While more than 90,000 fans were watching or tailgating in and around Memorial Stadium during the Sept. 1 Huskers home football game against Southern Mississippi, volunteers were making sure all the tailgaters recycled. After contributing more than 70 hours for the effort Go Green for Big Red, the 31 volunteers -- all students -- were able to save some 1,200 pounds of recyclables (plastic, aluminum and bottles) from entering the landfill.
The effort focused on offering tailgaters free green bags at different parking lots and collecting them when full. Recycling bins were also located next to waste containers along high-traffic pedestrian walkways leading to Memorial Stadium. Recycling Enterprises collected the recyclables from the parking lots. B&R Stores donated lunch to the volunteers.
“People from all over Nebraska and the U.S. come to UNL and the city of Lincoln to watch these games. Go Green for Big Red is an excellent opportunity to let the world know about UNL’s commitment towards sustainability,” said Jeff Henson, UNL’s recycling co-coordinator.
“Tailgaters are quite receptive to our effort. Through Go Green for Big Red we would like to let everyone know that UNL is a recycle friendly campus and we care about the environment. In the process we are trying to educate the public about sustainable practices like recycling,” said Prabhakar Shrestha, UNL’s recycling co-coordinator.
The effort needs volunteers for the other six games. Interested volunteers can contact UNL Recycling at 472-9139 or at recycling@unl.edu.