# Game Day Challenge for a Sustainable Football Season

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/game-day-challenge-for-a-sustainable-football-season/
- Published: 2011-10-01T19:10:53-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## EPA’s Game Day Challenge Tackles Stadium Waste

### Greening the Gridiron

Football season isn’t just about touchdowns anymore. Thanks to the EPA’s Game Day
Challenge, it’s also about tackling trash. This nationwide competition encourages
college football stadiums to reduce waste during home games — and it’s working. 
Schools from across the U.S. are turning [game day into a victory for sustainability](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/03/evolve-golf-tee-for-a-sustainable-game/).

### How It Works on the Game Day Challenge

Each participating school tracks how much trash, recycling, and [compost they collect at a home](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/08/how-to-make-your-home-more-sustainable/)
football game. The [data is then submitted to the EPA](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/01/ucs-reports-epa-keeps-data-analysis-on-stream-and-wetland-protections-in-the-dark/).
The schools compete in five categories, including waste minimization, recycling 
rate, and [greenhouse gas reduction](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/07/sc-johnson-exceeds-climate-leaders-greenhouse-gas-reduction-goals/).
The challenge shows fans that going [green doesn’t mean giving](https://greenlivingguy.com/donor-dashboard/)
up game day fun.

![Blue recycling bin and green trash bin with an EPA’s Game Day Challenge sign in
front of a large football stadium, surrounded by grass and fans heading to the game.](
https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/3F1E2499-040F-4DB9-
9CC6-64012EE7D086.png?resize=200%2C300&quality=50&ssl=1)

AI

### Winning Strategies

From tailgate [recycling to compostable snack containers](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/03/the-top-three-recycling-predictions-for-2011-by-envipco/),
campuses are getting creative. Some schools hand out recycling [bags in parking](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/02/alliance-for-new-york-state-parks-calls-for-pennies-for-parks-fee-on-plastic-bags/)
lots. Others work with vendors to switch to [recyclable and compostable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/04/how-to-plan-an-eco-friendly-wedding-in-2022/)
materials. Student volunteers help fans sort [waste at bins](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/09/recycling-bin-waste-sites-centiva-donates-400-to-florence-al/)
around the stadium. It’s all about small changes that add up fast.

### Inspiring a Culture Shift

Game [Day Challenge goes](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/04/hastings-on-hudson-goes-drive-electric-earth-day/)
beyond the final score. It’s about [changing habits and showing fans that sustainability](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/10/how-does-climate-change-impact-our-diets/)
belongs everywhere — even in packed stadiums with 70,000 screaming fans. Students
certainly learn. Fans also engage. And [schools build long-term waste reduction programs](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/student-school-program-for-eco-friendly-initiatives/)
that definitely live on after the season ends.

### The Numbers Don’t Lie

In some years, more than 80 schools have participated. Because diverting hundreds
of [tons of waste](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/06/5-terrible-things-that-happen-when-you-dont-recycle/)
from landfills. The EPA estimates this challenge has prevented thousands of metric
tons of [carbon emissions. All by recycling](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/01/costa-rica-to-become-the-worlds-first-zero-carbon-country-reports-climateaction/)
more and wasting less. That’s definitely proof that even a game can drive real-world
impact.

## The Takeaway of the Game Day Challenge

The EPA’s Game Day Challenge shows that sports and also [sustainability](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/12/governments-effort-to-derail-epa-rulemaking-is-based-on-numbers-that-do-not-add-up/)
go hand-in-hand. It’s fun and moreover engaging. Thereby creating a vibrant atmosphere
that amplifies the excitement of the game. It’s impactful; all by offering a platform
for teams and fans alike. That’s because they are making a significant difference
in their communities.  In addition to promoting eco-friendly practices. And it teaches
fans that greener choices [don’t just belong](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/04/what-are-parabens-plus-why-dont-they-belong-in-cosmetics/)
in labs or legislation. More importantly because they belong in the stands, too.
This initiative also encourages spectators to adopt sustainable habits. That’s from
recycling efforts to energy conservation.  Therefore, they are helping to foster
a culture of environmental responsibility.  One that extends beyond the field and
into everyday life. By integrating these practices into the exhilarating realm of
sports, the Game Day Challenge inspires a collective movement towards a greener 
future while celebrating the passion and camaraderie that sports evoke.

Source: EPA

Looking for a great container to encourage recycling. Then you have to review the
attached flyer and save. Essentially during October & November! Or view here: [**http://recycledpromos.wordpress.com/america-recycles-day/america-recycles-day-clearstream-recycling-container**](http://recycledpromos.wordpress.com/america-recycles-day/america-recycles-day-clearstream-recycling-container)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
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Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
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