Sustainable Celebrations at the WM Phoenix Open
Delving Beyond Golf's Limits and Unveiling the Backstage of WM Phoenix Open
(Scottsdale, AZ) Known for its wild fan behavior, the 2025 WM Phoenix Open at the par 3, 16 hole saw the usual beer shower when Emiliano Grillo aced the hole. But this time around, the cup-tossing tradition took on a new meaning, contributing to an impressive sustainability effort.
Title sponsor WM had banned aluminum cans in 2023 and replaced them with reusable cups. Thousands of these were used at the 16th hole and select suites, with fans encouraged to drop them off in clearly marked bins. The cups were then cleaned, sanitized, and put back into circulation or stored for the following year. Unwittingly or not, the patrons played their part in a green initiative.
The Greenest Sporting Event
WM's commitment to sustainability is nothing new at the Phoenix Open. With over 500,000 to 700,000 people attending each year, ensuring zero waste is quite a feat. However, WM goes beyond being merely eco-friendly. It's anticipated that the 2025 tournament will mark the 13th consecutive year the event receives zero waste certification.
A zero-waste certification means nothing goes to a landfill. No trash cans are needed, and everything that enters the property leaves as recycled, composted, reused, donated, or recovered energy.
Turning Sustainability into a Mission
"Sustainability" is more than just a buzzword for WM and the event hosts, The Thunderbirds. It's a mission-driven mission to reduce waste, conserve energy, and improve communities. Through a data-driven approach, WM tests and modifies processes, making incremental or major changes as necessary.
Reusable Cups and More
WM's mission statement involves reusing materials, utilizing renewable energy, and fostering thriving communities. This vision comes to life at the WM Phoenix Open through various sustainability initiatives, including:
Recycling and Composting
Recycling and composting are essential elements of a zero-waste event. In 2024, over 257 tons of composted material and 802 tons of recycled material were collected. Since 2013, over 17.7 million pounds of waste have been diverted from landfills.
Behind-the-Scenes Efforts
WM's efforts to reduce waste extend beyond the consumer perspective. Construction and demolition materials are reused, donated, or recycled. In 2024, over 21,300 square feet of signage was reused, and 243 tons of building materials were donated to local organizations.
Creativity Meets Sustainability
Apparel is another area where creativity meets sustainability. Mattress manufacturer WM collaborates with Unifi Manufacturing in North Carolina to convert plastic bottles into yarn for high-end apparel brands.
Food and Waste
Food processing and waste management is also prioritized. Doug Janison, M Culinary's director of special events, shared how they reduced waste by serving proteins in one-serving size compostable cups and minimizing single-use items like plastic forks.
WM's Green Scene
WM's Green Scene featured various family-friendly activities that educated attendees about sustainability. Free water refill stations, a recycle toss, and MLB-themed recycling activities were part of the fun.
Sustainable Legacy
By implementing these initiatives, WM seeks to drive economic and environmental value while fostering continuous growth and improvement. According to Tara Hemmer, WM's senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, "In order for something to be sustainable, it has to drive economic and environmental value."
WM Advisory Services offers core services, including analyzing emissions footprints, measuring diversion rates, and demonstrating areas for operational improvement. With their diverse skill set, they aim to help customers achieve their own sustainability goals.
The WM Phoenix Open's ongoing partnership with The Thunderbirds not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also supports local charities. The tournament has raised over $142 million for local causes since WM became the title sponsor in 2012.
A Win-Win for All
Thomas Detry held the trophy on Sunday at the 2025 WM Phoenix Open, but it's safe to say that WM, The Thunderbirds, and the local community all emerged as winners in their shared commitment to sustainability and community impact.
- The TPC Scottsdale, hosting the WM Phoenix Open, is renowned worldwide, with its 2025 edition showcasing the fusion of traditional fan behavior and sustainable practices at the par 3, 16 hole.
- Unifi Manufacturing in North Carolina collaborates with WM, the title sponsor, in creating eco-friendly apparel by converting plastic bottles into yarn for high-end brands.
- At the 2025 WM Phoenix Open, the PGA Tour recognized The People's Open for its commitment to sustainability, aiming to minimize waste and maximize recycling during the event.
- The Thunderbirds, event hosts, work alongside WM to ensure the WM Phoenix Open Working for Tomorrow Fund, focusing on recycling initiatives, adheres to their mission-driven goal of reducing waste and conserving energy.
- Layoffs at the coliseum were averted thanks to WM's investment in recycling technology, allowing them to repurpose materials and reduce waste generation, thereby maintaining the continuity of operations.
- The H3 event hosted at the WM Phoenix Open showcased the impact of recycling, with participants really seeing the transformation of waste materials into reusable resources, inspiring them to adopt similar practices in their own lives.
- The WM Phoenix Open's green initiatives, including recycling and composting, have led to significant reductions in landfill waste, allowing the event to maintain its commitment to becoming the 'greenest show on earth.'
