I recently read that the Washington Nationals brand-new ballpark is the first baseball stadium to achieve LEED certification (Silver) from the US Green Building Council. Among the notable green amenities at Nationals Park: drought resistant landscaping, low-VOC paints, a water filtration system to minimize pollution into nearby Anacostia River and a 6,300 square foot green roof beyond left field to collect rainwater and help cool the roof on hot days.

But the Nationals aren’t the only ballclub playing on greener grass these days. It was also reported that the San Francisco Giants recently installed 590 solar panels on the outside of AT&T Park to power their new scoreboard, among other things. And how about this: the World Champ Boston Red Sox have just teamed up with the Natural Resources Defense Council to make Fenway Park more eco-conscious. Their five-year plan includes an improved recycling program, local grown organic produce at concession stands, and solar power heating for chilly night games.

(Meanwhile, as I write this, the Cubs are on the verge of blowing a 7-0 lead to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ah, the rites of spring…)