This year sustainability is the name of the game for the fall homecoming parade. There are steps that you as a parade participant can take to help make the celebrations eco-friendly—consider the environmental costs associated with your float in terms of energy, materials and waste generated. We will be providing access to recycling containers at the end of the parade route where you can sustainably dispose of paper, cardboard, #1 and #2 plastic, metal, wood, glass and more. For a full list of what you can recycle, please visit www.recycle.msu.edu. If you choose to recycle materials with the City of East Lansing, please visit their Public Works department for a list of acceptable materials at www.cityofeastlansing.com.

Float Ideas:

• Go Fossil Fuel Free—Ditch the truck and use bikes or people to pull your  float
• Use eco-friendly products such as no or low VOC (volatile organic compounds) or non-toxic paint and natural or organic fabric
• Purchase from local or regional suppliers to reduce your carbon footprint
• Avoid engine idling—If you are going to be stopped for more than 10 seconds, it's safe to shut off your engine
  
• Visit the MSU Surplus Store, www.msusurplusstore.msu.edu for reusable materials for float construction
  
• Be more energy efficient by using energy star electronics
  
• Include an environmental  message  - (5Rs) Reduce, Reuse & Recycle, Rethink, Research & Reeducate, Redesign , Climate Change, Energy Independence, Habitat Restoration, Waste reduction
  
• Use recycled materials wherever possible