In the realm of sports, the sport of tennis is not commonly associated with sustainability. However, a staggering 125 million tennis balls are discarded in landfills annually in the United States alone, contributing to approximately 20,000 metric tons of rubber waste. This situation serves as a stark indication of the environmental impact of this cherished sport.
To address this pressing issue, a national, student-led non-profit organization named Serve2Sustain has taken up the challenge of transforming tennis into a more eco-friendly activity. What is particularly noteworthy is that this initiative is spearheaded by teenagers from Westport. The members of Serve2Sustain are collaborating with local tennis clubs to gather used tennis balls and prevent them from adding to the growing mounds of rubber waste in landfills.
The collected tennis balls are then transported to recycling facilities, where advanced machinery is utilized to separate the materials for reuse. Subsequently, these recycled materials are provided to companies such as RecycleBalls and Laykold, which supply the rubber crumbs used to construct tennis courts for prestigious events like the US Open.
The students involved in Serve2Sustain are not only ardent about the sport but are also deeply dedicated to making a positive environmental impact. They raise funds to cover the costs of transporting the tennis balls to the recycling centers and actively collect used tennis balls from local clubs in their area. It is genuinely heartening to witness young individuals taking proactive steps towards sustainability.
The organization was founded by Shreyas Gorre, a junior at Staples High School, and Ari Fayne, a sophomore in Chicago. Both of them are enthusiastic tennis players who crossed paths through the Wharton Global Youth Program at the University of Pennsylvania, where they studied entrepreneurship. Joining them in their mission are Lucas Ceballos-Cala and Noah Wolff, who are also students at Staples High School and serve as national vice presidents of operations and outreach for Serve2Sustain.
The local chapter of Serve2Sustain has solidified partnerships with Intensity Racquet Club and Westchester Tennis Center in Port Chester. Members of the organization diligently collect used tennis balls from these clubs every month and ensure that they are dispatched for recycling. Their efforts are truly commendable, and they aspire to involve more clubs and players in this eco-friendly initiative.
Looking forward, the members of Serve2Sustain have ambitious plans to broaden their reach and impact. They are actively seeking to collaborate with more tennis clubs and players who are willing to contribute towards this meaningful cause. Anyone interested in supporting their initiative or has queries may reach out to them via email at [email protected]. Moreover, contributions to aid their cause can be made by clicking here, and for more information about Serve2Sustain’s national operations, interested individuals can click here.
It is genuinely inspiring to witness such dedicated and environmentally-conscious young individuals working towards making tennis a more sustainable sport. Their determination and passion serve as a testament to the power of youth in propelling positive change in the world. Through taking small steps, such as recycling tennis balls, they are contributing to a cleaner and greener future for our planet. Let us all take a cue from their playbook and support initiatives that promote a healthier environment for future generations.