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Three different colored bins are pictured on a football field. There is a trash, composting, and recycle bin\.

Tackle Sustainability this Football Season

Three different colored bins are pictured on a football field. There is a trash, composting, and recycle bin\.

Aug 18, 2025

 

For many, football season is more than just the big game. It is a time of connection, celebration and making memories. Football season is filled with tailgates, barbecue and halftime performances.

But what happens when the lights dim, and the fans leave the stadium? Litter and leftover food are usually left behind after a tailgate or a big game. Gear your team up this football season with these tips to help keep your side of the field a little greener

  1. Tailgate tips:
  • Travel: Coordinate travel with your friends and family before the big game day. It helps cut back on carbon emissions. Public transportation is another good option.
  • Food and Drinks: Single-use plates and cutlery create a large amount of waste. Consider bringing reusable silverware and dishes. Instead of outsourcing your game day meal, try a potluck-style event. To prepare for your event, shop your pantry first to help cut down greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, individually packaged drinks create a lot of waste. So, ditch your non-reusable beverages and bring a pitcher and reusable glasses to cut back on single-use waste instead.
  1. Sportswear: Seasonal and event-specific fan jerseys create unnecessary waste. Consider buying second-hand from your local thrift stores or making your jersey. Shopping in your closet can help you save money and keep textiles from ending up in the landfill.
  2. Décor Tips: The thrift store is a great place to find sports décor as well as attire. Use what you already have handy, like leftover party gear from the year or two prior before purchasing new items. Going digital for your signs and invitations will also help you save some money and keep those items out of the landfill.

Sustainability at the Shoe: Last year, the SWACO WastEd podcast featured The Ohio State University’s Environmental Sustainability Specialist, Cecil Okotah, to discuss how the Shoe is practicing environmental stewardship.

The Zero Waste initiative started in 2011 and has grown exponentially since. Game days are filled with prominently displayed zero-waste stations and recyclable or compostable foodware. A new edition was installed in 2024 to further implement recognizable zero-waste bins in the club spaces. This campaign aims to divert 90% of the waste created during game day out of the landfill.

For more information on how The Ohio State University is making green goals toward sustainability or to hear more sustainable topics check out the WastEd podcast by clicking this link.

This football season, make every game day a win! Join the green team and make a touchdown for sustainability by making simple swaps.