Gators Host 'Sustainability Game Presented by WCA' Saturday against Eastern Michigan
Wednesday, September 3, 2014 | Football
Saturday's football game against the Eastern Michigan Eagles has been designated as Florida's “Sustainability Game presented by WCA” this season.
There are several ways that fans can be involved in the Green activities throughout the day. Be on the lookout for additional Green Team volunteers that will be on hand in the stadium sorting recyclables into bins and educating fans as they work in the concourses.
Visit Gator FanFest located outside of Gate 2 of the Stephen C. O'Connell Center starting three hours prior to kick-off. There you can check out information booths run by WCA, the UF Office of Sustainability and Neutral Gator to participate in recycling games, win “green” prizes and have a chance to learn more about how the Gators are orange, blue and green.
Throughout the Eastern Michigan game, messaging will occur on the GatorVision boards educating fans on how to be a Green Gator.
The Gators have already made progress towards reducing their carbon footprint, as Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is home to the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) platinum athletic facility in the nation in The James W. “Bill” Heavener Football Complex. The complex includes energy-efficient lighting and light sensors that turn off automatically when the room is empty and low-flow fixtures to help reduce indoor water use. The University Athletic Association's concessions partner, Centerplate has also made the transition to compostable items including biodegradable cups, straws, food wrappers and baskets.
Some helpful tips for sustainable tailgating are listed below, along with several links to provide more information on what the Gators are doing to be more sustainable and how fans can help. Be sure to follow the Florida Gators on Facebook, @GatorZoneFB, @GatorZoneAlbert and @GZAlberta to keep up with what is being done to reduce Florida's carbon footprint and to Go Green. Also, you can join the conversation by hashtagging BeatWaste and UFvsEMU.
Sustainability in Gator Athletics Sustainable UF Program
- Know what is recyclable: glass and plastic bottles, aluminum cans; and what is NOT: red solo cups, cardboard, food items.
- Look for the self-service TailGator Green Team Recycling Stations in popular tailgating spots to pick up blue recycling bags for glass and plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
- TailGator Green Teams make the rounds on game days, handing out blue recycling bags for glass and plastic bottles and aluminum cans. When the bag is full, tie it closed and leave it next to a trash or recycling can for pick-up.
- Visit the Sustainable UF Fan Fest tent near gate to play games, learn about what UF and the Gators are doing to be more sustainable, and get green souvenirs!
- Carpool to your tailgate spot, and encourage visitors to ride the bus, ride a bike, or walk to come celebrate another Gator win with you.
- Buy tailgating supplies with recycled content, and in bulk. You'll reduce packaging waste and probably save money!
- Buy local food: decrease food miles, your meal's carbon footprint and support the local economy.
- Bring a reusable water bottle for tailgating
- When you do your tailgate shopping, bring your own reusable bags. They're easier to carry and create less trash!
