WM Phoenix Open Debuts Sweet Treat for Sustainability

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – January 05, 2026 – At the upcoming 2026 WM Phoenix Open, attendees will have a new way to participate in the event's renowned sustainability mission, and it comes in the form of a cold, sweet treat. WM, the tournament's title sponsor and a leader in environmental solutions, is partnering with celebrated local vendor Novel Ice Cream to launch an exclusive flavor, the "WMPO Green Dream." This collaboration is more than a novelty; it represents a tangible link between fan enjoyment and community investment, with a significant portion of sales directly funding environmental projects across Arizona.

Set to be sold from February 3-8, the initiative cleverly blends the fan-centric atmosphere of "The People's Open" with the serious environmental stewardship that has earned it the nickname the "Greenest Show on Grass."

A Local Scoop with a Purpose

The partnership taps into Arizona's vibrant local business scene by collaborating with Novel Ice Cream, a shop that has earned national acclaim. In 2025, Yelp named the Arizona-based creamery the best ice cream shop in the United States, a testament to its handcrafted, small-batch approach and creative flavors. The exclusive "WMPO Green Dream" was developed by Novel's award-winning owner and features mint ice cream loaded with chocolate chips and pretzels, finished with green and yellow candies.

"As a proud Arizona business, we couldn't be more thrilled to team up with WM to bring an exclusive, signature green ice cream to the WM Phoenix Open," said Shawn Allard, owner of Novel Ice Cream. "This collaboration lets us serve up something fun and flavorful while giving back to the community we love. We hope fans feel the joy and purpose behind every bite."

In keeping with the tournament's strict zero-waste policy, the ice cream will be served in compostable cups with compostable utensils, or in edible options like a cone, waffle cup, or Novel's famous doughnut shell. The co-branded WM and Novel Ice Cream truck will be stationed in the WM Green Scene, an interactive fan zone dedicated to educating attendees on the tournament's extensive sustainability efforts.

Funding a Greener Arizona

The most significant impact of each scoop sold lies in its contribution to the WM Phoenix Open Working For Tomorrow Fund℠. Novel Ice Cream has pledged to donate 20% of all its ice cream sales during the tournament to the fund, an initiative created by WM and tournament host The Thunderbirds to support sustainability projects throughout Arizona.

Now entering its third year, the fund has already proven to be a powerful force for good, raising over $800,000 in its first two years. The 2026 beneficiaries represent a cross-section of critical environmental work in the state. They include Waste Not, a Scottsdale-based organization that rescues an average of 6,000 to 10,000 pounds of perishable food daily and delivers it to community non-profits, providing millions of meals annually while diverting food from landfills. Other recipients are the Arizona Sustainability Alliance, which focuses on statewide education and community engagement, and projects identified through the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, a 4-star rated charity known for its work in water restoration and developing renewable energy projects, including on Tribal Nations land.

Fans have other avenues to contribute to the fund. The tournament's annual "Green Out Day" on Saturday will see The Thunderbirds donate to the fund for every person who wears green, and a 50/50 raffle gives one lucky winner half the pot while the other half supports the fund's mission.

The 'Greenest Show on Grass' Innovates Again

This ice cream initiative is the latest chapter in a long and pioneering history of environmental responsibility at the WM Phoenix Open. The 2026 tournament marks WM's 17th year as title sponsor, a period during which the event has become a global model for sustainable sports.

For 13 consecutive years, the event has achieved zero-waste status, a claim verified by UL Solutions. This means 100% of tournament waste is diverted from landfills through a combination of recycling, composting, donation, and conversion to energy. The logistical undertaking is immense, involving over 4,800 recycling and compost bins, specialized compactors, and even tanks to collect melted ice for reuse in portable toilets. Furthermore, the event holds GEO Certified® status, the highest distinction in sustainable golf event management.

"The WM Phoenix Open is much more than a golf tournament — it's a celebration of sustainability, community and innovation," said David Brannon, Four Corners area vice president for WM. "Collaborating with Novel Ice Cream to create a signature green ice cream flavor – WMPO Green Dream – is a fun way to engage fans while fundraising for causes that support the Arizona community."

Brannon added, "Whether fans are cooling off with a scoop or learning about our zero-waste efforts in the WM Green Scene... we hope this new offering inspires them to see how small moments can contribute to a bigger impact."

From Tournament Lab to Corporate Strategy

The WM Phoenix Open serves as a high-profile "living laboratory" for WM's broader corporate sustainability strategy. The practices perfected on the greens of TPC Scottsdale are scaled and applied to WM's clients across North America, which include other major sports leagues like the NFL, MLB, and NBA. The tournament is a real-world demonstration of the company's commitment to materials circularity, renewable energy, and community support.

This commitment is reflected in WM's ambitious corporate goals, which include investing over $1.4 billion in recycling infrastructure between 2022 and 2026 and powering its entire natural gas fleet with renewable natural gas (RNG) by 2026. The company is the largest recycler in North America and a leader in converting landfill gas to low-carbon fuel. The partnership with a beloved local entity like Novel Ice Cream directly aligns with WM's stated goal to positively impact 10 million people by 2030 through targeted social impact programs.

By integrating a local business into its massive operational and charitable framework, WM is demonstrating a model where corporate responsibility enhances the local economy and community fabric. It shows that large-scale environmental action and grassroots community engagement are not mutually exclusive but can be powerfully synergistic.

For the thousands of fans who will descend on TPC Scottsdale, the choice to buy an ice cream will be a simple one. Yet, this year, that simple purchase is layered with meaning, representing a delicious entry point into one of the most sophisticated and successful sustainability stories in professional sports.