Danielle Jackson

New Orleans -- The National Football League (NFL) is using a set of environmental initiatives to make Superbowl XXVII greener than ever.

Solid waste recycling will be a key component of waste management at the Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans Arena and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the three facilities hosting the majority of the NFL-sponsored events.

In areas where waste material normally is not recycled, the NFL's Environmental Program is working with facility managers to integrate recycling into their existing operations.

The NFL also sponsors a sports equipment recycling project and a materials donation project in partnership with local nonprofits. Extra food from the Superbowl will go to the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Additionally, a Litter Free campaign, tested by the NFL five years ago, will be run again at the NFL Experience Football Theme Park.

The league has been incorporating environmental efforts for the last 10 Superbowls. The program has developed from initial efforts at solid waste recycling into a comprehensive campaign to reduce all types of waste and more effectively manage resources.