Toronto – Direct Energy Centre and Centerplate are committed to implementing measures that reduce waste, conserve natural resources and respect all species in order to become better stewards of land, air and water.   In conjunction with the opening of the very successful Green Living Show, Centerplate launched a compostable packaging recycling program which included compostable: hot and cold cups, lids and straws, plates, napkins, utensils, salad packaging & dressing containers, and wraps & sandwich packaging in all of the venue’s concession stands.  Direct Energy Centre complimented the additional recycling efforts by rolling out a new 4-stream recycling bin which can accept; paper, plastic & cans, compostable food waste and litter. 

To assist the public in understanding the compostable packaging recycling program, Centerplate installed signs at all of their concessions stands to educate guests on the proper methods of disposing products.  To support the initiative, Direct Energy Centre posted staff at the 4-stream recycling bins to personally assist guests in sorting their waste and recyclables.

Direct Energy Centre and Centerplate have been in the forefront of sustainable energy initiatives.  There are a number of programs currently in place which include the recycling of bottles, cans, cardboard, cooking oil, office paper and food waste.  Centerplate works with local agencies to donate perishable foods to shelters and food banks in the City of Toronto and food waste is collected and donated to local farmers. 

“We are committed to being proactive in our efforts to introduce green initiatives at Direct Energy Centre that improve the environment in Toronto and throughout Canada,” said Arlene Campbell, General Manager of Direct Energy Centre.  She added, “To this end, our food service provider, Centerplate has committed to a number of procedures and measures that will significantly reduce waste at the Centre this year.  In addition, Centerplate is working with its chefs to develop menu items that eliminate man-made Trans fats at its facilities in 2007 which allows consumers to have healthier food options.”

About Centerplate

Centerplate is a leading provider of food and related services, including concessions, catering and merchandise services, in hundreds of sports facilities, convention centers and other entertainment facilities in the US and Canada. Clients include 10 National Football League teams, 6 Major League Baseball teams, 25 minor league parks, and teams from the National Basketball Association and National Hockey League, as well as major arenas, race tracks, theme parks and more.  Centerplate has provided services to some of the highest-profile sports championships and other events, including 24 World Series Games, 10 Super Bowls, 9 NCAA Final Four Men's Basketball Tournaments, 14 World Cup Soccer Games and 9 U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls. www.centerplate.com

About Direct Energy Centre

Direct Energy Centre is an award winning exhibition and convention centre which plays host to over 180 exhibitions, meetings, conventions and special events each year.   Owned and operated by the City of Toronto, the facility is an integral program of Exhibition Place which is governed by The Board of Governors of Exhibition Place.  Exhibition Place and Direct Energy Centre are committed to be a world leader in energy-efficient technologies.  Some of our environmental initiatives include: a goal of energy self-sufficiency by 2010; waste-diversion recycling programs rendering the venue 70% waste-free by 2008; a wind turbine producing 1 million kilowatt hours of energy annually; hydrogen fuel-cells to power utility vehicles; an urban forestry program including lake-water irrigation of the site; venue naming rights with fees earmarked for energy conservation projects, and a tri-generation program using a natural gas-fired generator to satisfy 30% of the venues energy needs.  www.directenergycentre.com