St. Paul's RiverCentre ups conservation goals to reduce the carbon footprint at the convention center, Xcel Energy Center and Wilkins Auditorium; the complex is also using federal stimulus funds to replace parking-ramp lighting -- cutting energy consumption by an estimated 47 percent -- and working with Xcel Energy Center to reduce solid waste coming out of the auditorium/arena/convention-center complex.

Earth Day is an auspicious time for sports teams to show off the strides they've made on the environmental front, especially when a promotion can be combined with the effort. Tomorrow night the Frederck Keys will show off the enviromental strides they've made at Harry Grove Stadium, which includes auto-flush valves on toilets and urinals, an LED scoreboard that burns less power than the old one, and new green lights.Goodwi

The Bowling Green Hot Rods (Low Class A; Sally League) announced a new green-based three-year partnership with Service One Credit Union. The financial institution will have naming rights for the grass berm in right field at Bowling Green Ballpark and the new grass seating section set to open for the 2010 season in center field.

Practicing environmental sustainability is a responsibility that can be shared by all. This past season, Vancouver Whitecaps FC made significant efforts as a professional sports franchise to improve the recycling and composting of solid waste at home matches.

Portland's Memorial Coliseum -- once slated for the slagheap -- could be transformed into a public market or community center, as plans for its reuse are evaluated by the Portland Development Commission.