Post contributed by Matthew Preisser, Former Office of Sustainability Intern

The annual Green Game at Auburn University is set to kick off on September 29th as the Auburn Tigers prepare to face off against the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles. 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.

Gameday recycling totals have been on the rise.

During the 2016 season, tailgaters recycled around 30 tons of materials. Numerous collaborators around campus hope to increase that number each year, including Auburn’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Department and the Office of Sustainability. In 2017, tailgaters sent around 35 tons of material to be recycled, and with your help, we hope to see that number continue to rise this season.

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 outside of the stadium, so Tiger fans can easily recycle while on campus.

This upcoming Green Game will feature the “Trash Talkers” for the second year. 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.

Sign Up to be a “Trash Talker” at this year’s green game!

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 by completing our Green Game Volunteer Form by Sunday, September 23rd at 11:59 PM.