Clean Changes

Here are a few ways athletes, coaches and sports fans can make some clean changes on this Earth Day.

Re-use knowledge. Go to the library and check out a book on the best “clean-up” hitter ever--Lou Gehrig. Or, try digging up any “dirt” on the do-good Latino great, Roberto Clemente.

Reduce your electric bill. Turn off the air conditioner and go to the local YMCA for a swim. You will be supporting the neighborhood and staying cool. It’s a win-win.

Turn off those engines. Bike to work once a week and you won’t be polluting the air. Plus, you will save money on gas and get some exercise.

Save paper. Read about your favorite team or scroll the box scores online.

Develop a reputation as the team captain for recycling and saving the planet.

Clean up the game if you coach baseball at any level. Discourage steroid use.

If you are on a traveling soccer team, car pool to away games. It isn’t necessary for each player to arrive in separate cars. Quality team bonding time is an added bonus.

Football fans who tailgate before their team kicks off: use silverware and dishes from your kitchen instead of plastic cutlery and paper plates.

Share a tennis court. Play doubles instead of singles. You might also spend less on court rentals this way. And you can mix and match partners.

Instead of throwing away golf balls after a round of 18 holes, save the used balls for the driving range when you want to get out your anger.

Don’t toss tennis balls in the trash, even if they are dead. Nursing homes use old balls on the bottoms of chairs for handicapped residents. Teachers also like to collect them for classroom chairs.

Snack on organic and eco-friendly cereal as pre-workout fuel before hitting the gym. Try any variety of the Nature’s Path brand.

Take a walk on the beach. While you sweat it out, pick up any trash you come across too. You will be helping the sea creatures and cleaning up the beach. You might find some nifty seashells as well.

Donate old bikes or baseball gloves to kids who are financially unable to afford them.

College athletic directors: cut travel costs and save the environment by scheduling a few volleyball or baseball doubleheaders each year.

Turn off the lights. Instead of shooting hoops inside, head for the park and challenge the local kids to a game of H.O.R.S.E..

Be smart. Keep your sporting equipment in tip-top shape so it will last longer. Most sports do not require brand new equipment every season.

Persuade your teammates to use water bottles whenever they can. A lot of players rely too much on carbonated beverages and sports drinks from vending machines. It’s bad enough they spending loose change, but most don’t think about recycling the containers afterwards. Water bottles can be washed out and used time and again. Hey, you might even discover a new good luck charm in your signature water bottle.

If you’re a retired professional athlete, it is semi-popular to “recycle” your career. Announce your return to the game!

Be a creative fan. Don’t toss worn out baseball cards, postcards or snapshots. Make a scrapbook or keepsake to remember your team for years to come.

Listen to environmentally-friendly, R.E.M., on a battery-powered Discman while lifting weights.

Shut down the treadmill and jog outside. Find a trail or take a hike while enjoying nature.

Be a clean hockey fan. Don’t litter the aisle with hotdog wrappers or leave your empty soda cup under your arena seat.

Become a savvy athlete by hitting up thrift stores for warm up pants or offer to sell outgrown uniforms to others.

Make changes where everyone benefits. Plant a tree near your favorite skateboard park.

Parting points: Far from the “cleanest” television show, but Happy Birthday to the late, Aaron Spelling, producer of 90210.