Buy in bulk
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Purchasing products in bigger sizes often involves less packaging and creates less waste.
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Consider using locally grown and organic items. You'll find a great selection of organic and local produce at this time of year, and you'll feel good knowing that you're helping to sustain nearby growers.
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Don't forget the spirits. You'll save money by buying beer and wine by the case. You can also do good for the earth by buying organic and using H-E-B's eco-friendly wine carriers, which hold up to six bottles and offer a 10% discount.
Designate a driver
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Reduce the number of cars on the road by carpooling with friends. You'll save gas money and fossil fuel (and emit less carbon dioxide), and you won't have to worry about finding multiple parking spots near each other.
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You can make your carbon footprint even smaller by driving a hybrid vehicle.
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Check out the bus schedule or take advantage of game-day shuttles.
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Biking or walking to the event not only benefits the environment but also helps you stay in shape. So go ahead and enjoy that second burger!
Grill Greener
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To fuel your feast, choose lump charcoal or all-natural briquettes, which have fewer pollutants and fillers.
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When getting your fire going, try a chimney starter or an electric starter to get your charcoal or briquettes burning faster.
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Propane, a cleaner fuel, is also a good option, and an electric grill is even better.
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If you want to grill kabobs, use stainless-steel skewers instead of wooden ones; they're dishwasher-safe and reusable.
Reuse. Reduce.
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If your tailgate includes these disposable items, look for paper goods and plastic ware that are biodegradable or made from recycled materials.
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Using a sturdy paper plate will cut down on the number of plates needed to reinforce your plate while you pile on the yummy game-day goodies.
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If you decide to go paper and plastic free, bring your own dishes instead of using disposable versions. Check out thrift stores for inexpensive sets of dishes and utensils that you can use solely for outdoor entertaining.
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Go for cloth napkins. Not only will you be doing your part to save the environment, but you also might just wind up with one of the classiest spreads in the parking lot.
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Be sure to transport your gear in reusable H-E-B grocery totes. Store leftovers in reusable containers and pack an extra container to take the dirty utensils home.
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Separate your trash and recyclables into color-coded bags. Some schools have implemented game-day recycling programs, so check your team’s Web site or look for designated volunteers canvassing the parking lots.
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