January 28, 2020
This guest blog is courtesy of Maureen Darrah who works with Shini USA and BV Thermal, divisions of Budzar Industries and leading manufacturers for the plastics industry.
With the Super Bowl coming up, people are starting to plan where they will go and who they will watch the game with. While it is common for people to watch the game with a group, unfortunately, large gatherings like a Super Bowl watch party can create an immense amount of waste.
Below, we’ve outlined ten easy ways you can make your upcoming Super Bowl watch party eco-friendly. Give them a look!
- Make Your Food
At any Super Bowl watch party, there is typically a large spread of food and snacks to munch on while you watch the game. Whether you’re hosting or attending the party of a friend, consider the environmental impact of the food you bring to the table.
Takeout and premade party platters often come with a lot of excess packaging, and greasy pizza boxes cannot be recycled. Cut back on the amount of waste produced by bringing something homemade instead.
Easy foods you can make and bring include:
- Pigs in a blanket
- Buffalo chicken dip
- Fruit skewers
- Taco dip
- Guacamole
- Chili
- Pizza
- Meatballs
- Veggies and dip
For additional food ideas, check out this list of recipes.
- Drink Green
Much like food, drinks are a staple at Super Bowl watch parties. Reduce your impact on the environment by purchasing two-liter soda bottles instead of individually portioned drinks. This will simplify the amount you need to recycle at the end of the night and reduce the amount of packaging used overall.
We also suggest you pick up local beers for you and your guests to enjoy! These brews didn’t have to travel long distances and therefore have a smaller carbon footprint for the planet. For bigger crowds, consider getting a keg to further cut down on excess packaging and waste.
- Encourage Carpooling
If you have a number of people coming to your place for the big game, urge them to carpool. Carpooling cuts down the number of emissions released and will also reduce the number of parking spaces needed!
- Watch Sustainably
As expected, people all across the country will tune in to watch the big game. By watching with a group and therefore on one TV, less energy is wasted. If you decided to buy a new TV for the event, make sure to buy an energy-efficient model and donate or recycle your old TV.
- Choose Reusable Tableware and Utensils
To keep your Super Bowl party eco-friendly, pull out the reusable tableware and utensils. While single-use plastic utensils and tableware may seem more convenient, they unfortunately cannot be recycled curbside. However, reusable silverware and dishes will save you the expense of buying plastic serviceware and can be easily washed in a dishwasher at the end of the night.
- Use Cloth Napkins and Tablecloths
Much like reusable serviceware, cloth napkins and tablecloths are an easy way to reduce your party’s impact on the environment. At the end of the night, you can put all the napkins and tablecloths in the washing machine for easy cleanup and save them for your next party!
- Place Recycling Bins in a Convenient Location
People are more likely to recycle if it is made easy for them. Place a clearly labeled recycling bin next to the trash can in an easy-to-see location. Additionally, you can add a label showing what can and cannot be recycled to make the process even simpler for your guests.
- Send Guests Home with Leftovers
Don’t waste any extra food – instead, encourage your guests to take leftovers with them when they go! Urge them to fill up a reusable plastic container or utilize the dish they used to bring any food. This will further reduce the amount of packaging and food wasted at your party.
- Minimize Your Decorations
Another way to reduce waste from your watch party is to simplify your decorations. Purchase decorations made from recycled materials or ones that can be reused for years to come. You could even make your own decorations out of recycled materials. No matter how you choose to decorate, your guests will still enjoy the game and the time with others.
- Remind Your Guests
Recycling is a group effort and the key to hosting an eco-friendly watch party is to get everyone involved. When you invite your guests, give them a heads up that you are striving to make the event as sustainable as possible. Encourage them to participate by bringing snacks, side dishes, and drinks that will have a minimal impact on the environment or by driving with others!
Go Green for the Super Bowl
For over twenty years, the NFL Environmental Program has worked to reduce the impact the Super Bowl has on our environment. Each year, the bar is set higher as sustainability becomes a greater focus. Do your part by hosting an environmentally friendly Super Bowl watch party this year!
Disclaimer: Guest blogs represent the opinion of the writers and may not reflect the policy or position of the Northeast Recycling Council, Inc.
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