More than 25 Trees Planted In Indianapolis Park During Earth Week as Part of Threes for Trees (#3sforTrees) Promotional Campaign

Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) partnered with the Indiana Pacers and Republic Services (who is also a partner of KIB’s Great Indy Cleanup) during the Pacers’ Sustainability Week, which took place March 19-25. In addition to giving KIB opportunities to share its work with Pacers fans, KIB’s Youth Tree Team got to participate in a pre-game High Five Club with the Pacers and go down onto the court during half time.

Part of the KIB/Pacers partnership was a Threes for Trees (#3sforTrees) promotional campaign to educate Pacers’ fans about the importance of urban trees. For every three-pointer made by the Pacers during the Sustainability Week’s three home games, the Pacers committed to planting a tree during Earth Week. The team made a total of 25 three-pointers! As a result, members of the Pacers Sport & Entertainment (PS&E) organization, the Pacemates (dance/cheer team), and their partners from Republic Services, the Indianapolis Police Department and the Indianapolis Fire Department volunteered to plant the trees in Indianapolis’ Christina Oaks Park on April 17. Because there was room for 33 trees in the park, the group was able to plant eight extra trees beyond the 25 they sponsored.

Check out the Threes for Trees video on NBA.com!

In addition to the Sustainability Week activities and the Earth Week tree planting, Pacers all-star Victor Oladipo filmed a public service announcement with Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett to remind Indianapolis residents to keep their hometown clean and litter-free. The PSA is part of an initiative to raise awareness about civic engagement and care called “It’s My City” that Indianapolis and KIB are partners on.

PS&E wants to set an example as it continues to improve the environmental performance of the Pacers’ organization as well as help spread the message to fans.In addition, through NBA Green, the NBA has partnered with the Green Sports Alliance to generate awareness and funds for protecting the environment. The NBA is taking steps to be more environmentally friendly and will continue to explore ways of reducing its impact on the environment through community outreach programs, generating awareness among fans and greening its operations.