Tue July 15, 2014
Cheer for the planet and b-ball on July 22
Originally published July 15, 2014 on Vision Sports News
Chicago, textile recycling company USAgain is partnering with the Chicago Sky to collect and recycle textiles as the Sky host the Indiana Fever at 7:00 p.m. CT on July 22. All fans who donate a bag of clothing / shoes at the July 22 Go Green Game will receive a free ticket to a future 2014 Sky regular season home game. Fans can visit the USAgain table in the South Lobby of the Allstate Arena to drop their items and collect their ticket vouchers.
"This is a perfect opportunity for sports fans and green fans to come together for a green cause," said Mattias Wallander, CEO of USAgain. "Too much clothing is going to landfills and this partnership will help spread the message about responsible recycling of textiles."
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans throw out 85 percent of their clothing in the trash, which translates to about 12 million tons of textile waste buried in landfills each year.
"We are really excited to be working with USAgain," said Adam Fox, Chicago Sky President and CEO. "Since the Sky's inception we have been involved in green initiatives and working with USAgain gives both our companies a great opportunity to do more for our community."
On the court, the Sky will battle the Indiana Fever. Tuesday's game will be the fourth game of a five-game series between the two Eastern Conference rivals. The Sky and Fever split the first matches, with the Sky taking a 74-71 victory on opening night and the Fever winning the second game 83-75. Chicago travels to Indianapolis to take on the Fever on Thursday, July 17 before returning home for the grudge match on Tuesday, July 22.
Game participants and attendees may bring their surplus clothes, shoes and household textiles like drapes, sheets, towels etc in tied bags and recycle them in green bins located near the entrance gates of Allstate Arena. Every pound of textiles recycled helps save 1,400 gallons of water and prevents 7 pounds of greenhouse emissions.
The Chicago Sky will continue to collect and recycle textiles at eight drop-off locations throughout the concourse and near the entrance gates of Allstate Arena at all remaining 2014 home games. For more information about items collected for recycling or to learn about USAgain, visit usagain.com.