Zero Waste Game Day Tailgating

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Office of Sustainability, under the leadership of the lovely Gretchen Vanicor, has been busy making an impact on campus. Starting with last year's football season, recycling is again readily available for tailgaters and football fans! 

https://www.facebook.com/ULLafayetteSustainability/photos/a.165368653571931.32946.101952066580257/756384744470316/?type=1&theater 


Recycling and waste bins will be available at every (yes, EVERY) tailgating spot and in other high-traffic areas. Tailgating spots will have green recycling bins and blue trash bins. Inside the stadium, recycling materials go into red containers, while trash is collected in black bins.


UL Lafayette will determine the volume collected during home games this season to compete in the Game Day Challenge, a nationwide college recycling contest. So, the more you recycle, the better UL will do in the competition! Last year, UL placed 10th in the nation by diverting 65.528% of game day waste into the recycling stream. This year, we can do better!

Tailgating Tips

Tailgating is one of my favorite parts of football. You always see tons of friends, there's so much good food (and everything smells so good!), everyone is wearing the same two colors, and the festive spirit in the air can't be beat. 

Skip driving your car. Traffic is a mess and parking is already a hassle, so carpool with others, ride your bike or arrange to get dropped off. My fiance and I always ride our bikes because it's easier and we can park closer to the stadium. The Daily Advertiser has new parking and traffic information, in case you do drive.

Don't use styrofoam cups for your drinks! They are not recyclable and not biodegradable. Bring a reusable plastic cup, or a stainless steel bottle (insulated keeps beer cold for a long time, just saying). Beer cans are recyclable and safer than bottles.

For tailgating purposes, keep your glass at home. If it breaks it can cause injuries or flat tires. And no one wants a shard of glass in their foot on game day. 

In fact, according to the Office of Sustainability, you CAN bring your stainless steel bottles into the stadium for the game. Plus, the souvenir soft drink cups are reusable.

Pack tailgating food in reusable containers instead of disposable.

Bring napkins and paper towels made with recycled materials.

Choose disposable plates/silverware made with recycled materials. (Or go for compostable, plant-based party plates from Susty Party. I LOVE this red party pack for UL!)

Don't litter! Whether you are inside or outside the stadium, put trash where it belongs. And on the ground is NOT where it belongs. The hundreds of bins are there so waste can stay off the ground.

Items that go in recycling: aluminum, paper (as long as it's not wet), plastic and cardboard. 

Items that don't go in recycling: food, styrofoam, plastic bags, wood, bottle caps, disposable plates/silverware.

No matter which school you root for, tailgate sustainably! FOOTBALL SEASON IS HERE!

1 comment

Emily Baker said...

It sounds pretty interesting! I bet everyone is ready for the season to be opened! I like the idea of combining high level football satisfaction and a zero waste lifestyle, xixi. Greetings!

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