Creating A 'Net-Positive' Super Bowl

The countdown to Super Bowl 50 is officially on with less than two weeks to go until the big game between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers. Many will not have the privilege of attending the big event and will be throwing parties at home...as usual. Either way I am here to help you to a green sustainable Super Bowl 50.

Large events such as the Super Bowl bring in a lot of money and visitors to the city of the event, which this year is San Francisco. The host city gains an economic boost with the swaths of people and countless parties that are to be had. But with all of the festivities there are a lot of inevitable consequences that tag along. The one item that will be top of mind is car and airplane emissions from those traveling into the bay area. Fans will be commuting from the Denver area and as far east as the Carolina's.  Then from there it is a long laundry list of items such as: waste, water, energy and food. All of these items play a significant role in the communities in which the game is being played in.  

With this year's Super Bowl being the 50th the host committee is aiming to make this year's game stand out for more than what is happening on the field. The committee is framing this year's game around the phrase, 'net-positive'. For the many that may not know what that phrase means the committee has taken steps to define what it is for the purpose of the game. People attending the game or watching from home are being asked to contribute in which ever categories they can in what the committee has coined, Play Your Part. 

Play your part has four main pillars it stands upon. 

1. Reducing impact on climate change (lower emissions)
   • Use mass transit
   • Ride your bike
     
2. Using and recycling of items properly
   • Use reusable bags and water bottles #BringYourOwn
     
3. Have fans personally embrace sustainability
   • Fans to use the Play Your Part Program
     
4. Leaving the Bay Area better than before
   • Donating to environmentally focused Bay Area non-profits

To participate in the Play Your Part campaign you do not have to be attending the big game, but you do have to be from the State of California. The hopes of this campaign is to bring the environmental issues of large events to top of mind of attendees and followers. If you would like to participate and make this years game 'net-positive' log on and let the committee know how you are going to make a difference. Once you are done you learn that you are now rewarded 50 good coins. With those 50 coins you can make a donation to one of the four non-profits that were selected by the committee. But you must hurry! You only have until before the game begins to participate. 

So those that are not able to be in the vibrant city for the game we haven't forgotten about you. The four pillars that are laid out can still be acted upon while throwing a Super Bowl party at your place. We built a 'net-positive' list for your celebration at your home.

1. Reducing impact on climate change

For those of you who will be enjoying the game from the comforts of your home or a friends home there is still room to cut down on emissions. Try carpooling with friends that are going the same way or to the same celebration. Or if you are close enough to the party you can even just bike there. 

2. Using and recycling of items properly

At many of the Super Bowl parties that I have attended in the past there have been paper plates and red cups galore. This year try to steer clear of those items even though they make for an easier clean up. Try out reusable stainless steel or glass containers to bring over your items if its a potluck type of event. Then for plates try out bamboo items from  Bamboo Studio's and for cups go for glass if you can. And if you are one of those that ops for water try bringing your own reusable water bottle. (ppsstt...if you do and snap a picture make sure you use the hashtag #BringYourOwn)

Then once cleanup begins remember you have separate bins for a reason. Make sure you recycle those items that can be recycled. If you are unsure what items your city recycles check out this website, Earth911.com, that will let you know what items are ok or not. 

3. Have fans personally embrace sustainability