How do we turn a day at the ballpark into a win for waste reduction? UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County helped answer that question by hosting a university poster session at the Green Sports Alliance Summit in Cleveland.
Set against the backdrop of Progressive Field, home to Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Guardians, the posters showcased how campuses are transforming operations, engaging communities, and advancing research, all of which translates to venues and events of every size.
The poster session brought together professors, students, and sustainability directors from 13 universities across the country to share projects, educational programs, and research. The diversity of work on display was energizing. Student-led initiatives that reimagine fan engagement opportunities, compostable materials and food waste diversion, and research on how climate changes impact sports were front and center at the event. The result was a picture of “Resilient” practices, the theme of the Green Sports Summit.
UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County is committed to translating these lessons into local action. We’re growing education that helps organizations improve environmental practices and schools with recycling projects, and connects students with industry leaders to assist with developing sustainability programs. The momentum we saw in Cleveland is already informing our workshops and technical assistance here on the Suncoast.
UF Green Sports Certificate
UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County has partnered with the Green Sports Alliance and industry experts to create a certificate course aimed to empower individuals to make a positive impact. The recently launched Green Sports Management Certificate is part of the University of Florida Sport Management Department’s Institute for Coaching Excellence.
Whether you’re new to a sports organization or an experienced sport management professional, this program is designed to prepare students to become environmental leaders within the sports industry. Students will receive a first-hand, real-world focus throughout the course, while simultaneously being exposed to a handful of key tactics and skills needed for success in the field. In addition, industry leaders will be featured throughout the course and best practices on core topics to provide students with a look at how organizations implement environmental sustainability and social responsibility programs.
1
