DURHAM, N.C. – With climate change and sustainability efforts prevalent across the globe
, Duke women's basketball and the Duke Office of Climate and Sustainability have partnered together to host a Climate and Sustainability Game Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m., when the Blue Devils host Clemson.
"Duke women's basketball is doing our part to raise awareness and lead action in the move towards sustainability," said head coach
Kara Lawson. "Sports have the powerful ability to drive societal change and hosting our first Green Game does just that. We look forward to supporting the Duke Climate Commitment through these efforts."
The game will highlight Duke Athletics' partnership with the Duke University Climate Commitment, as well as feature how Duke is taking climate action and furthering sustainability. Climate and sustainability efforts will also be spotlighted through various features and activations. The Climate & Sustainability Game is sponsored by Liberty Mutual, who will also be recognized during the game for their proud partnership with Duke Athletics & Duke University.
CLIMATE AND SUSTAINABILITY GAME ACTIVATIONS AND FEATURES:
- 100 Percent Recycled Polyester Nike Shooting Shirts – Duke will don Nike shooting shirts during the game made of 100% recycled polyester, which is composed from plastic bottles which are cleaned, shredded into flakes, converted into pellets, and then spun into a high-quality yarn. According to Nike, in addition to reducing waste, recycled polyester lowers carbon emissions by up to 30% compared to virgin polyester and diverts an average of 1 billion plastic bottles annually from landfills and waterways.
- Pregame 'Devils Doing Good' Pop Up Gear Drive – fans can bring their used or unwanted athletics shoes or basketball apparel to drop off at designated bins located at the entrances to the stadium
- Jordan Wood: Sustainable Fashion Feature Video – Duke sophomore Jordan Wood will showcase her off-court interest in fashion and her efforts to apply sustainable practices through a special video feature to debut on gameday. "My passion for sustainable fashion goes hand-in-hand with Duke women's basketball's commitment to environmental action. I'm proud to be part of a program that not only talks about sustainability but actively demonstrates its importance, inspiring real change both on and off the court."
- 'Dunk for Sustainability' Halftime Mini Dunk Contest – young fans will be selected to show off their basketball skills through a mini dunk contest. Duke student-athlete volunteers will serve as judges, and the winner will be recognized by the Office of Climate and Sustainability and Duke Athletics.
- Green Devil of the Game (Fan of the Game)
"We're proud to support the intersection of athletics and sustainability, while celebrating our student-athletes' competitive spirit and the leadership of our women's basketball program to foster positive environmental action," said Duke Vice President and Director of Duke Athletics,
Nina King. "This commitment to the Climate and Sustainability Game shows how sports can inspire bold action for a sustainable future."
In 2023, Duke Athletics resumed its sustainable gameday initiatives – covering multiple sports. Duke Athletics has been working toward being a sustainable leader, dating back to its
Zero Waste Initiative of 2014. Since then, Duke has taken a hands-on approach to engaging with the Climate Commitment. Over the past two years, through the efforts of the Duke Sustainable Athletics Group – a cohort of athletes dedicated to leading sustainability inspired action – the department has continued building momentum. Through various events including field hockey's
'Bleed Blue Live Green' and football's
'Climate Commitment' game and volleyball's
'Bleed Blue Live Green' match, Sustainable Training Table and the 'Devils Doing Good' Gear Drive, Duke athletics has engaged fans, increased composting efforts and diverted over 1,500 pairs of shoes from landfill.
"From our classrooms to Cameron and throughout our campus, Duke is addressing the climate challenge with meaningful and sustainable actions to advance a resilient, flourishing and sustainable world for all," said
Toddi Steelman, Duke Vice President and Vice Provost for Climate and Sustainability. "Our partnership with Duke Athletics is a prime example of effective leadership – from every part of our athletics, including our talented student athletes focused on improving the world."
For more information and for tickets to the game, sponsored by Liberty Mutual, visit:
https://goduke.evenue.net/promotions/WB-GREEN.
No. 10 Duke returns to the court Monday, Feb. 3, closing out a three-game road swing at in-state rival and No. 17 NC State. The Blue Devils and Wolfpack are set to tip off at 7 p.m., live on ESPN2.
To stay up to date with Duke women's basketball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the YouTube channel by searching "DukeWBB."
50 Seasons of Duke Women's Basketball
The 2024-25 season marks the 50th anniversary of Duke women's basketball, a program rich in tradition, excellence and success. From its early foundations to national dominance, the Blue Devils have become a powerhouse in both athletics and academics. Join us in commemorating five decades of sisterhood, championships and iconic moments as we set the stage for the next 50 years. For more information, please visit goduke.com/WBB50
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