National Basketball Association

NBA's 'Green Week' begins Thursday

Published Apr. 1, 2010 5:23 a.m. ET

foxsports

The basketballs and shirts made from recycled materials make a difference, but Steve Nash says they are only part of the benefit of the NBA's ``green week.''

``I think more importantly it sends a message,'' the Phoenix Suns' All-Star guard said. ``It gets people thinking and asking questions, and then the more people that are able to affect their lifestyle and be a part of that movement, the better chance we have to curb the problem of global warming.''

The NBA kicked off its second annual green week Thursday, with a number of activities planned to show ways to protect the environment.

Players will wear 50 percent recycled polyester shooting shirts and the NBA will auction off autographed basketballs on its Web site made from 40 percent recycled materials, with proceeds going to its partner, the Natural Resources Defense Council. All teams will host community events and hold promotions designed to encourage fans to adopt green habits. The league also will set up a Web site at www.nba.com/green to offer tips.

Green week runs through April 9, and Nash, who drives a hybrid car and has solar panels in his home, hopes it will influence fans to change some of their habits.

``It's important for us to be conscious of our impact on the environment,'' he said, ``try to cater our lifestyle to sustainability for the long-term benefit of the planet.''