ONE BALL AT A TIME
Collect. Recycle. Reuse.
Globally, the annual production of tennis balls surpasses an impressive figure of 300 million units. It is important to understand that these tennis balls are intended to be single use and non-biodegradable. Consequently, each year, a substantial number of approximately 125 million tennis balls are discarded within the United States alone, often finding their final resting place in landfills. It has been estimated that the decomposition process for a tennis ball can span an extensive period of 400 years.
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By spreading this information across our community, we hope to discourage careless practices such as launching tennis balls over fences or discarding them in the trash. Instead, we encourage individuals to consider putting these balls back into play. By fostering a sense of responsibility and providing a way to take action, we can make a meaningful impact in preserving the environment while continuing enjoying the sport we love.
THE LIFE OF A TENNIS BALL
FIRST USE
2-6 Hours
Typically, players open a fresh can of balls at the start at the start of a match or practice. These balls can be used for a couple of hours before they lose their initial pressure and are often considered "dead" by advanced players.
SECOND USE
10-15 Days
Most tennis facilities extend the life of tennis balls by keeping and reusing them in group clinics or lessons, lasting up to a week or two before discarding them.
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LANDFILLS
400 Years
Without proper recycling, these balls end up in the trash and eventually in landfills, slowly decomposing for the next 400 years.
WHO WE ARE
Our Vision
As competitive junior athletes, we have a firsthand understanding of the issue at hand and acknowledge the damage that our beloved sport bears upon the environment. By taking action using our own connections and resources, we hope to inspire others to curb complacency and work towards a brighter and greener future. We are committed to achieving our vision in every way we can to both give back to our community and honor our sport.
WAYS WE HELP
Our Mission
Our non-profit organization works to provide a recycling program for tennis facilities that may not have the necessary means to effectively recycle balls. Utilizing our connections with coaches and fellow players across the tennis community, we have established courtside recycling bins at dozens of local tennis clubs and courts. These balls will later be collected by a volunteer before being sent to our partners for repurposing and recycling.
HIGH SCHOOL COURTS
Helping Our Schools
As student athletes, we often play at many nearby high schools. We use our involvement with these schools as an opportunity to grow our program and reach tennis players across the region. Several of our collection boxes have already been established at various schools across the district and we are currently working to increase this number in the future.
PRIVATE FACILITIES
Commitment to Our Community
In our years of competition and training, we have had the opportunity to visit and play at numerous private clubs. As such, we know many coaches and players that support our cause. Our project extends through our supporters to establish an effective and impactful ball collection system.
PUBLIC CITY COURTS
Extending Our Reach
As one of the largest tennis regions in the country, southern California's many public courts are visited by dozens of players each day. With permission from the city, our boxes are set up at these courts as a further outlet for ball collection. Not only does this help us with our waste reduction goals, but it also promotes our project to new people in the community.
"IT IS IN OUR HANDS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE"
- Nelson Mandela