CARE for the Cape & Islands, a local environmental organization, has announced a new pilot program called Take Care Cape Cod.
In collaboration with the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL) and generous support from the Massachusetts Beverage Association, CARE wants to tackle litter and enhance recycling efforts during Chatham Anglers’ games at Veterans Field. This initiative is an extension of CARE’s ongoing “Reduce Reuse Recycle” campaign and aims to promote environmental consciousness among fans while preserving the natural beauty of Cape Cod.
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 percent of attendees disposed of two recyclable items into regular trash, by August a staggering ~300,000 recyclable items would unnecessarily choke Massachusetts landfills and incinerators.
“If we all work as a team to implement solutions to issues that confront our environment, the goals are definitely achievable,” said 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,”
Kicking off July Fourth weekend, fans will see “Recycle Ambassadors” in fun, bright, orange gear that utilizes the Take Care branding and messaging. These dedicated individuals will help promote recycling, encourage proper waste disposal, and assist in keeping the ballpark free of litter for all home games this season. New recycling bins, donated by 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.
“We are thrilled to work with CARE for the Cape & Islands on this initiative,” said Steve West, President of the Cape Cod Baseball League. “Together, we can make a significant impact in reducing litter and promoting recycling at our games. We encourage all fans to join us in creating a cleaner, greener Cape Cod.”
For more information about CARE for the Cape & Islands, visit www.careforthecapeandislands.org
