Times-Call (Longmont)

TEE CEE’S TIPS

- — Tee Cee — Want to learn more? Check out the many resources at ecocycle.org or reach out at 303-444-6634, or email recycle@ecocycle.org.

Dear Tee Cee, I’m having a few friends over to watch the Super Bowl next weekend and wondered if you could offer some tips on making this a sustainabl­e, waste-free event.

Thanks! — T.W.

Dear T.W., while I’m not the biggest sports fan — I’m much more familiar with “super bowls” that contain quinoa, black beans, and leafy greens — I do know something about sustainabl­e celebratio­ns and events! Here are several ways to tackle waste at your party like a pro:

• Replay with reusables: Swap single-use cups, plates and utensils for reusables. At my house, we put out our big collection of unique coffee mugs to use for beverages. Nobody ever accidental­ly grabs the wrong drink when they have a cup that’s not like the others. We have to wash our cups (and plates, utensils, napkins, etc.) but we completely cut waste from the picture while saving money. (By the way, if you’re wondering if disposable­s save more water than reusables, they don’t! Disposable­s use a lot of water, natural resources, and energy to produce and distribute.)

• Don’t fumble with food waste: Wasted food is an enormous yet preventabl­e environmen­tal problem. If you anticipate making a bunch of food, encourage your guests to bring their own leftovers containers to take some goodies home.

• Be a waste diversion MVP: Have your recycling bin and food scrap bucket right next to your trash bin. Folks are conditione­d to look for the trash container, so make it easy for them to make the right play with recycling and composting. As a reminder, single-use plastic cups, paper plates and frozen food boxes are NOT recyclable, and compostabl­e foodware products are no longer accepted in the compost system. If you want to go the extra step, you can print out free recycling and compost signs, which can be found in Eco-cycle’s Resource Library at ecocycle.org.

• Have a green décor game plan: Repurpose existing decoration­s for your Super Bowl shindig. If you’re eyeing new décor, go for durable items that can be used again for future events.

Keep in mind, these waste-reduction tactics aren’t limited to Super Bowl parties; they can win the championsh­ip at any celebratio­n. As for me, I’ll be cheering for the team that wins “Most Sustainabl­e.” (Which team is that? Who is playing again?)

Go green and go team — whichever one you’re rooting for.

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