A big undertaking is about to get underway at Ohio State and it is all about making Saturdays in the Shoe better for the environment.
In less than two weeks, this gridiron temple will be rocking with thousands of screaming fans. While the team is hoping to pile up the points this year, one group on campus is banking on a big zero in their win column.
The Zero Waste program, now in its second year, takes game day trash and uses it to help the environment.
“We're going full circle with the process to make sure it's a useable product when it's done,” said Don Patko, the Ohio State Associate Athletic Director of Facilities. “So, some of the trash from the stadium, as it relates to compost, is being used in planters around the stadium, and that's kind of neat."
Last year the program was able to divert 75 to 82 percent of its trash from the landfill.
Expectations are even bigger this year.
“Hopefully, we'll reach our goal of achieving 90 percent diversion at least once this season,” Corey Hawkey, the coordinator of the zero waste program, said.
Vendors are helping by offering products more compatible to recycling and composting. Planners said that the hard work off-season is about to pay off, not only to make game days fun, but also to help fans be more responsible to the environment.
The Zero Waste team is also planning on hosting a seminar this year during a home football game weekend for other schools - so they can start their own programs.
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