FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 14, 2015
MIAMI MARLINS KNOCK
RECYCLING
OUT OF THE PARK
~DEP's Recycling Recognition Program honors
company for 51-percent recycling rate~
 From left to right: DEP Southeast District Director Jill Creech, Miami Marlins Vice President of Facilities Jeff King, Florida Recycling Partnership Chair Kim Brunson and Florida Recycling Partnership Executive Director Keyna Cory.
MIAMI – Today, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection recognizes the Miami Marlins organization for its impressive 51-percent recycling rate. DEP Southeast District Director Jill Creech presented the award to the organization at the Florida Recycling Partnership's Recycling Summit, which was held at Marlins Park.
"I am pleased to recognize the Miami Marlins for their outstanding
recycling efforts,” Southeast District Director Jill Creech said. “The Miami
Marlins organization is providing a great example for other sports franchises
and businesses throughout Florida by its dedication to the environment and
sustainability."
The
Miami Marlins organization has implemented a comprehensive recycling plan that ensures
plastics, metals, paper, cardboard and glass are recycled year-round at the stadium. During the construction of the Miami Ballpark District, the organization
was able to divert or recycle more than 95 percent of the construction waste.
The team has been recognized as Major League Baseball’s top recycling team in
the National League’s East Division for both 2013 and 2014. The Miami Marlins
are a member of the Florida Recycling Partnership, a coalition of businesses
and associations dedicated to improving Florida’s recycling rates.
In
addition to outstanding recycling practices, the Miami Marlins ballpark was designed with
sustainability in mind. From the energy-efficient lighting and
cooling systems, to water-use reductions, the ballpark is one of
the most sustainable in Major League Baseball. It is also
the first retractable roof sports facility in the world to earn LEED Gold
Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
“It is an honor for Marlins Park to once
again receive this recognition, marking our second consecutive year with a
recycling rate exceeding 50 percent,” said Claude Delorme, Marlins Executive Vice
President of Operations and Events. “We continue to focus our efforts on
providing a sustainable venue that best serves the South Florida community.”
To help businesses increase recycling efficiency, the
department has an easy tool to track recycling – the Florida DEP Business
Recycling Tracking Tool. Through the
website, which includes free registration, companies can track different types
of recycling and produce reports on how their efforts are helping to
shrink their carbon footprint. The tracking tool helps the department identify
companies that are making an effort to go green.
Approximately 55 percent of Florida's total municipal solid
waste stream is commercial. In order for Florida to reach a 75-percent recycling rate by 2020, a goal established by the Florida Legislature
in 2008, it is crucial that businesses, schools and other commercial entities
increase their recycling efforts. Recycling provides a direct cost savings to
most businesses because the more that is recycled, the less waste and thus, lower
waste-management operating costs. Reuse of materials can also contribute to cost
savings.
For more information about the Recycling Recognition Program click here.
| 
