FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Apr. 22, 2016
DEP NORTHEAST DISTRICT RECOGNIZES
THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP AT TPC SAWGRASS
FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
~District launches Environmental Stewardship Recognition Program on Earth Day~
 Pictured from left to right: Jim Triola, chief of operations, PGA TOUR Golf Course
Properties; Matt Rapp, senior vice president and executive director of THE
PLAYERS Championship; Greg Strong, director, DEP Northeast District.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Today, the Department of
Environmental Protection’s Northeast District recognizedTHE PLAYERS
Championship at TPC Sawgrass for its exemplary commitment to implementing
environmental management policies, including an ultimate goal of achieving
zero-percent waste at THE PLAYERS Championship and utilizing reclaimed water
for irrigation.
In an effort to partner with local communities and businesses
to protect natural resources and promote economic growth, the Northeast
District has initiated an Environmental Stewardship Recognition Program to
recognize corporate and non-profit partners and stakeholders who go above and
beyond to protect Florida's natural resources.
“DEP’s Northeast District is excited to recognize THE PLAYERS
Championship and the TPC Sawgrass team for their outstanding commitment to
environmental stewardship and their ambitious zero-percent waste goal,” said
Northeast District Director Greg Strong. “By actively promoting
environmentally responsible practices such as water conservation, resource
management and recycling, TPC Sawgrass is helping to create a culture of
sustainability and improve the environment in our community.”
Through the education and implementation of sustainable
practices, THE PLAYERS Championship will decrease the amount of non-recyclable waste by 15 percent at the 2016 event, scheduled for
May 10-15, 2016. To reach this goal, THE PLAYERS Championship plans to implement
the following strategies:
- Build upon the new “PLAYERS PRIDE” motto to create a culture of sustainability and
self-responsibility with fans, staff, vendors and volunteers, raising awareness of THE
PLAYERS’ waste reduction goal by educating all parties about the
benefits of “being green” through media outlets and onsite signage.
- Utilize
single-stream technology and waste compactors that will allow for more
recyclable materials to be mixed in a recycle bin.
- Use
compostable materials at concessions as well as environmentally
sustainable promotional items at future events, which will allow for a
true zero-waste event. THE PLAYERS will also eliminate all material used
before and after the event from going to a landfill.
“We have taken our lead from the TPC Network
in trying to be great stewards and a showcase for others," said Matt Rapp, senior vice president and executive director of THE PLAYERS Championship. "In working with
Republic Services and a dedicated volunteer group, our staff has made
significant progress in recycling over the past several years and we hope to
do even better moving forward. Thanks also goes to all of our sponsors and
fans that have actively participated.”
In addition to its waste reduction goal, THE PLAYERS
Championship is also commitment to water conservation. Over the past two
years, TPC Sawgrass has significantly reduced the amount of water from the
Floridan Aquifer used for irrigation; the Valley Course is utilizing 100
percent reclaimed water and the Stadium Course is utilizing 50 percent
reclaimed water for irrigation, with approximately 12 percent
coming from the aquifer. TPC Sawgrass has also implemented landscape
techniques, such as using native plants, to reduce turfgrass and water
consumption.
For more information on applying for the Northeast District’s
Environmental Stewardship Recognition Program, contact Russell Simpson at
904-256-1653 or Russell.Simpson@dep.state.fl.us.
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