Go Green: Tailgating
By: Katrina Irwin
Updated: September 11, 2008
During football season, tailgating is one of the biggest parties out there. Whether you're part of a huge crowd at Orchard Park or cheering for the Syracuse Orange in your own backyard, you can keep the environment in mind.
What do you get when you put a hundred thousand football fans in one spot? Among other things, lots of trash.
But these people are trying to change that. They've joined a growing movement across the country.
They're hosting a green tailgate. Carpooling is the first step you can take.
You use less gas and you save money on parking. What you bring to the tailgate can also make a big difference.
If you choose to drink beer, support a local brewery and take along some re-usable growlers.
It's a lot less recyclables things of that nature, good beer too. Any good tailgate is complete with good beer," says tailgater Andy Martin. For your burgers and hots, try an organic brand. Also, try cooking on propane. It burns cleaner than charcoal and leaves behind less waste. What you eat on and with, can be green too. Use items you can take home, wash, and use again.
"I think it's a great idea, I'm very willing to do the silverware, bring the plates to help eliminate the waste that we bring here to the university, very willing to do that," said tailgater Thad Will.
And, don't forget the same rules for your back yard barbeque. "We didn't use any plastic, we recycled everything. Easy to do at home, just as easy to do at the stadium," said student Bond Reinhardt.
If you do have bottles and cans, make sure you recycle. Bring an extra bag for these items and make sure they end up in the right place.
These green tailgaters think the idea is spreading across the country - and scoring big for the environment.
"I think its consciousness, if people are just aware and conscious of it, that's where the contagiousness comes and it just brings everyone together if everyone just pitches in and does their part."
