Jordan Farmar shifts from Mideast peace to environmental movement

Lakers guard Jordan Farmar, currently leading a basketball/coexistence clinic for Israeli and Palestinian children outside Jerusalem, will return to his alma mater UCLA Aug. 18 to lead another basketball camp. This one too will marry sports with activism.

The first annual Hoop Farm will be just what you would expect in a clinic for 8 to 16 years olds to be: five days long, $350 up front, instruction from current and former NBA players, an education in eco-friendly behavior.

Come again?

Yep. In addition to a Hoop Farm t-shirt, jersey and autographed photo, participants will receive a yoga mat and encouragement to go green. Here’s the word from Hoop Farm’s PR machine:

In addition to basketball, Farmar will incorporate educational and environmental information for young people to integrate into their own lives. The camp will introduce alternative ways to stay healthy by providing the participants with biodegradable yoga mats and yoga instruction. During this daily 30 minute yoga session, the camp will dim the lights in additional efforts to promote energy conservation. Throughout all daily activities, water will be provided utilizing recyclable materials. Farmar’s inclusion of a “Green” initiative for the camp will provide information on the importance of utilizing renewable energy, water conservation, waste management, and recycling.