With football season upon us, tailgating parties abound; but with the fun of cheering for the home team comes a lot of unnecessary waste. Waste Management of Southern California offers tips to the community on how to go green when tailgating.
“We love football season and all the festivities surrounding it, but we like to encourage more green practices that folks often don’t think about,” said Eloisa Orozco, spokesperson for Waste Management of Southern California.
Orozco said there are simple things any fan can do to green a tailgate, like:
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- Knowing what is recyclable and what is not. For instance, glass and plastic bottles, aluminum cans and cardboard are often recyclable, but other items – like foam cups – may not be.
- Using your reusable bags for shopping and when bringing items to and from the party.
- Buying tailgating supplies in bulk and ensuring they’re made with recycled content. You’ll reduce packaging waste, save money and rest easy knowing that these items can probably be recycled again.
- Purchasing reusable and unbreakable cups, dishes, utensils and cloth napkins. If you must buy one-use items, use paper-based plates and cups that are compostable.
- Bringing reusable water bottles and large thermoses for beverages.
- Barbecuing with natural products made from environmentally friendly sources or all natural, chemical-free charcoal.
- Making your food and beverages from local ingredients. Buying from the community supports the local economy and reduces the emissions and packaging needed for transporting products from greater distances.
“We wish everyone lots of fun this football season and remind them, no matter what colors their team sports, to think green,” Orozco said.
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