The 82nd All-Star Game, which will take place on Tuesday in Phoenix, will have a major impact on the environment. Major League Baseball (MLB) has partnered again with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to help ensure that the approaching 2011 All-Star Week incorporates environmentally intelligent features. It marks the fourth year in a row that the two entities have worked together to implement measures, both inside the stadium and with supporting events. It was not exactly priority-one during planning of most Midsummer Classics since the first in 1933, but green has grown.

According to reports from MLB.com, for the first time, this All-Star Week will feature a comprehensive composting program, projected to increase landfill diversion by over 60 percent. The Arizona Diamondbacks have also contributed an impressive array of environmental achievements, such as LEED Gold certification of their new Spring Training facility, and recent installation of a solar shade structure at Chase Field.

To encourage fans to recycle, "All-Star Green Teams" presented by Pepsi will circulate throughout the stadium during all ballpark events to collect recyclables from fans. In addition, 100 new recycling bins will be installed at the ballpark for All-Star Week, and will remain there.

Food waste and food-soiled paper from the stadium will be turned into compost, which can be used as fertilizer for soil and promote plant growth to help increase land and air quality. This is the first time a composting program has been implemented at an MLB All-Star Week, and it is estimated that 66 tons of material will be diverted from the landfill through recycling and composting efforts.

To help reduce All-Star Week's environmental footprint, all of the major events at Chase Field -- as well as FanFest at the LEED Silver Certified Phoenix Convention Center -- will be offset with "Green-e Certified" renewable energy. FanFest volunteers are also receiving complimentary METRO light rail passes to encourage the use of public transportation.

And in addition to countless energy-saving and cooling initiatives, waterless urinals and water-saving faucets were installed on the Suite Level to help reduce water consumption.

Outside the stadium, MLB and NRDC has partnered with the City of Phoenix to implement environmental initiatives in training facilities, Boys and Girls Clubs, veteran facilities and transportation stations.

To read more about the programs in place for All-Star Week, click here.