The Game Day Challenge is part of the EPA WasteWise program, which is designed to promote waste reduction and increase recycling and composting in sports stadiums. More than 60 colleges and universities will implement waste-reduction programs during a home football game this season. They will track and report recycling and waste data that will then be used to rank the schools. Competitors this year include Vanderbilt, Brown and Oregon State University. The EPA will announce the winning schools at the end of November.
Following the Humboldt State-Western Oregon game, recyclables and compost will be weighed and compared to the total amount of trash generated. The Sustainability Office, which coordinates sustainability efforts at Humboldt State, will compete in the category for the highest diversion of food waste and recyclables out of the waste stream per person attending the game.
Student volunteers will assist with the Game Day Challenge on Saturday. Wearing white aprons emblazoned with the words “Zero Waste,” volunteers will be stationed at collection bins around the stadium to help fans recycle and compost. Announcements supporting the effort will also be made prior to and during the game.
HSU Take’s Back the Tap will also be on hand to provide free filtered water. Fans are encouraged to bring a refillable canteen to game day instead of purchasing bottled water.
“We are excited to participate in this effort,” says Stephanie Lane, Assistant Director of Athletics. “We thank the Jacks football fans in advance for helping us reduce waste at Redwood Bowl.”
This is the first year that HSU will participate in the Game Day Challenge. For more information, visit epa.gov/wastes/partnerships/wastewise/challenge/gameday/.