The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently recognized the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League for the team’s achievements in reducing food waste. The Stars participated in EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge, which encourages organizations and businesses to save money, help communities, and protect the environment by preventing and reducing food waste.
“The Dallas Stars have created a winning scenario off the ice by turning excess food into an asset for the community,” said Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “Through their donations, the Stars are feeding those in need and reducing waste sent to landfills.”
During 2013, the Stars diverted over 2.9 tons of excess food to area food banks and shelters. In addition to providing food for people in need, the donations also meant the food was not sent to a landfill to decay and produce greenhouse gas emissions.
EPA officials will present a certificate of achievement to the Stars and representatives from the American Airlines Center at an upcoming Stars’ home game. EPA Region 6 has also recognized significant achievement in the Food Recovery Challenge by the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Texas at Arlington, and University of Arkansas-Fayetteville.
Nationwide, wasted food contributes a significant amount to landfills—more than 36 million tons in 2011 alone. As the food decomposes, it creates methane, a potent greenhouse gas with 21 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. By donating excess food instead, businesses, schools, and organizations can help the environment while providing safe and healthy meals to some of the 50 million Americans who do not have access to enough food.
Love of sports is something millions of Americans share. Across the country, teams and fans are channeling that enthusiasm into protecting our communities by greening sports — saving energy, cutting waste and cleaning up pollution.
