8 Things You Didn't Know About The US Open (PHOTOS)

Last week I got a tour of the US Open with Rita Garza, the Director Public Relations for USTA Pro Tennis and the head of the organization's Green Task Force. Over the last few years the USTA has closely partnered with The Natural Resources Defense Council to "green" The US Open. Making a genuine difference takes way more than putting up a few recycling bins and calling it a day -- it takes a tremendous amount of planning and structural change. The US Open hosts more than 700,000 fans over the course of the event, and I was completely impressed with the USTA's thoughtful efforts and investment in reducing the carbon footprint of the tennis center and the greening of many aspects of their operations. They've also created multi-year plans to go even further with their fantastic efforts. They are truly champions for the cause of greening sporting events.