Post contributed by Matthew Preisser, Office of Sustainability Intern
The annual Green Game at Auburn University is set to kick off on November 18th as the Auburn Tigers prepare to face off against the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks. The Green Game is an opportunity to celebrate the sustainability-related initiatives of the Athletics department, while encouraging fans to also participate in helping make Gamedays greener.
During the 2015 season, tailgaters sent more than 330 tons of garbage to the landfill. Numerous collaborators around campus hope to reduce these numbers each year, including Auburn’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Department and the Office of Sustainability. In 2016, tailgaters sent less than 220 tons of garbage to the landfill, and we hope to lower that number even more.
One way to reduce the amount of trash generated is to recycle more. By recycling cardboard, plastic, and aluminum cans, fans can do their part to conserve resources and help keep the Loveliest Village on The Plains clean. Volunteers pass out recycling bags each week before the game, along with the hundreds of additional recycling locations set up in and out of the stadium, so Tiger fans can easily recycle while on campus.
Be a “Trash Talker” at this year’s green game!
This upcoming Green Game will feature the “Trash Talkers” for the first time. Trained and dedicated Trash Talkers will be located at numerous recycling stations just outside and within the stadium during the first half of the game to inform guests on what and where items can be recycled.
Fans can eliminate waste and support Auburn Athletics, the Waste Reduction and Recycling Department, and the Office of Sustainability’s effort to make Gamedays more sustainable through a few simple actions:
- Swap disposable tailgate supplies for items that can be reused, such as tableware, cloth napkins and tablecloths.
- Choose plastic and aluminum over glass and Styrofoam.
- Recycle all aluminum and plastic.
- Bring a clear, reusable water bottle to the game and use the water refill stations to fill it up.
- Clean up tailgate areas after the game.
To learn more about Gameday recycling check out the Waste Reduction and Recycling Department website.
Currently we are accepting volunteers to be Trash Talkers for the Green Game. The Office of Sustainability will provide T-Shirts, food before the game, entrance into the stadium, and a chance to win a Gus Malzahn signed football. Volunteers will be trained and expected to work through halftime. To sign up, please register here before Monday November 6th at 11:59 PM.
Look for one of these bins to recycle at the game!
