PLAYgreen

Best College Football Recyclers

 

College football games can draw a combined attendance of almost 2 million people – people that enjoy beverages in plastic cups, food on paper plates and merchandise in plastic bags throughout a game. That can add up to a lot of trash, much of which can actually be recycled.

This has been a huge concern for the EPA, which is why they launched the Game Day Challenge. Students were encouraged to reduce their waste and go green with professional sports and their venues.

During October, 77 colleges and universities across the country took part in the challenge targeted a total of more than 2.8 million fans to reduce waste during a home game. Ithaca College and University of Tennessee at Martin tied for the Waste Minimization Champion honor. The Game Day Challenge was hosted by the WasteWise program, which has been working with colleges and universities for many years, and recognizes the many opportunities for institutions to reduce waste, especially at school games.

In total, the schools diverted more than 500,000 pounds of waste from landfills, which prevented 940 metric tons of carbon dioxide from being released. That kind of diversion is the equivalent of the annual greenhouse emissions from 179 cars. What an impact!

Source: Earth 911

The Key to Happiness is…Recreation!

 
Did you know there’s a link between recreation and happiness? The former Los Angeles Times reporter and author of a book called Don't Miss Your Life, Joe Robinson, recently launched the "Live a Little" campaign. The campaign encourages people to forget the material things this holiday season and instead, to give the gift of fun.

Robinson explains, "We can dramatically increase positive mood and self-worth when we get out of our heads and jump into quality recreational experiences," Indeed, people are happiest when they are involved in such activities, at least according to a Princeton study that examined how 4,000 Americans spent their time. 

Robinson's campaign tries to encourage kayaking outfitters, dance teachers, yoga instructors, and other recreation providers to offer free introductory lessons. These gifts of recreational experience can be more meaningful and valuable than anything shiny and new.

Source: Sierra Club

Go Green this Holiday Ski Trip

 

During the winter holiday season, many people go on ski trips and enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends. This year, why not make your ski vacation a little greener? Whether you’re going skiing or snowboarding, there are many ways you can go green this holiday vacation.

Getting your gear

Any slope-lover knows you can’t have an awesome ski vacation without the gear. In general, to reduce the use of raw materials, renting your equipment is the best way to go. But if you must bring your own gear, there are plenty of eco-friendly options too. Call a few of your local sporting goods stores and thrift shops, and ask if they sell used sports equipment.

Choosing a ski resort

If you frequent a local ski resort in your area, it’s probably best to stick with that. The carbon emissions from flying or driving long distances to a greener resort will likely offset any benefits. But if you’re lucky enough to have a few options to choose from in your area, do a little research before making your pick.

If you usually fly or drive a fairly long distance to your favorite winter resort, there are plenty of super-green alternatives to choose from. Pick the green resort that suits you best, and who knows, you may find a new favorite spot.

Source: Earth 911

Still Need to Buy a Gift this Holiday Season?

 
Low-impact luxury for high-impact giving is in this holiday season! TreeHugger is redefining the meaning of luxury this 2010 holiday season. With 10 different categories to match the type of person you are shopping for and over 100 low-impact gifts to choose from, you will be able to find the perfect gift.

This year's holiday gift guide features quality, durable, and environment-friendly gifts. From a child's first bike (made of sustainable wood!) to gorgeous vintage china, this gift guide will help you find something for everyone! Whether you are looking for shimmering one-of-a-kind bangles (welded from architectural scraps), a pup-sized recycled raincoat for your pooch, or rockstar-worthy coasters for your music buff, there’s something for everyone! Check out the holiday gift guide.

Source: TreeHugger

Holiday Travel Tips

Traveling has long been a big part of the Holidays; whether it’s going to visit distant family or taking a weekend ski trip to the mountains. Long car trips of course usually call for a considerable about of gas and result in a large amount of carbon emissions. So while you drive this Holiday season keep the following facts in mind:

• Driving at a slower speed and spending a little longer in your car will cut down on gas consumption; for every 5 mph over 55, you loose about 10% of your fuel economy.
• Gas evaporates as it move from the fuel pump to your car, so filing up your tank at cooler times in the day will reduce the gasoline lost during the fill-up. 
• Keeping your car maintained can lead to better gas mileage; changing your oil, replacing air filters and keeping your tires filled can improve fuel efficiency by up to 15%. 

For more tips on how to save money on gas and reduce emissions visit the Drive Smarter Challenge website.

Photo from PittsburghUrbanMedia.com

 

The Gift of Conservation

If you’re still stumped about what to get the people in your life for the holidays you should consider a sponsorship in their name. If your friend has a favorite charity, cause or animal, why not donate a small some of money in their name? This kind of gift is thoughtful and has a low impact on the environment, here are some organizations that will allow you to do just that: 

Sierra Club: This holiday season, the Sierra Club is offering virtual sponsorships for a variety of natural habitats such as the Everglades, the Arctic and the Grand Canyon. Your donation will help preserve a location of your choosing and in return you can even receive pamphlets, adorable stuffed animals or even a backpack. For more information visit the Sierra Club’s Sponsor a Wild Place Page 

World Vision: This organization allows you to donate money to help children and families in a variety of underdeveloped countries. Your donation can go to the provision of clean water, shelter, medical aid and food. For more information check out the World Vision’s Giving Center

 

Image from: 3Jokes.com

 

Green Gifts for the Holidays

The Holidays are fast approaching and its time to start thinking about all those friends and family members you still haven't gotten gifts for. Here are some gift ideas that are both thoughful and good for the environment:

Services Instead of Goods: Stumped on what to get someone? How about a massage, music lessons, childcare, car wash, dogwalk, lawncare, tutoring, cooking, gardening or a book of coupons for household chores? A non physical gift is both thoughtful and ecofriendly because they require very few natural resources.

Think Old, Not New: Pick up an antique clock or some vintage jewelry at a flea market or thrift store. Antiques and collectible items make thoughtful gifts and that have no impact on the environment because they have already been made.

DIY: You can always make that special someone a gift. Be it a necklace from a cool seashell you found or a decorated photo frame with your favorite snap shot inside.

Baked Goodies: Make your buddies their favorite tasty treats, not only is it thoughtful and heartfelt the food is likely not to go to waste.

 

Tips from EarthEasy.com

Photo from Gaiam.com