In a significant move toward sustainability, Climate Pledge Arena has partnered with Portland-based startup Bold Reuse to implement a comprehensive reusable cup program across all its events. The initiative will launch during this Saturday’s Seattle Storm WNBA game, marking a transition away from the arena’s previous recyclable aluminum cups system.
The new program features durable cups that patrons can return to designated collection bins throughout the venue. Bold Reuse manages the entire process, including collection, professional sanitization, and redistribution of the cups for future use. The system will be implemented across all events at the arena, from Seattle Kraken hockey games to concerts and other entertainment offerings.
This initiative aligns with Climate Pledge Arena’s established environmental leadership, building on its 2023 achievement as the world’s first sports venue to receive Zero Carbon certification from the sustainable buildings nonprofit sector. The arena, named after Amazon and Global Optimism’s Climate Pledge initiative, reflects the broader commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Bold Reuse, which began as GO Box in 2011 providing reusable takeout containers, has evolved significantly under CEO Jocelyn Quarrell’s leadership since her 2018 acquisition of the company. The startup expanded into Seattle in early 2024, establishing a 9,000-square-foot dishwashing facility in the city’s Chinatown-International District.
The company recently implemented an innovative RFID tracking pilot program in partnership with Avery Dennison, monitoring cups throughout their lifecycle at Portland venues including Moda Center and Providence Park. In Seattle, Bold Reuse’s presence extends beyond Climate Pledge Arena, serving Woodland Park Zoo’s ZooTunes concerts and SIFF Cinema Downtown, with plans to expand to WAMU Theater.
Bold Reuse’s impact in the sports venue sector continues to grow, as evidenced by their recent partnership with the Kansas City Chiefs, making them the first NFL team to implement stadium-wide reusable cups for all events. This expansion demonstrates the increasing adoption of sustainable practices in major sports and entertainment venues across the country.
The reusable cup program represents another step in Climate Pledge Arena’s comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship, furthering its mission to eliminate waste and reduce environmental impact in the sports and entertainment industry.