Funnel cakes, frogs’ legs and other festival food require plenty of cooking oil, and this year, SunFest is putting it to good use.

For the first time, the oil will be sent to a South Florida company to be recycled. Organizers say they don’t yet know whether it will save gallons – or barrels – but it’s one way of helping the festival get a little greener.

Using old oil for fuel or animal feed is becoming more popular, and SunFest volunteer Susan Chapman said that local organizers picked up the idea from other festivals around the country.

Other efforts include helping the vendors recycle more glass and cardboard. And this year, all communications with volunteers were electronic.

“That saves, I can’t tell you how much paper,” Chapman said.

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