May 22 2008
Planet Green is the first and only 24-hour eco-lifestyle television network from Discovery Communications. Launching June 4, the network is coming to Indianapolis over Memorial Day weekend to spread a little green to the largest attended single-day sporting event in the world. Planet Green is teaming up with the IndyCar Series to offer a greener experience at this year's Indy 500, and to educate fans about how they can help the environment.
Sunday, May 25, during “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” Planet Green’s on-air talent will offer race fans tips throughout the day on little things they can do to make a difference. Via Jumbotron messages at the track, Tom Bergeron of Planet Green’s new series SUPPER CLUB talks about the merits of drinking organic beer and eating locally-sourced food; Emeril Lagasse from EMERIL GREEN will ask fans to act responsibly when they tailgate and offer ideas about reusable items; Tommy Lee and Chris “Ludacris” Bridges from BATTLEGROUND EARTH will make fans aware of all of the recycling bins available on the race grounds; and Steve Thomas from RENOVATION NATION will offer tips on green home improvement.
After the last car has rounded the track and all of the fans have left the Brickyard, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s greening efforts will still be in full swing. On Monday, May 26, Planet Green will outfit the Indy clean-up and recycling crew in organic cotton Planet Green “Green Team” t-shirts before they get to work on the enormous day-after clean up. The network will also provide additional volunteers to help pitch in with the clean up efforts. The crew will make sure the Speedway and most of the garbage produced during the race is sorted, and those items that can be recycled are put in proper containers and taken to recycling centers. The clean-up will be captured on film and featured as a special part of Planet Green’s new series THE “G” WORD with “Garbologist” Todd Sutton.