The Portland Trail Blazers and Moda Center are expanding the groundbreaking Rip City Reuse program ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season, it was announced today ahead of Green Sports Day on October 6. Beginning October 27, Moda Center guests purchasing alcoholic beverages (21+) throughout the arena will utilize Rip City Reuse reusable drinkware, provided at no additional cost with return bins through the arena, that will then be cleaned, sanitized, and reused at another Moda Center event. The program marks the first-ever full-venue reusable packaging program within United States professional sports.
Rip City Reuse, the first-of-its-kind reusable foodware program launched in 2022, continues the organization’s commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact. With a goal of achieving zero waste no later than 2030, we are taking bold steps to eliminate single-use waste. This program will give our fans the power to eliminate half a million single-use cups over the course of a season, making it one of our most fan-connected opportunities to spotlight sustainability. In the first year of the program, which was piloted on the Club Level across four stands using reusable food boats and bowls, 10,000+ single-use containers were eliminated, resulting in 700 pounds of waste not ending up in landfills.
“We're proud to expand Rip City Reuse and continue to lead sustainability efforts across professional sports," said Brittany Saulsbury, Portland Trail Blazers / Rose Quarter Sustainability Operations Manager. "Partnering with Bold Reuse continues our dedication to offering world-class fan experiences while being at the forefront of sustainability within the industry. Rip City Reuse also highlights sports' potential to drive sustainability education and the impact we can have on our community.”
"The Trail Blazer’s decision to adopt reusables arena-wide sets an extraordinary standard for venues nationwide," said Jocelyn Quarrell, CEO of Bold Reuse. "We are honored to partner with the Portland Trail Blazers to implement this transformative program. The success of Rip City Reuse is a win for our local Portland community and the world. The most exciting part is we’re just getting started."
Studies have shown reusable to-go foodware surpasses single-use options on every environmental scale. While it does require water and energy to wash and sanitize the containers, the overall environmental impact of reusables is substantially less than single-use and even compostable containers. The program is a small part of the organization’s sustainability program, with the cups being sourced from Waddington North America, a sister company of Eco-Products, a Trail Blazers Official Zero Waste Partner.
Bold Reuse follows state and federal food code requirements and guidelines related to the safe and sanitary washing, drying and transporting of reusable containers, the same as for durable plates, glasses and silverware used at restaurants. Both the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Multnomah County Health Department recognize Bold Reuse as an approved third-party service provider of reusable packaging. The containers are made of BPA-free polypropylene #5, generally considered one of the safest choices for plastic products, and are highly resistant to heat transfer while maintaining durability throughout use.
Source: Portland Trail Blazers