The Oneida Indian Nation is partnering with the prestigious Environmental Media Association to ensure the inaugural Turning Stone Resort Championship, an official PGA Tour event to be held at the Nation's Atunyote Golf Course, is as environmentally friendly as possible.

As many as 100,000 people are expected to attend the Turning Stone Resort Championship this week. In an effort to "go for the green," the Oneida Indian Nation, owners of Turning Stone Resort, has sought the advice and practical input of EMA, whose mission is to serve as a link between the entertainment industry and the environmental community.

"All courses at Turning Stone, including Atunyote, have been developed and maintained to strict environmental standards, and we at the Oneida Indian Nation are proud of what has been achieved here," says Ray Halbritter, nation representative and CEO. "Our friends at EMA are helping us to lead by example. Their profound practical knowledge of all things 'green' and their skill at communicating that environmental information to the media and the general public have been invaluable."

Matt Falvo, GCSAA superintendent at Atunyote Golf Club, and his staff are contributing by changing the maintenance carts to electric, switching all hydraulic oil in mowers to environmentally friendly BASF Plurasafe fluid, and working toward Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification.

Printed materials, such as the tournament's credentials, parking tags, and employee and volunteer handbooks are printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink. The same goes for other printed items, including the daily pairings panel, the fan guide, the media guide, and the pro-am guide.

Pencils, merchandise bags, and even the liners in the trash cans around the course are made from recycled materials. And there are dozens of recycling bins on the course to encourage fans, volunteers and tournament staff to do their part in keeping the event green.

Snacks will be served on biodegradable, disposable plates and trays and cups are made from Nebraska corn, a 100 percent renewable resource.

Since Turning Stone was built in 1993, the Nation has had a policy of pursuing sustainable development. That has meant ensuring that its environmental policies meet or exceed the goals of the state and federal standards and looking for ways to incorporate reusable resources into its everyday practices. Since 1999, the Nation has maintained strict environmental policies that are aimed at controlling waste production, reducing pollution and promoting the wise use of natural resources in the design and construction of any facility on Nation lands.