Back in 1994, the team piloted a recycling programme for the Super Bowl XXVIII in Atlanta and since then, it’s only gone from strength to strength. NFL Green’s award-winning Super Bowl environmental programme has been running for more than 15 years addressing key impact areas such as material reuse, waste management, food recovery, greenhouse gas emissions and youth engagement.
Any large scale sports event generates a lot of event-specific marketing materials and décor, much of which ends up wasted unless it’s lifecycle is considered right from the start of the planning process. The NFL addresses this through material reuse and donation, as well as implementing a solid waste management programme at all major Super Bowl facilities to maximise recycling and minimise landfill waste. Fans are also encouraged to recycle correctly by offering rewards such as snazzy branded hats.
With approximately 1.3 billion tonnes of food being wasted globally every year, it’s no surprise that food waste is a top priority for NFL Green. Any prepared extra food made for Super Bowl events is collected afterwards to be donated to soup kitchens, shelters and other local organisations that provide meals to people in need.
When it comes to climate action, the NFL is committed to making a difference. The NFL uses renewable energy credits (REC) to offset all energy used by major Super Bowl venues. It also supports reforestation projects, planting several thousand tree seedlings each year in the Super Bowl host community. Through an innovative partnership with US Forest Service/USDA, the NFL tracks the environmental benefits of the trees it has planted.