Tips for an Eco-Friendly Super Bowl Blowout

As neighbors to a landfill, San Juan Capistrano residents may take a moment out on Super Bowl Sunday to look at the mess the party just made.

Festivities surrounding Super Bowl Sunday can generate supersized amounts of trash destined for the landfill, but hosts can follow a few simple tips to minimize the party’s environmental impact.

“A Super Bowl party is a great opportunity to shape some green habits,” said Mark Stackle of Waste Management of Southern California. “There can be a cost savings to it too.”

Waste Management offered several suggestions to make your Super Bowl a green one.

• Carpooling. By encouraging guests to share rides, less vehicle exhaust is discharged into the atmosphere. Plus, having a designated driver enables the others to enjoy beer or cocktails during the game.

• Buy in bulk. Plenty of food and drink flows on Super Sunday, so buying bulk-sized items can cut down on packaging -- and cost.

• Finger foods. Serving food that doesn’t require utensils can drastically cut down the amount of trash that will end up in a landfill.

• One for trash, one for recycling. Setting out separate containers for trash and recycling will make for an easier post-party cleanup. And remember that most curbside recycling programs accept clean pizza boxes.

• Think global, shop local. Supporting local businesses not only helps the economy, but reduces carbon emissions. Consider beers brewed in town or food from a farmer’s market.

• Donate old TV. Sales of new TVs typically pick up before Super Sunday. Instead of ditching the old TV into the trash stream, donate it to charity or find someone willing to take in a used TV. The box for the new TV can also be recycled.