla’s famous Oohos – an edible liquid bubble that eliminates the need for single-use plastic while providing a perfect on-the-go hydration option. Try one filled with Gatorade while supplies last!

Launched arena-wide this fall, Moda Center is the only venue in North American professional sports to utilize reusable cups for every event on every level. Any alcoholic beverage purchased at Moda Center will be provided in a Rip City Reuse cup, at no charge to the customer. Over their lifecycle, reusables beat single-use alternatives in every environmental measure (climate, water, land use, waste, pollution, etc.). Partnering with Portland-based Bold Reuse, the organization has already eliminated more than 80,000 single-use cups from ending up in landfills in just a couple of months. If every fan returns their cup this season, the organization can eliminate half a million single-use cups from going to landfill, making it one of our most fan-connected opportunities to spotlight and participate in sustainability. Learn more at NBA.com/blazers/reuse.

The Rose Quarter operates a robust compost program, with both venues featuringEco-Products compostable foodware and compost receptacles throughout the entire campus. Partnering with ServiceMaster for all post-event sorting across recyclables, compostables, and reusables, the organization has composted more than 115 tons of material in 2023 alone. In recent years, the Trail Blazers have partnered with long-time local hauler COR Disposal & Recycling to collect compost and deliver it to a fifth-generation Oregon farmer, Annen Brothers Inc., near Mount Angel, Oregon. Annen Brothers composts the material into nutrient-rich soil which is then utilized for farming and growing Oregon hazelnuts.

Additional Sustainability Efforts at the Rose Quarter

Over the summer, Moda Center replaced 4,500 seats in a renovation project. With the help of Universal Recycling Tecnologies, we were able to recycle 99% of our old seats components and divert 90,000 pounds of waste from landfill. Beyond our campus, we invest in renewable energy generation, supporting more than 10 million killowatt-hours (100% of Moda Center’s electricity use) every year since 2017, through Pacific Power's BlueSky Program. In our community we are bringing food to thousands of children and families through our partnership with Urban Gleaners. To date, 60,305 pounds of reusable food has been recovered from Rose Quarter games and events, equaling 50,254 meals donated to children and families in need since 2014.

Community Partner: Adventures Without Limits

Adventures Without Limits (AWL) is a nonprofit organization that is on a mission to provide access to outdoor adventure for all people, regardless of their ability level, socio-economic status, gender, ethnicity, or age. Since its founding in 1995, AWL has worked with thousands of children and adults of all abilities to experience the thrill of adventure. Support their great work with tonight’s 5050 Raffle, tickets available for purchase throughout the Moda Center concourse!

Upon entering the arena, or in a break in the action on the court, visit the Moda Center 100-level concourse to learn about sustainability best practices, win a prize, and try the future of liquid packaging.

Notpla’s Ooho is an edible bubble made from seaweed that revolutionizes how liquids are packaged by replacing the need for single-use plastic. Oohos are 100% plastic-free, making it a perfect on-the-go hydration! Stop by A18 to try an Ohoo filled with Gatorade while supplies last.

Energy Trust helps Oregon residential, business, and nonprofit utility ratepayers use less energy, save on energy costs, and move to renewable resources. Stop by Energy Trust of Oregon's community table at A18 for tips and tricks on how to save energy at home and learn about incentives available to you.

Put your pedal power to the test with a friend in this interactive challenge that harkens back to the classic carnival Sledgehammer game. Hop on a sLEDgehammer bike and see if you have what it takes to fully power the light display first for a chance at fun prizes while supplies last.

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Portland Trail Blazers Spotlight A Greener Future With Green Game On December 14

63-Year-Old Building Earns Impressive Sustainability Certification

Portland, Ore. (December 11, 2023) – Veterans Memorial Coliseum has earned LEED Gold® certification for Operations and Maintenance, a groundbreaking milestone in creating more sustainable venues and arenas. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement in construction, maintenance and operations. Available for nearly all building, community, and home project types, LEED provides a framework to create healthy, high-performing and energy-efficient buildings.&nbsp;

For a building constructed more than a half-century ago, reaching LEED Gold certification status exemplifies the enormous effort and collaboration between Rip City Management and the City of Portland—and demonstrates a commitment to providing another environmentally responsible Portland arena. The Coliseum is owned by the City of Portland and operated by Rip City Management.

Partnering on modifications and upgrades at Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the Rose Quarter sustainability and operations team and the City of Portland are proud to have achieved the building’s first LEED Gold certification. It marks the second arena within the Rose Quarter to reach LEED status, as Moda Center was the first already-existing arena to achieve LEED Platinum certification in 2019.

“LEED is an important benchmark for standardizing, measuring, and tracking building performance,” said Brittany Saulsbury, Rose Quarter Sustainability Operations Manager. “We are proud to now have both arenas on the Rose Quarter campus certified, which showcases our commitment to continued improvement in our operations and dedication to sustainability best practices.”

The LEED Operations and Maintenance (O+M) v4.1 rating system includes an assessment of visitor experience data and the building’s performance data for water, energy, waste, indoor air quality and transportation.

Since 2015, the Veterans Memorial Coliseum team has collaborated with RWDI, an engineering and consulting firm, on LEED certification planning and the transition to more efficient and sustainable operations.

“We applaud the coliseum’s team for working alongside us through their journey of sustainability,” said Elaine Aye, RWDI Strategic Advisor – Sustainability. “Through their efforts in working towards LEED v4.1 for Existing Buildings certification, they have been able to demonstrate significant environmental performance improvements which yielded a LEED Gold certification.”

Projects that contributed to the arena’s LEED Gold certification achievement included energy efficiency upgrades to the heating and ventilation system’s chillers and cooling towers—the arena’s large-scale indoor cooling system, and the conversion of all existing facility lighting to LED. Additional operational efforts included adopting green cleaning policies arena-wide, implementing a comprehensive compost program, and gathering feedback from visitors on their experiences.

“Strategic planning and a years-long collaborative approach to creating a more sustainable Veterans Memorial Coliseum allowed us to make fiscally responsible capital and operational improvements, making the space better for our community and the environment,” said Karl Lisle, City of Portland External Partnerships and Programs Manager. “Earning LEED Gold is a bonus.”

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Veterans Memorial Coliseum Earns LEED Gold Certification

Eco-Products Provides All Compostable Products Within Moda Center & Support for Rip City Reuse

PORTLAND, Ore. (October 26, 2023) – The Portland Trail Blazers and Eco-Products® have announced a partnership that names Eco-Products as an Official Zero Waste Partner of the organization. The partnership will feature compostable foodservice packaging from Eco-Products within Moda Center and Veterans Memorial Coliseum, while supporting the organization’s overall composting program and waste diversion efforts. Eco-Products will also be providing Rip City Reuse cups for Moda Center’s groundbreaking reusable drinkware program through a partnership with its Novolex® sister company, Waddington North America®.

“We’re very excited to bring on Eco-Products as an Official Zero Waste Partner as we continue to lead sustainability efforts across professional sports,” said Brittany Saulsbury, Portland Trail Blazers Sustainability Operations Manager. “With a goal of achieving zero waste for every event no later than 2030, we are taking bold steps in our waste management practices and it all starts with what we source. Our partnership with Eco-Products will support and elevate our goal of only having compostables, recyclables, and reusables in our concession stands.”

“We’re thrilled to see compostables, recyclables and reusables working together at scale in a venue like Moda Center,” said Ian Jacobson, President of Eco-Products. “The culture and fanbase in the Pacific Northwest make it the perfect place to try this for the first time, and we feel lucky to be a part of it.”

The Portland Trail Blazers are committed to sustainability efforts that support our journey to Zero Waste as we look to improve and protect the environment in which we all work, play and live. Compostable foodservice packaging, provided by Eco-Products is available throughout the arena in the form of plates, bowls, trays, utensils, cups, straws, and much more at all concession stands and premium areas. Fan participation in the compost program is extremely accessible as all waste bins throughout the arena also feature a compost bin, where Trail Blazer fans can put their plates, bowls, utensils, and any food scraps.

Members of Rip City now have the chance to participate in a composting program that directly benefits Oregon farmers. At the conclusion of events, compost bins are sorted to remove any contamination before long-time local hauler COR Disposal & Recycling collects the compost and delivers it to a fifth-generation Oregon farmer, Annen Brothers Inc., near Mount Angel, Oregon. Annen Brothers composts the material into nutrient-rich soil which is then utilized for farming and growing Oregon hazelnuts.

Eco-Products has a long history of working with stadiums, venues, ski resorts, and others to achieve waste diversion success through the use of compostable packaging in front-of-house collection programs. They advocate for a systems approach to contamination mitigation that was recently formalized into the “CIRC” Program – a set of open-sourced tools designed to help the foodservice industry keep non-compostables out of organics streams.

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Portland Trail Blazers Announce Eco-Products As An Official Zero Waste Partner

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Moda Health

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