Philadelphia Eagles are Green Through and Through

The Philadelphia Eagles are seemingly the greenest team ever, and not just their uniforms.

This NFL team has taken environmental responsibility seriously enough to make a difference. In fact, the team's slogan, "Go Green" officially has a dual meaning.

The list is almost overwhelming. When the team was bought in 1994 by Jeffrey and Christina Weiss Lurie the die was cast, and the movement toward environmental responsibility was begun. In fact, Christina Weiss Lurie stated that the team's goal was to make a positive impact on the environment.

The staff office building is partially solar powered, with panels in the roof. The team's home field, Lincoln Financial Field, uses thirty percent clean power to bring on the bright lights. They use power from wind generators and even methane from reclaimed landfills. But that isn't all. It is rumored that the company has given over a million dollars to environmental efforts. And, oddest of all, the team's management seems to be unconcerned about advertising it's policies and receiving the "attaboys" from environmental groups.

For the record, here are some of the facts that I could dig up on just how seriously the Eagles take their environment:

• When the team flies to an away game the Eagles Organization plants trees around the Philadelphia area to off-set the carbon dioxide that the plane gives off.
• There are recycling bins stationed approximately every forty five feet in the stadium to encourage people to recycle rather than just throw away.

• The team's tickets and programs are printed onr ecycled paper. I wonder if they are using a soy based ink?

• The machine that is used to cleans the field ? It runs on biodiesel.

• Employees that purchase wind energy are reimbursed.
• In November 2007 Christina Lurie revealed plans to create an Eagles Forest in the neshaminy State Park. It will access the Delaware River as well as the walking trails available to people using the park.
• The organization has partnered with Once Upon a Nation to reclaim green space for Philadelphia residents by revitalizing Franklin Square at a cost of 6.5 million dollars.

It is important that football organizations take the initiative to be responsible. When organizations like the Philadelphia Eagles take the time to care about the environment, the people that look to these men as heroes will take the time too. Accolades to the Eagles. And I don't even LIKE football.