NBA Star DeAndre Jordan Leads New Environmental Initiative

Denver Nuggets center DeAndre Jordan, who adopted a plant-based diet in 2018, is leading the Green Action League campaign. He aims to inspire fans to engage in sustainable practices, stating his desire to “make our world a better place”. Jordan, a three-time All-NBA selection and two-time NBA All-Defensive Team member, also hosts a plant-based cooking show and facilitates tree planting initiatives via his foundation. He conveyed to BBC Sport, “I care so much about the environment.” Jordan, instrumental in the Nuggets’ inaugural NBA championship victory in 2023, mentioned previously trying vegetarian and pescatarian diets. He recounted, “I went plant-based one summer and I was like, ‘hey, you know what, I feel really great’.” The 36-year-old, currently pursuing a degree in Contemplative Studies at Brown University, indicated that his choice to abstain from animal products also improved his feelings regarding environmental concerns and animal cruelty. He explained, “I learned so much about food being locally sourced or how animals were treated, the amount of water that was used to house and feed and clean these animals and the impact it was having on our planet.” He added, “I went into this rabbit hole of how I myself, as one person can not only help, but also spread the knowledge that I’ve learned.” The United Nations reports that meat and dairy, specifically farmed livestock, contribute approximately 11%, external, of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. External research featured in the journal Climate indicates that a global shift to veganism could potentially reduce the world’s food-related CO2 emissions by 68% over 15 years. Jordan stated that he does not pressure his teammates to adopt a vegan diet but is available to address their inquiries. He commented, “I feel like it’s my job to give them the bullet points and then they can make the decisions on their own.” Jordan clarified that he does not insist on people committing to veganism permanently. He remarked, “Whatever part of your journey you’re in, you should be able to embrace that. If you go plant-based for one year, that’s a year of great service you’ve done for the environment.” Jordan mentioned his efforts to educate his children about food and the environment, noting, “They have a 30-year head start to make our environment better.” Jordan is the prominent figure in a new initiative named the Green Action League. This campaign motivates fans of diverse sports teams to advance in a league table by engaging in environmentally friendly activities, including recycling, opting for plant-based meals, or participating in community clean-ups. The participating teams—the Nuggets, Arsenal, Los Angeles Rams, and Colorado Avalanche—are all under the ownership of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment (KSE). NBA teams typically cover extensive distances across the United States during their playing schedules. In recent years, the organization has modified its scheduling to minimize travel. For example, teams might play both the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, both Florida-based teams, during a single trip. Earth Day reports that the NBA reduced its annual total travel by 50,000 miles during the 2022-23 season. Justin Zeulner of The Wave Foundation states that fan travel can constitute 65-80%, external, of the event industry’s carbon footprint. Additionally, the NBA organizes games internationally, with the Nuggets commencing their 2024 pre-season schedule by playing two games in Abu Dhabi. Jordan commented, “For our jobs, sometimes we can’t help that we do have to travel.” He further reflected, “In my mind, I’m thinking, if I have to do this, then why not have some sort of change in my everyday life to be able to help reverse certain things?” Under the UN Sport for Climate Action Framework, the NBA has set a goal to decrease its carbon footprint by 50%, external, by 2030. Other efforts by the league include an 80% reduction in plastic bottles used in offices and the establishment of an NBA Arena Sustainability Task Force. Jordan recalled, “I remember when I first came into the league, we’d have NBA Green Week and we’d wear Green Week shirts with a recycling logo on it, but that was pretty much it.” He added, “As the years have gone on, we’ve done a better job of being able to implement these ideas into the arenas.” Earlier this week, Arsenal’s strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 received approval from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Their external net-zero plan encompasses decarbonizing energy use at Emirates Stadium and the training ground, cutting travel-related emissions, reducing waste, and collaborating with partners and suppliers to lower emissions from club purchases.