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Zero Waste Day
Did you know that Americans make up only 4% of the world’s population, yet we generate nearly 40% of the world’s total waste? Tennesseans generate approximately 6.6 pounds of waste per person per day, which is higher than the national average of 4.4 pounds per day, and nearly triple the global average of 2.6 pounds per day.
In response to increasing waste management challenges and the need for change, TDEC's Office of Policy and Sustainable Practices has developed the Zero Waste TN Program. This program is designed to help inform businesses and citizens on how to make better choices with respect to purchasing and recycling, and rethink the way we manage waste. TDEC is working to expand the Zero Waste TN Program to include Zero Waste Partners across the state, including manufacturers, businesses, institutions, non-profits, and organizations, that take the initiative to consciously reduce their waste. These partners will be highlighted as Zero Waste Partners and featured on the Zero Waste TN webpage as an informative and beneficial resource for Tennesseans to use. The goal is to provide a comprehensive resource for citizens to understand which businesses go above and beyond to make responsible decisions, implement sustainable operations, and encourage zero waste practices.
On Zero Waste Day, October 27th, TDEC and its partners will encourage citizens to participate in challenges that support each of the following five waste reduction actions:
- Re-think – adjust your behavior as a consumer and make purchasing choices that limit your impact on the environment
- Reduce – be mindful of unnecessary and wasteful items and learn to live without them
- Reuse – give possessions a second life through creative reuse, repurposing, or donation
- Recycle – use existing products to create new ones and reduce dependence on virgin materials and associated natural resource impacts
- Re-Earth – compost your organics to divert the single largest waste stream from landfills
Zero Waste Day is a way for Tennesseans to either take their first steps towards zero waste or share their pro-tips for going zero waste, while encouraging others to do the same. Zero waste tips will be featured on TDEC’s social media accounts the month of October leading up to Zero Waste Day and participants will be encouraged to share their own tips on social media to broaden our impact and help educate Tennesseans. By adopting and promoting zero waste principles, we can greatly reduce our impact on Tennessee's environment, preserve our natural resources for future generations, and reduce the growing costs associated with the collection and disposal of our solid waste. Join us in this growing movement and help promote positive change in Tennessee.
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On August 21st, flooding devastated the community of Waverly and Humphreys County in Middle Tennessee. People lost their homes, and some lost loved ones. Disaster relief efforts have been in place for the past two weeks, but there are still needs to be met. If you are interested in helping, whether by donating funds, items, or volunteering, you can find more information on the Waverly Department of Public Safety Facebook page and/or the Humphreys County Sherriff's Office Facebook page.
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The Tennessee Radon Program is happy to announce our first Radon Poster Contest. The contest provides an opportunity to educate Tennessee youth and the general public regarding radon in Tennessee. Participation allows students an opportunity to learn about radon and reduce their risk of radon exposure.
This contest is open to all Tennessee citizens, ages 9-14 and challenges participants to develop an educational radon poster to increase public awareness of the effects of radon and encourage home testing. Winning submissions will receive individual and class prizes!
Visit our website for more information and to submit your poster! Deadline is December 15, 2021.
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TDEC recently partnering with electric vehicle (EV) automaker and automotive technology company Rivian to install Rivian Waypoint EV charging stations at Tennessee State Parks. The goal is to have charging stations available at all 56 state parks. Rivian will oversee the design and installation of Level 2 chargers, which are compatible with all EV models currently on the road.
The agreement with Rivian is the latest development stemming from TDEC’s commitment to power the growth of EVs across Tennessee and reduce barriers to transportation electrification. Earlier this year, TDEC and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) announced a partnership to develop a statewide EV charging network that will provide fast-charging stations every 50 miles along Tennessee’s interstates and highways.
This month we celebrate two days that focus on reducing harmful air emissions. September 21st is recognized as Zero Emissions Day where people from around the world “give our planet a day off” and go emissions-free to help reduce pollutants that impact our health and environment. On September 22nd, you can celebrate World Car-Free Day by choosing an alternative form of transportation. Consider walking, riding your bike, using public transportation, or carpooling to work. Working from home is also a great way to keep our air cleaner.
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Materials Management Corner
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Our sanitation workers play an important role in maintaining the health, safety, and environmental well-being of our communities. Unfortunately, sanitation work often comes with a number of risks, especially when it comes to the collection and transportation of our waste and recyclables. According to a report from the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), 36 sanitation workers were killed during collection and transportation work in 2020 (unchanged from 2019). Working around large garbage and recycling trucks can be dangerous, and TDEC takes efforts to project our sanitation workers very seriously. Here are some helpful tips to incorporate into your daily routine
- Keep a safe distance from garbage or recycling trucks – at least 15 feet.
- Never try to touch or climb on the truck.
- Make sure children watch safely from the yard or sidewalk.
- Slow down when passing a garbage or recycling truck.
- Trucks make frequent stops and often back up, so don’t follow the truck closely while walking, running, biking or skating.
- It takes large trucks twice as long to stop as passenger cars, so never cut off or stop abruptly in front of a garbage or recycling truck.
Let's work together to ensure the safety of ourselves and our collection workers!
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Have some overripe bananas? Use them in this banana pancake recipe from Once Upon a Chef.
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Deadline: October 7, 2021
Conferences/Workshops/Training Opportunities
October 13, 2021
Stay tuned as we receive updates about upcoming conferences.
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