Jordan!

After that Russian novel of a review of The Hurt Locker (bottom line: it was really, really bad) I figure I have all my negativity demons exorcised, and can now focus on something less worthy, but not completely spared, of my wrath.

Let's talk LEED certification! Specifically of the Rose Garden.

So if you follow my blog religiously (and who doesn't, really? It's kind of the thing to do.) You saw a post about the Rose Garden being LEED certified. Pretty cool stuff, as it was the first major sports arena to have that honor.

The release from the Trail Blazers (the arena's primary team), is chock full of token "check our green-steez" flexing and what not. But it does detail some of the practices that helped it garner the certification.

The Rose Garden has a sorting program that ensures that 60% of waste is recycled, which, combined with "extensive" recycling stations for attendees, prevents 800 tons of waste from going into landfills each year.

You've got to love a word like extensive. So vague. So versatile.

The arena also purchases energy from 100% renewable sources, courtesy of Pacific Power and NW Natural, as well as only serving locally made food. Which might explain why a hot dog is seventeen dollars.

Perhaps the biggest reason behind the LEED certification is the transportation programs enacted by the Rose Garden. Situated next to a light rail stop, 30% of attendees use public transportation or bikes to reach the arena. I can personally vouch for that, as elbow room is not plentiful on MAX rides to Blazers games, and the bike racks outside the arena truly are extensive. The Trail Blazers also subsidize transit passes for all staff.

No word on players being encouraged to carpool in their comically oversized SUVs.