Chase Utley

2nd Baseman, Philadelphia Phillies

“I know how important it is for all of us to face the reality of global warming. It’s real, it’s a danger and it threatens the well-being of all of us. I love America but I don’t love how wasteful we are. With five percent of the world’s population, we consume twenty-five percent of the planet’s energy. We need to address global warming in a serious and meaningful way. All of us, not just those of us marching, need to take steps NOW to conserve. We need to think outside the corporate box on this – to solar, wind power, hybrids. We need a major shift in our mindset on what makes up the American dream. It’s not two SUV’s in every garage, it’s creating a good and sustainable life for all of us for generations to come. For me, doing so will start with the very first step I take on this march. This is only the beginning.” – [StopGlobalWarming.org]

Conor Jackson

Infielder, Arizona Diamondbacks

“Going Green has been an issue for quite some time but now I’ve finally decided to take action and join the fight against global warming. By purchasing a Smart Car, I hope to do my part to reduce pollution caused by gas emissions that not only has affected Los Angeles for years, but has now become a global concern for all of us. Every little bit helps to make a difference, whether it be recycling or changing the bulbs in your house. I have taken a positive step and I urge you to do the same.”

Jay Bruce

Outfielder, Cincinnati Reds

“There are many ways we can contribute to solving the issue of Global Warming. It is important that we be conscious of the environmental factors that are affecting our planet. We can take small steps, like changing what we put in our cars or the energy we use in our homes. It is a tough challenge for all of us and I am willing to take that first step towards the challenge, hopefully you will do the same.”

Jon Garland

Pitcher, San Diego Padres

“At our house, we have both a garbage can and recyclable can. At first, I did not worry too much about where the bottles, newspapers, cans went until I read an article in the LA Times. From that point on, I have tried to do my part by at least separating the recyclables from the regular trash. Every little bit helps.”

Matt Cassel

Quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs

“Our current environmental crisis has caused me to reflect on certain methods I can incorporate in my life, both at and away from the field, to make a difference. It is tough because only you can hold yourself accountable for attempting to change, but I find that if you just implement green ideas into your daily routine, they eventually become second nature.”

Ryan Braun

Outfielder, Milwaukee Brewers

“Players for the Planet is challenging us to cut down on our use of plastic. To grab a reuseable bottle and fill it with water instead of grabbing a water bottle on our way out the door. Doesn’t sound like a big deal but it’s huge. Even if you only use one bottle a day, that’s 30 bottles a month and 360 bottles a year. If ten of your family members and friends do it, that’s 3,600 plastic bottles that don’t get thrown in a landfill and poison the earth. It’s that easy. Just do it.”

Adam Russell

Pitcher, San Diego Padres

“As citizens of the world, serving as representatives to the institution of sport throughout the United States and around the globe, it is our duty to use our vast resources to help create social awareness on a condition that will affect us all, environmentalism/recycling. Everyday, we see and feel the effects of over-consumption and a lack of concern for our surroundings. By implementing small changes throughout our daily routines, we can have a large impact on the quality of life for ourselves and others. The addition of recycling bins and reusable materials around the ballpark is not the end of our plight, but only the beginning in a long line of efforts to help create a sustainable, efficient, and livable world for generations to come.”

Bill Bray

Pitcher, Cincinnati Reds

“It’s easy to give in to the convenience of every day life and not worry about the effect we have on our local environment. But growing up at the beach and now spending most of my time outdoors playing the game I love, it is impossible not to care about my footprint. Small changes in our day to day routines like making sure to recycle, changing out the light bulbs in our homes to cfl’s and trying to buy local are easy ways to have a positive impact.”

Brendan Harris

Infielder, Minnesota Twins

“Having a sense of global awareness is critical to maintaining the environment. Fifty percent of what is thrown away has some sort of recycling value to it. Recycling is such an easy task. If every family recycled, it would have a huge impact on the health of the planet.”

Brian Schneider

Catcher, Philadelphia Phillies

“We all know that plastic is hard, if not impossible, to degrade. In addition to water bottles and cups, there are thousands of other products made of plastic that we use everyday than discard. And although we don’t always have the choice to switch to things made with different, more eco-friendly materials, we can do it by using recyclable water bottles. Players for the Planet has tapped into an easy, inexpensive way we can begin to stop this damage to our planet.”

Cat Osterman

Pitcher, Team USA Softball

“Being aware of the going green initiative is so important. There are so many little things we can all do in order to help save our environment. From recycling, to reusing, to just checking to make sure all your lights are off, every little bit helps, and it’s necessary to make everyone aware of that. I’m proud to do my part, and hopefully help others take the step to going green.”

Chris Dickerson

Outfielder, Cincinnati Reds

I feel like I am at that point in my life where it is time to do something positive, not for myself, not for a select group of people but rather try my hand at the global community. This isn’t the result of an overnight epiphany of self guilt as to where I am in my life and what good I have done for the world as of late but I feel like this should be a general concern for all of us. If I can help kick start this movement on a small scale, I am optimistic that these concerns can be turned into everyday public action. I want to be the one to step up to the plate and make the issue of Global Warming a concern that doesn’t just reside in the back of our minds, but it is brought to the forefront of our reality. Although everyone is aware, I feel there needs to be a sense of urgency among all Americans. This is not only something that affects us, but will be felt by generations and generations to come.”

Collin Balester

Pitcher, Washington Nationals

“Growing up we never thought that we would be at a point where recycling would mean so much, people don’t understand just how important recycling is. Going Green is what we really need to do, Global warming is a real threat so join us to make a stand and we can take care of this together.”

Freddy Sanchez

Infielder, Pittsburgh Pirates

“We’ve got to stop thinking that someone is going to come along and fix our damaged environment. That some government agency will ride in and wave a magic wand or some corporation with bags full of money and nothing else to spend it on, will spend their cash to clean up the earth. So do something now, when you can actually make a difference for free! It costs nothing to recycle plastic bottles, magazines, newspapers or many other recyclable items we use every day.”

Gary Barnidge

Tight End, Carolina Panthers

“In this world, we can no longer think only of ourselves or our own families. What we do now – for better or worse – will impact the quality of life for everyone on the planet. We are all in charge of the condition of our environment. Think about the kind of world you want to leave to future generations. Everyone can start small. Everyone can do something every day.”

Geoff Jenkins

Outfielder, Philadelphia Phillies

“Growing up in Southern California I learned about the importance of recycling. We always had a recycling bin in the house and I am proud to say that even today I still recycle and contribute to keeping the environment clean.”

Hunter Pence

Outfielder, Houston Astros

“The thing is it doesn’t really matter whether you believe that our environment is in trouble. It doesn’t matter if you think global warming is a hoax. But you have noticed plastic bottles clogging up a sewer drain or tangled up in seaweed at the beach or as part of the garbage that accumulates on our streets and highways. This alone should convince you to start using non-plastic water bottles.”

Jack Cassel

Pitcher, Cleveland Indians

“As professional athletes we are traditionally viewed as role models throughout society. This standing in the community has afforded us the opportunity to help provide a force behind the Green movement. The term “Green” is not only receiving more value and respect but it is quickly becoming a status symbol throughout popular culture. Because of the actions of Hollywood and Corporate America, knowledge and consciousness of environmental issues has become “cool.” We, as players, hope to influence both Major League Baseball and its fans that being “Green” is not a fad, but a responsibility.”

Justin Cassel

Pitcher, Chicago White Sox

“Having played sports my whole life, I appreciate the importance of staying hydrated. And with that, I have come to understand the responsibility of hydrating, which is what I do with my plastic bottles once I’m finished. I believe strongly in recycling because of the significant effect it has on our planet. I hope that I am able to set a good, green example for athletes of all ages, and encourage all to recycle.”

Jacoby Ellsbury

Outfielder, Boston Red Sox

“I think many people think plastic just kind of melts away. That once it gets thrown in a landfill, it dissolves over time. It does, it just takes 1000 years to do so. Even then it releases harmful gasses that further add to the problem of greenhouse gases that are warming our planet. Join WEPLAYGREEN and get a re-useable water bottle.”

Joe Smith

Pitcher, Cleveland Indians

“And Man created the plastic bag and the tin and aluminum can and the cellophane wrapper and the paper plate, and this was good because Man could then take his automobile and buy all his food in one place and He could save that which was good to eat in the refrigerator and throw away that which had no further use. And soon the earth was covered with plastic bags and aluminum cans and paper plates and disposable bottles and there was nowhere to sit down or walk, and Man shook his head and cried: “Look at this Godawful mess.” (Art Buchwald, 1970) That pretty much says it all.”

Josh Barfield

Infielder, San Diego Padres

“When playing in San Diego I saw first hand the affects of our inability to control our waste when I would drive to the ballpark each day. Beach goers would leave behind plastic bottles, bags and aluminum cans only to sit and be placed in the trash instead of recycling bins. Let’s be Eco-conscious and take the extra step towards the recycling bin, because when we do we will all benefit.”

Kila Ka’aihue

Infielder, Kansas City Royals

“We’ve got to stop thinking that someone is going to come along and fix our damaged environment. That some government agency will ride in and wave a magic wand or some corporation with bags full of money and nothing else to spend it on, will spend their cash to clean up the earth. So do something now, when you can actually make a difference for free! It costs nothing to recycle plastic bottles, magazines, newspapers or many other recyclable items we use every day.”

Mike Aviles

Infielder, Kansas City Royals

“Even if you don’t think the damage to the environment is bad now, hopefully you can see what might happen in the future . If you’re getting fooled by the present, try thinking about the world your children. Since the birth of my daughter, the question as to the status of our environment of the future has become more apparent to me. What will we leave for our grandchildren and great-grandchildren if we continue to treat our environment in the same way we’ve gotten used to. You can so many things that are so simple, you won’t even notice. Everyone can do something. Do it now.”

Nick Hundley

Catcher, San Diego Padres

“I had the opportunity to travel to China in march of 2008. I had an eye opening experience when people had to wear protective masks to avoid pollution. This is a serious issue around the world and in the United States, and one that we can help fix. If everyday each person contributed a little bit to helping our environment, we will all see the positive impact we have on our earth.”

Reid Brignac

Infielder, Tampa Bay Rays

“If everyone chips in and does their part in living green, then it will make a huge impact on our environment.”

Chris Gimenez

Catcher/Utility, Cleveland Indians

“Have you ever driven down the street and seen a plastic bag floating in the wind, or an empty soda can rustling down the street? This is an everyday occurrence in the world we live in today. Players for the Planet gives us all, the opportunity to try to do everything we can to stop this problem from continuing to grow. It’s as easy as just taking that extra step to the recycling bin, instead of the trash can or even the ground. As athletes, we possess the power to impact the youth of America to join in and help improve our Eco-friendly approach. In the long run, it will benefit us all and keep our planet green.”

Russ Ortiz

Pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers

“I believe it is our generation’s responsibility to create a green conscious environment for our children to grow up in.”

Ryan Nece

Linebacker, Detroit Lions

“We all live very busy lives, and sometimes it’s hard to take a moment and understand what is really going on in our environment. If we each applied 1% of our time and effort every day towards thinking about and helping our environment, the world would truly be a better place. That is why I have pledged to donate 1% of my time and effort to helping improve the world around me by becoming more green conscious. I hope that you too will join our movement toward making a difference in the lives next to us and the world around us.”

Suzanne Stonebarger
and Michelle Moore

Women’s AVP tour

“When I was designing the packaging for Signature 23–my skincare line–I wrestled with the amount of plastic I would need to use. I made sure the packaging was recyclable and used the minimal amount possible to achieve the look I wanted. As an athlete, I am amazed by the amount of plastic we use in our daily lives. The plastic water bottles alone make up a huge amount of the refuse left after tournaments. As such, I’m happy to join We Play Green in its mission to radically decrease the use of plastic and to spread its message to as many of my fellow AVP members as possible. We all have to work together to save this planet and reduce our plastic footprint. For me, buying reusable water bottles and recycling plastic are two of the simplest things we can do to heal the earth”.

Suzanne Stonebarger

“WePlayGreen brings us a strong message; that regardless of the fact that it’s going to take a lot of us working together to try and halt the damage we’ve done to the environment, we can do it. It’ easy to look at a problem that seems so huge and decide there is nothing that we, as individuals can do. But if we each do something small – like cut down on our use of plastic – it will have a huge impact. The most powerful movements start with a few people that have a strong purpose. If we all do our small part, we can make a real change.”

Michelle Moore

Randy Wells

Pitcher, Chicago Cubs

“It is truly and honor and a privilege to be able to do my part in association with Players for the Planet to raise awareness and help educate the youth to help preserve are planet. As athletes, we go through and use countless plastic bottles daily. It is vital that we set an example in sports to do our part not only to recycle the necessary containers, but to also make a conscious effort to minimize the amount of plastic and paper cups used throughout the season. If athletes, as a whole, can reach out and make an effort, we can inspire and educate the rest of the world to follow suit. ”