Green Columbus is proud to announce a partnership with The Ohio State University to lower the carbon footprint of tailgate parties. The initiative includes a Scarlet, Gray and Green challenge to colleges and societies to see who can host the greenest tailgate party before the Miami game scheduled for September 11 which is also Reunion Weekend. The Alumni Association’s Buckeye Bash, also scheduled for September 11, will utilize eco-friendly options to an anticipated 1,000 guests.

Competition info for academic societies

Guide to green tailgates

Four Steps to an Eco-Friendly Tailgate:

1. Use local and/or organic foods, beverages, and condiments.

2. Opt for products in bulk; choose minimal or recyclable packaging (avoid single-serving packaging).

3. Incorporate reusable items such as plates, silverware, cups, tablecloths, napkins, etc.

4. Choose eco-friendly power sources such as propane (with a trade-in option), biofuel, solar, pedal, and rechargeable batteries. (And don’t even think about using lighter fluid.)

Who knew?

· Typical fire extinguishers are mostly baking soda and pretty environmentally harmless (note that water may not be the best type of extinguisher for any given fire).

· Commonly sold latex balloons are naturally biodegradable (see if you can return foil balloons and their weights to the store for recycling).