Quick Green Tips For Super Bowl Sunday

Last year’s Super Bowl face off between the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers drew a whopping 95.4 million viewers, ranking second behind 2008’s record-setting game.

If history tells us anything, it’s that Sunday will be a big day for football parties as Peyton and the Colts take on the Cinderella-story New Orleans Saints.

So while planning that party for 20 guests, don’t forget the drinks, the chips and dip and your eco-footprint. Here are four simple tips to green your Super Bowl Sunday:

Pizza boxes stained with grease or food are not recyclable, unless you remove the tainted portions. Photo: Flickr/akuban

- Say ‘no’ to delivery. Domino’s Pizza sales jump 30 percent on Super Bowl Sunday, and other pizza retailers see similar sales increases. But did you know those oil-stained pizza boxes are not recyclable? This year, try making your own pizza and avoid the box. Other eco-friendly snacks include compostable veggies with homemade dip and organic beer.

- Bet online. Did your fantasy team simple fall apart mid-season? The Super Bowl is one of the biggest betting days of the year, and you’re likely to escape breaking state laws by placing bets over the Internet (but we didn’t tell you that). You’ll also save the paper used to print odds sheets and betting slips.

- Recycle your small screen. Retailers in the U.S. see increased sales of televisions by 60 percent during Super Bowl week. But keep in mind that you can rent big-screens for the game and avoid the post-game buyer’s remorse. If you do go for the big purchase, donate your old TV for reuse or recycle it. (Hint: Use Earth911 to find where to recycle.) You’ll keep lead, mercury and other e-waste byproducts out of landfills.

- Pay attention to the commercials. Just watching for the commercials? Some of our staff just raised their hands as well. Keep on the lookout for major companies spending a reported $2.7 million ad slot for cause marketing. We have to give a high-five to Pepsi, which is forgoing its past Super Bowl commercial model in favor of ads that will address consumer thoughts on sustainability, the environment and social concerns.