Texans president Jamey Rootes officially announced the team's new recycling program at City Hall on Wedensday.
The Houston Texans had the floor at the Houston City Council chambers on Wednesday morning as Texans president Jamey Rootes formally announced the Texans’ new recycling initiative that will begin with the Liberty White Kickoff game on Sept. 9.
Rootes presented Mayor Bill White with a #1 "White" jersey to commemorate the announcement of the initiative, a collaborative effort between the Texans and Waste Management, Aramark and Waste Management Recycle America that will allow fans to begin recycling during Texans home games at Reliant Stadium.
Members of the American Leadership Forum, which first pitched the idea to the Texans, were also in attendance. Forum member Minh Tran spoke admiringly of the Texans after the presentation.
"This was a major monumental feat," Tran said. "The Texans were the first group to respond positively when money was of no object. They're donating all of the money they make off of this to charity, as well.
"The Texans are like a first-class citizen. Others in the city see the Texans do it and decide they want to do it, too."
That's exactly what the Texans are hoping. As part of the "I Care" recycling effort, recycling bins will be set up throughout the stadium, including the Texans' front office, locker room, weight room and cafeteria, to encourage fans and team employees to develop consistent recycling habits.
Tran says that other prominent Houston organizations have already taken notice.
"Because of the Texans, other Houston pro teams are getting involved, as well," Tran said. "The Astros are already doing it. The Rockets will be eventually, too."
Then let the campaign begin.
"The Texans are going white on Sept. 9," Rootes said before the City Council as he presented the personalized Texans jersey to Mayor White. "But more importantly, for the whole season, we're going green."
