The Portland Trail Blazers have announced an expansion of the groundbreaking Rip City Reuse program to include all fountain beverages inside Moda Center. The expansion to include fountain beverages means that every member of Rip City can participate in the program and aid in Moda Centers zero waste journey. Learn more at Trailblazers.com/reuse.

Rip City Reuse, the first-of-its-kind reusable foodware program launched in 2022, continues the organization’s commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact, including taking bold steps to eliminate single-use waste. In the first year of the full arena-wide reusable cup program, the organization and its fans eliminated half a million cups, equal to 27,000 pounds of waste eliminated from landfills. By expanding the program to include fountain cups, which all fans can enjoy, the impact of the program will increase significantly. Coca-Cola, the exclusive soft drink of the Portland Trail Blazers, will also adorn the reusable cups.

“We’re thrilled to expand Rip City Reuse so that every fan in the Moda Center can be part of our journey toward zero waste,” said Brittany Saulsbury, Sustainability Operations Manager for the Portland Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter. “We have seen the impact this program has on our operations and our fan experience, having eliminated over half a million cups from our waste stream in one year, and that was only with alcoholic beverages. By extending reusables to all drinks, we’re setting a new standard and hope to inspire other venues—and fans everywhere—to make reuse an everyday choice.”

"Partnering with the Portland Trail Blazers to expand Rip City Reuse to include fountain beverages marks a significant milestone in our shared mission to redefine sustainability in sports," said Heather Watkins, Co-Founder of Bold Reuse. "Together, we're creating a future where reusables are the norm, showing that lasting change is possible when fans and teams unite in the fight against waste. This expansion not only amplifies the environmental benefits but also strengthens the community’s role in driving Moda Center’s zero-waste journey. We’re excited to continue pushing boundaries and inspiring fans and teams across the country to choose reuse!"

Fans can easily participate in the Rip City Reuse program throughout the arena, where reusable drinkware is the automatic option at no extra cost. After use, fans simply return their cups to any Rip City Reuse bin. In partnership with Bold Reuse, a local, women-owned business, all cups are collected, cleaned, and sanitized for reuse at future events, making sustainability simple and community-driven. Bold Reuse follows state and federal food code requirements and guidelines related to the safe and sanitary washing, drying and transporting of reusable containers, the same as for durable plates, glasses and silverware used at restaurants.

Studies have shown reusables surpass single-use options on every environmental scale. While it does require water and energy to wash and sanitize the cups, the overall environmental impact of reusables is substantially less than single-use and even compostable cups over the lifetime of the reusable. The program is a small part of the organization’s sustainability program, with the cups being sourced from Waddington North America, a sister company of Eco-Products, a Trail Blazers Official Zero Waste Partner.

Rip City Reuse cups are made of BPA-free polypropylene #5, generally considered one of the safest choices for plastic products (other #5 products include yogurt cups and baby bottles) and are highly resistant to heat transfer while maintaining durability throughout use. While by no means perfect, plastic is lightweight and durable, which are all important criteria for reusable packaging and fan safety in an arena setting.

Source: Portland Trail Blazers