Colorado University Athletics

CU Spring Football Game To Continue Zero Waste Effort

CU Spring Football Game To Continue Zero Waste Effort
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BOULDER - While the football team puts big points on the scoreboard Saturday for the annual Spring Football Game, the University of ColoradoGÇÖs zero-waste team wants to keep moving towards a zero on its scoreboard.

The RalphieGÇÖs Green Stampede program, sponsored by CU and WhiteWave Foods of Broomfield, Colo., is aimed at eliminating waste from Folsom Field and will continue its successful carbon-reduction program and introduce new and advanced zero-waste efforts Saturday, as well.

For instance, a new compostable candy bar wrapper will be introduced that eliminates a disposable material.  BoulderGÇÖs own Seth Ellis Chocolatier brand organic chocolate now features a compostable wrapper and will be the only candy products sold at Folsom Field Saturday.

Likewise, Folsom Field vendors will also be selling reusable beverage containers featuring the Ralphie logo for coffee and cold drinks.  CU officials are asking for Buffs fans to help out by not bringing disposable materials such as plastic bags or cups to the game.

GÇ£We are excited about RalphieGÇÖs Green Stampede and proud of what we have accomplished to date,GÇ¥ Director of Athletics Mike Bohn said.  GÇ£The fact that we are continuing to find ways to improve upon this already successful program shows how committed we are to it.  With the continued help of WhiteWave Foods, we will continue to set a global standard.GÇ¥

Folsom Field is the nationGÇÖs first major sports stadium, professional or collegiate, to embark on a zero-waste effort and eliminate trash cans.  All trash cans in public areas were removed as patrons deposited their food and beverage materials into compost or recycling containers staff by dozens of CU student volunteers.

Last fall, the first season of RalphieGÇÖs Green Stampede zero-waste program spurred a 199 percent increase in recycling at Folsom Field over previous years. At most home games, about 80 percent of stadium trash was diverted from the landfill into recycling or compost and in all 40 tons of material were recycled from Folsom Field including 300 gallons of fry oil.

The Spring Game this year is part of CU Spring Fest with events happening all over campus.  Healthy Kids Day will start at 10:30 a.m. and the game will kick off at 1 p.m.  For more information on all the events, please visit www.CUBuffs.com/SpringGame.

WhiteWave Foods was established when Dean Foods Company (NYSE:DF) consolidated much of its branded business into one consumer packaged goods organization. Headquartered in Colorado, the company is a pioneer in creating healthy, innovative, responsibly produced foods, including organic and natural leaders Horizon Organic?, Silk? Soymilk and RachelGÇÖs? yogurt, and indulgent favorites International Delight? and LAND OGÇÖLAKES? cultured and liquid dairy products. For more information, visit www.whitewavefoods.com.