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News Release 501
DEPARTMENT OFFERS GREEN TIPS FOR FALL TAILGATING
Volume 36-501 |
Contact: Renee Bungart |
(For immediate release) |
573-751-4465 |
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 27, 2008 -- Another season of college football starts Aug. 30, and the National Football League kicks off Sept. 4, which means it's time for tailgating. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources would like to provide some tips for eco-friendly tailgating.
As fall begins, so does football season at high schools, colleges and pro stadiums around Missouri. Tailgating is part of the tradition, but it can be done in a green manner.
Fans are encouraged to think green before the game starts. When shopping for the pre-game, look to the local farmer's market for fresh made buns or bread and produce for grilling. Shopping locally ensures the items didn't travel across the country to your plate, using up valuable energy in transport. Purchase condiments in bulk rather than single serving sizes to reduce waste.
Carpooling to the game is a great way to cut down on gas usage and spend time with friends and family. If fans live close to the stadium, tailgate in the yard and walk to the game. To avoid using up the car battery for warming up in the cold weather or listening to the radio, dress appropriately for the season and look into solar or crank powered radios that do not require electricity.
Once at the stadium, the grilling usually begins. Grilling in a parking lot doesn't have to be different from grilling in the backyard. As with a regular grill, propane is the cleanest burning option. However, if charcoal is preferred, try to use a chimney starter rather than lighter fluid to reduce chemicals released into the air. For the more extreme "green griller," solar powered grills are gaining popularity and will amplify the sun's rays just enough to grill those brats and dogs. They take a little longer to heat up but leave almost no environmental impact except the smell of sizzling barbecue.
Be sure to look for reusable plates, cups and silverware for the party. Durable plastic lasts a long time, and dishes from a second hand store are usually inexpensive in case a plate breaks in the fan frenzy. If reusable dishes aren't an option, opt for products made of recycled materials or that can be composted post-game. Once the game has started, look for recycling bins around the stadium to recycle your plastic, bottles and cans. If no bins are provided, call up the stadium and ask they be provided in the future. Provide a bag or box to tailgaters near your vehicle to recycle whatever items are accepted in that community.
For more information about green tips and how to find recycling facilities in your area, visit the Web at http://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/rrr/rrr.htm or http://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/swmd/swmdinfo.htm.
For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.
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