Mann Center Has Gone Green on Planet Earth (Live) – Initiative for the Performing Arts

Last night, I enjoyed a lovely evening out for the Philadelphia Orchestra’s Planet Earth Live show at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts. Images of wildlife, seasons, Mt Everest, and the tundra were beautifully accompanied by the Orchestra’s music.  Some of the most beautiful scenes were of caves (who knew you could skydive into some of them?!?) and the polar bears playing were definitely drawing ‘oohs & ahhs from the crowd. Composer George Fenton set up each piece by previewing why each location was significant and what we’d be seeing next.

What was more fitting was that this show took place in the open air Mann Center on a beautiful summer night… and the Mann recently launched a new green initiative to celebrate 75 years of music in the park!

Green changes the Mann has implemented include:

• Promotion of eco-friendly transportation
• Installation of secure bike racks
• Recycling of glass, plastic, paper and aluminum
• More energy-efficient lighting practices
• New trash compactors are reducing the number of trash pickups from weekly to bi-monthly
• Greening its cleaning methods.  Housekeeping staff now use designated green cleaning products, have eliminated the use of aerosol products, and utilize dry sweeping and air blowing to clean the venue rather than water broom methods.
• Green contractual requirements for on-site concessionaire Starr Catering to limit environmental impacts.
• Giveaways of Spruce seedlings during last night’s Planet Earth – I sense Charlie Brown Christmas trees this winter!

As a member of PA Environmental Council’s Greater Philadelphia Green Business Program, The Mann Center strives to preserve and protect the natural beauty of its home while positively contributing to natural resources and the environment.  “With our home in Philadelphia’s stunning Fairmount Park, we are naturally eco-friendly,” said Catherine Cahill, president and CEO of The Mann. “By launching our green initiative program and implementing new sustainable practices, we aim to raise the bar for green practices at performance venues nationwide and attract a whole new generation of green concertgoers.”

The Mann estimates it will recycle approximately 8 tons of materials throughout the summer.  With recent shows like Passion Pit and Cheap Trick and upcoming acts Arcade Fire, Spoon, MGMT, Rufus Wainwright, Keane, Ingrid Michaelson and Cake, there’s lots of opportunities to recycle & check out this venue!

You can learn more about The Mann on Facebook or Twitter.

Posted by Julie

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher