As we say good-bye to Summer and welcome Fall, what better way to enjoy the last of the warm days and cool evenings than going to a San Diego Chargers game?

Football season is in full swing and it is my favorite time of year. Maybe it has something to do with being born on Super Bowl Sunday. As an event planner and a green enthusiast I'm offering some easy ways to keep your San Diego tailgate party green and in turn save you some money.

Tailgate Invitations – Use emails, text messages, social media, or Evite.com to invite your friends to your tailgate parties. Evite.com offers great invitation re-sends options to the same group every week all you do is update the information.

Take the Trolly– This is the most cost effective, energy-efficient, designated driver approach to getting to and from games.

Carpool to the game - Let’s face it – it’s way more fun to drive to a Chargers game with all your fellow Chargers fans in one car and you only have to pay for parking one vehicle.

Make your own ice – Instead of spending money at the store to purchase plastic bags of ice, turn your automatic ice machine up the day before the tailgate and you will have enough free ice the next morning to fill your ice chest. Plus, you won’t have a wasteful plastic bag left after the ice has melted.

Recycle your ice – Remember Southern California is in a drought so use your water wisely. Rather than dumping your ice chest in the parking lot, pack it up and take it home with you to water plants in your yard. Asphalt does not need hydration, but plants do.

Recycle your beverage/food containers – QUALCOMM Stadium has offered recycling for 18+ years throughout the stadium. It benefits local YMCA Boys and Girls clubs of America so please be sure to recycle all your containers in the proper areas. If receptacles are full or you cannot locate them be sure to pack it up and take it home with you to recycle.

Don’t use paper plates and cups– You are going to be tailgating all season long, so invest is some reusable plastic plates and cups. It will save you money in the long run and you can buy them in Charger blue and yellow. If you don’t want to buy new plates check out your camping gear, you never thought could use your camping gear year round.

Share your leftover barbeque items – Most tailgates that I attend have a ton of leftover food, so I like to introduce myself to our lot neighbors and offer them some of our delicious treats. There’s nothing better than bonding with a fellow Chargers fan over a pulled pork barbecued sandwich.

By following these tips you are saving yourself money, helping to keep California green, and celebrating our Chargers!

Carlye Wund is a green event planner from Elle Events in San Diego. Discover more at www.ellecomm.com.