GREEN BAY (WLUK) — As the NFL Draft footprint is dismantled, the NFL and the Green Bay Packers are ensuring that valuable materials left behind are given a second life, benefiting local organizations and promoting sustainability.
“It’s really important to the NFL that not only when they come in for a big event are they having a spectacular fan experience, but that they’re leaving a really good legacy leave behind,” said Ryan Sclar, sustainability manager at ENGIE Impact, NFL Green Team.
“As the cleanup commenced on Sunday, right away these materials were all being savaged just the way they said it was going to happen,” said Aaron Popkey, director of public affairs for the Packers.
Sclar noted that a significant amount of materials, including wood, fence mesh, metal flagpoles, and unique items from the green room with historical significance, are being donated. An estimated 25 to 30 truckloads of items, valued at roughly half a million dollars, are being distributed to local Green Bay charities.
“We’re working with the community members throughout Green Bay and the surrounding area, including Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross, United Nation, various different school districts and other government entities,” said Sclar.
The Packers expressed their enthusiasm for the NFL’s commitment to sustainability and community respect.
“For the Packers, really excited to see the program that the NFL has with respect to the sustainability and reusing as many of these materials as possible. We were excited to hear about it as we have our own sustainability program, the Packers Green team, so it was exciting to hear about it,” said Popkey.