As seen in the Pittsburgh Business Times.

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced a program to make the ballclub more environmentally friendly.

The Pirates' "Let's Go Bucs. Let's go Green" program combines greening and sustainability efforts within the Pirates organization with educational outreach programs for fans.

Recycling is the first major component of the initiative, including branded receptacles to be placed throughout PNC Park. Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting said the club used some 760,000 cans and bottles last year.

The Pirates will also have attendants collecting recyclables at exits following the game and crews which will sweep the stands to pick up recyclables before trash is cleared.

PNC Park's concessionaires, Aramark and Levy Restaurants, will be using corn-based beverage cups and eliminating most of the non-biodegradeable materials used in utensils, plates, napkins and the like.

And within the Pirates' offices, copier paper and other paper products will be switched to those made from recycled material and employees will be urged to use both sides of copier paper and avoid printing when possible. Nutting said the organization used 2.3 million sheets of copier paper last year and 33,000 Styrofoam cups, which will be eliminated from Pirates offices.

Energy efficiency is another component of the program. The Pirates' facilities will switch to energy efficient light bulbs and motion-activated lights in some areas. An energy audit conducted after the start of the season will identify future areas of improvement.

The Pirates will promote the program throughout the ballpark, the team's Web site and through public service announcements from Pirates players.

Pirates President Frank Coonelly said although there will be additional costs associated with the environmental effort, the program should be "revenue positive" in the future. He declined to give specific cost and revenue projections.