Before Big Red football takes to the Memorial Stadium turf, a group of volunteers dial up the green on University of Nebraska-Lincoln game day tailgates.
For the eighth season, the university’s recycling program is seeking volunteers to take part in “Go Green for Big Red.” The sustainability initiative, designed to spread recycling awareness to fans, encourages campus tailgaters to use green trash bags to separate recyclable items from game day waste. Following the games, the green bags — distributed weekly by the program volunteers — are collected and sent to a recycling center.
Project coordinators estimate the program diverts nearly 60 percent of game day waste into a recycling center. “Go Green for Big Red” also contributes to the university’s overall recycling efforts, which annually divert more than 50 percent of all campus solid waste from the landfill.
“ ‘Go Green for Big Red’ is a wonderful chance to support the university’s sustainability practices, give back to the planet and make new friends,” said Colton Berck, a coordinator for the university’s recycling program. “It’s really a simple way to make a difference.”
The volunteers meet about two hours prior to kickoff at the university’s Outdoor Adventures Center. All new volunteers receive a Nebraska recycling T-shirt and a reusable water bottle. Food is also provided.
The volunteers - which range from students to members of the community - distribute the green bags to tailgate areas in parking lots and walkways prior to kickoff. They also discuss the importance of recycling with fans.
Volunteers will meet at 5:15 p.m. for the Sept. 3 game, 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 10 and 1 p.m. Sept. 17. Other times will be announced.
For more information on “Go Green for Big Red” or to volunteer, click here, send email to recycling@unl.edu or call 402-472-9139. All volunteers must be at least 18 years old to participate.
For more information on sustainability practices at Nebraska, click here.
