Are You A FOODIE?

Being Green on the Green

Shades of Green

by Betsy McGovern-Garcia

Growing up in Iowa, the days that you could go golfing were limited to the spring and summer months.  With winter temperatures below zero, and two feet of snow in the winter, it was nearly impossible to golf year-round.  Some of my die-hard golf buddies would get creative, and make golf into a winter game using florescent balls and snow shoes.  Other golf enthusiasts would get out to the course as soon as the snow cleared and temps were above 45 degrees.  I never understood this passion for the sport, nor do I play.  One thing is for sure, though, most golfers get the sport in their blood, and will do anything for the perfect day on the golf course.
So how do you reconcile this love of the sport, with your desire to leave as minimal of a footprint as possible, on the environment, as a result of your hobby.  In the United States, it is estimated that over 300 million golf balls are discarded each year, and most of them are made with heavy-metal pollutants like cobalt and lead.  There are many things you can do to continue your love of the game, while sparing resources, protecting our waterways, and golfing with shades of green.  Next time you hit the course, try a few of the following:
·    Take a shot with recycled or recyclable golf balls. There are new brands made from recycled materials, such as Wilson Eco-Cores.  They are approximately 15/$15, are made from recycled car tires, and they comply with all U.S. Golf Association regulations.  You could also try purchasing your golf balls from Dixon Golf.  They are 100% recyclable and are made with renewable materials.  They also have a program that pays you to return used golf balls.  So work on your game, keep your shots out of the water hazards, and return used balls for a credit to buy new green golf balls.
·    To reduce waste from your favorite sport, consider using biodegradable tees. Eco Golf has a biodegrade tee ($3/30) that breaks down in about 60 days when exposed to the elements.  This alternative beats wood tees, which are usually stained with a nongreen finishes, and plastic tees never biodegrade.
·    As always, pack a reusable water bottle with cold water, so you are prepared when thirst strikes, and do not need to buy bottled water on the course.
·    Search for courses that are sustainable in their landscaping practices.  This includes lawn maintenance practices that use fewer pesticides, applying chemicals sparingly, and using weed resistance grasses.  Maintenance crews can also implement hydrozoning, where plants with similar water needs are planted together, and landscape design considers microclimates, so plants that tolerate more heat and wind are placed near the street, while more sensitive species are planted in the shade.  Using a drip system and a computerized irrigation system can also reduce water needs.

Visit http://golfandenvironment.com/ to find a list of eco-friendly golf courses.  Also, don’t be afraid to ask your local golf course what they are doing to help conserve resources and protect the local habitat.
Learn more about Dixon Golf’s golf ball recycling program at www.dixongolf.com

Eco Golf offers degradable tees, water soluble and recycled balls, hemp caps and natural towels.  www.ecogolf.com/

For additional information about eco-friendly golf, visit www.golfandenviroment.com. Golf & the Environment is a partnership of the United States Golf Association, The PGA of America, and Audubon International dedicated to the game of golf and the protection and enhancement of our natural environment.