Yarmouth Port, MA – June 20, 2024 – CARE (Creating A Responsible Environment) for the Cape & Islands, a leading local environmental organization, is excited to announce the expansion of a 2023 pilot program as part of an on-going initiative called Take Care Cape Cod. In collaboration with the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL) and generous support from the Massachusetts Beverage Association, CARE has been working to tackle litter and enhance recycling efforts in partnership with four CCBL teams this season. This initiative is part of CARE’s ongoing “Reduce Reuse Recycle” campaign that builds upon the pilot program launched last year with the Chatham Anglers. It aims to promote environmental consciousness among fans while preserving the natural beauty of Cape Cod.
Did you know each CCBL game has an average attendance of ~1,400 fans? Currently, there are no active recycling efforts at the baseball fields. Conservatively, if 25% of attendees disposed of two recyclable items into regular trash, by August a staggering ~300K recyclable items would unnecessarily end up at landfills and incinerators. It is time to end that waste.
“Our members share the public’s concern about plastic pollution and we are working every day to reduce the amount of new plastic being used while encouraging our loyal customers to recycle. There is no simple solution but raising awareness and encouraging people to recycle at the ballpark is a fun way to get people’s attention and cooperation,” exclaimed Steve Boksanski, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Beverage Association. The association has been working on recycling education with CARE for the last three years. “This season we developed a ‘feet-on-the-street’ program to raise awareness and alter not only Cape Cod visitors’ disposal habits but residents’ as well,”
This season’s program kicked off June 16th at the Falmouth Commodores’ first home game of the season. Volunteers from AutoCamp Cape Cod, RideAway Adventures, the Town of Falmouth Recycling Coordinator and CARE staff served as Take Care Ambassadors. Fans saw “Recycle Ambassadors” in fun, bright, orange gear that utilizes the Take Care branding and messaging. These dedicated individuals are there to help promote recycling, encourage proper waste disposal, and assist in keeping the ballpark free of litter for all home games this season.
Cape Cod Coca-Cola, will be stationed at the field and well-marked by orange Take Care flags. If the pilot is successful, CARE plans to roll it out to all CCBL ballparks.
CARE has been actively engaged in sustainability initiatives, and this collaboration with CCBL marks another important milestone in their efforts to educate the public and keep Cape Cod clean. By leveraging the popularity and community spirit surrounding CCBL games, the program aims to raise awareness, encourage responsible waste management, and inspire positive behavioral changes among fans.
For more information about CARE for the Cape & Islands, please visit www.careforthecapeandislands.org
CARE for the Cape & Islands™
Founded in 2012 CARE (Creating A Responsible Environment) for the Cape and Islands creates a responsible environment by balancing the environmental, cultural, and economic impacts of our community. Using a solutions-based, collaborative approach, CARE develops and supports sustainability activities for our coastal community of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
CARE has funded over 65 unique projects that preserve our past, steward our present, and champion a sustainable future for the Cape and Islands. Some of our funded projects include the installation of water refill stations, development of heritage trails, and a wide range of educational and informational displays.
