COOKING

Make Your Tailgating More Green And Save The Planet

Simple Ways to Change Your Habits

In today’s world, we are always looking for better ways to reuse and recycle. Tailgater’s need to join in and do our part. Think about it, a stadium holds up to 100,000 fans at each game. That adds up to a lot of waste. Here are some simple ways to join in the cause.

Smart Choices:

1. Are you aware that Solo Cup Company has a line of recyclable products. They are made of post-consumer recycled PET. Bare By Solo cups are made from about 20% recycled PET, providing a market for the billions of pounds of plastic bottles that Americans recycle annually.

1. Preserve tableware is made from a thicker resin of plastic that allows multiple uses. The great thing about Preserve tableware products is that they are made from 100% recycled polypropylene (plastic #5 or PP).
2. You may not be aware of this, but Plastic #5 is not as widely accepted in curbside recycling programs as other resins like PET (plastic #1), so it’s a great use of a hard-to-recycle plastic.

Propane or Charcoal Grills

Here are some things to consider before deciding to use propane or charcoal grills. These seem like easy questions, but they are important ones.

1. Which one is cheaper and faster?
2. Which one gives you more flavor?
3. And, last but not least, which one is more eco-friendly?

A recent study by Environment Impact Assessment Review had this to say. As a fuel, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is dramatically more efficient than charcoal in its production and considerably more efficient in cooking.

• The two grilling methods, charcoal using 998 kg of CO2, almost three times more than propane, which weighed in at 349 kg.
• According to this study, “the overwhelming factors are that as a fuel, LPG Science Daily reports that as a fuel, LPG is “dramatically more efficient than charcoal in its production.” And when purchasing a propane tank, always make sure there is a trade-in option. almost all retailers will let you bring in an empty tank in exchange for a discount on your next tank.

Now Let’s Think About Recycling

Recently, I went through my chest of drawers and was appalled at how many T-shirts I found with my team’s logo on them. Some of these I can’t remember the last time I wore them because they are now, sadly, too small. So I thought it would be great to be creative and make a table cloth for my next tailgate. How different would that be? So I’m not going to throw anything away, but recycle them and enjoy all the memories. Go to www.epa.gov/recyclecity/ for more information on recycling. Other ideas is to make bandanas and napkins. All you need is a pair of scissors. You could even add a cute fringe!

Benefits of Recycling

• Recycling protects and expands U.S. manufacturing jobs and increases U.S. competitiveness.
• Recycling reduces the need for landfilling and incineration.
• Recycling prevents pollution caused by the manufacturing of products from virgin materials.
• Recycling saves energy.
• Recycling decreases emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change.
• Recycling conserves natural resources such as timber, water, and minerals.
• Recycling helps sustain the environment for future generations.

Organic and Farmers Markets are Good Snack Sources

• You can’t have a proper tailgate without the perfect game day snacks. This is a great opportunity to use your favorite organic recipes and seasonal fruits and veggies. You can use them for dips or grill them. I especially like to grill red and green peppers. Organic have the best flavor, so if you haven’t tried them, be adventuresome and go for it! Grilled vegetables are both colorful and tasty! I have another article on Tailgating – Healthier With No Salt.
• I personally love my Whole Foods Recipe Book for fruits and veggie snacks. Also, my community has a couple of excellent Farmer’s Markets. I’m sure yours does too. Just google farmers market and you city and you will probably get more resources than you ever imagined. By the way, Google is my new best friend!
• Ever think about brewing your own beer. Or try organic beer, it is brewed with organically harvested barley and hops. I found to be tastier and better for you.
• There are tons of healthy recipes on the web. So take a little time and explore away. I think you’ll be surprised how easy and tasty some of them are. Then, be a friendly tailgate neighbor and share them. It’s an easy and fun way to get to know your tailgate neighbors.

Add Music and Warmth to the Mix

1. You gotta have music! But don’t waste your car battery by using its radio. There is a cool solar-powered portable outlet. It’s perfect for your iPod sound system.
2. For hardcore fans that tailgate in the snow, you need all the help you can get for those all day outdoor tailgates.  The answer is a solar powered generator, they supply renewable energy. But be prepared to pay up to $1,000 for these. Now, not all of us can shell out that kind of money, so you might want to consider creating your own solar-powered generator using parts you can buy at the local hardware store or online.

Change Your Habits and Change the World

How about including a recycle bin in your tailgating gear. As you can see, it just takes a few simple changes to make a difference. And after a while, it becomes a habit. Since we are creatures of habit, let’s make them good habits!

About Me

Here’s a little history about how Beans Things came to be. My husband is a remote controlled airplane enthusiast. He attends “fly ins” all across Texas. He decided that he needed a good quality canopy to protect him from the elements. So he bought a tailgate canopy and absolutely loves it! The quality is outstanding and it’s very easy to assemble. In addition, I found there were a few products that go hand in hand when you are on the road. For example, comfortable camping chairs, mosquito repellent and wine coolers just to name a few. So I have included a few that we found very useful and make our trips a lot more enjoyable!

Be sure to check out my blog at rainorshinecanopy.blogspot.com and my website at http://www.rainorshinecanopy.com. I have a large inventory of NCAA and NFL Tailgate canopies and related products. I have included great tailgating tips and a fun video of Paula Deen cookin’ up some scrumptious Bacon and Cheese Jalapeno Poppers for all you tailgaters! Also, I just added an article on Tailgating tips and Tailgating – Healthier With No Salt.

About the Author

Lawanna Bean is passionate about marketing products that will help people stay safe. The products she found are top quality and competitively priced. A canister of mace or Pepper Spray costs under $10.00. Personal safety for you and your family should be your No. 1 priority!

For more information on Personal Safety Products, check out her website at http://www.peppersprayetcstore.com

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