University of Louisiana at Lafayette
IN-16: Green Athletics

The University Office of Sustainability and Athletics Department has found many impactful ways to partner and leverage our Ragin' Cajun Spirit towards engaging our students and fans to live more sustainably. All athletic events have a zero waste program that includes, at minimum a focus on sustainable concessions purchasing, recycling and plastic film recovery operations, food recovery partnerships, reusable and refillable stadium cups (except during COVID-19 operations), and the elimination of "crack and pour" practices. In addition to these efforts, during football game days, student volunteers from other sports, UL AmeriCorps, and other student organizations, engage other students and fans by walking stopping at each tailgating spot prior to the game to talk to them about our zero waste efforts. Volunteers also are posted at each entrance and throughout the stadium during the game to help fans with choosing between the recycling and compost bins. Finally, student volunteers perform a second sort through the compost after the game to remove any contaminants.

In addition to our zero waste efforts, the Office of Sustainability, Grounds Management, and Athletics partner during every February for "Trees for Threes". For every three pointer scored by the men's and women's basketball teams, the University plants a tree. Basketball coaches and athletes participate in The Big Event with other students to plant all of the trees (typically 75-100).

Finally, Athletics utilizes their traditional communications methods, including social media, stadium announcements, direct emails, and websites to promote game day sustainability efforts.