EPA Game Day Challenge 2013: Call to Action

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Razorback Stadium

On Nov. 2, the University of Arkansas will not only compete against Auburn but will also challenge 63 other schools in the Game Day Challenge recycling competition.

The Game Day Challenge is a way to promote recycling during the football games in order to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. James Brown, athletics building service manager, has high hopes for the University of Arkansas' third year in the challenge.

Preparing for a big game is important for many Razorback organizations, including the Recycle with the Razorbacks team. Brown has devised a game plan that will take their recycling efforts to the next level."In the past we have made slight changes that have brought our diversion rate to 50 percent but now it's time to move this program to the next level," said Brown. "My goal for this event has been set at an 85 percent diversion rate in order to set us in the top five of all schools."

To maximize the effectiveness of their efforts, Brown has been working with Waste Management to set up a 20-yard event box and a 10-foot trailer designed to look like a Razorback hog pen close to the Gardens. This display will encourage the Hog Nation to "stuff the hog pen." Another trailer and tent will be set up in Lot 44. Volunteers will sort recyclables in this area.

"As of right now we have close to 100 volunteers for this event and the interest is growing," Brown said.

Volunteers will be in charge of patrolling the tailgating area and bringing bags of recyclables to the sorting area. Once the game begins, other volunteers will watch the recycling bins throughout the stadium and encourage patrons to recycle.

Once the game ends, the biggest task remains at hand. Cleanup is a very important part of the team's plan. Volunteers will begin at midnight, picking up all trash and recyclables on the University of Arkansas campus from Martin Luther King Boulevard to Leverett School on Cleveland Street.

The day after the game the crew will patrol the stadium picking up recyclables and trash.

Along with a game plan for easy recycling, Brown has an idea to get fans involved in a way that is mutually beneficial.

"We will be giving a recycle T-shirt to the fans that are willing to bring a bag of recyclable material to one of our tents," Brown said. "We have approximately 80 shirts that we can give away. We will do this as long as supplies last."

Brown believes student support will make this year's Game Day Challenge a success.

"With the momentum that we are gaining, it would not surprise me to see us obtain a 90 percent diversion rate. If 90 percent is obtained, it will put us at zero waste and will secure us a spot as one of the top five schools participating," Brown said.

Recycle with the Razorbacks team is excited about the interest and support that has been generated for the event. Brown said everyone involved will have to work as a team to achieve their goals.

"My ultimate goal is to see the athletic department be the first department to achieve zero waste on campus and maintain it," Brown said. "To do this we must all be committed and willing to work together. Go Hogs!"

Help represent the Razorback Nation by supporting Recycle with the Razorbacks in making our campus a cleaner place.

For more information about volunteering, contact Brown at jab021@uark.edu, or contact the office for sustainability at sustain@uark.edu. A volunteer meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at the main pavilion in the University of Arkansas Gardens. Volunteers will receive a free T-shirt and be provided access to the game.