By: Kelsey Davis
October 27th marks Zero Waste Day, a statewide initiative aimed at raising awareness about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling. This day is a crucial opportunity to encourage Tennesseans to adopt sustainable practices and minimize their environmental impact.
How can you get involved?
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Shop Local: Support businesses that prioritize sustainability and offer eco-friendly products.
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Follow the three R's to minimize your waste.
- Compost: Turn food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
- Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Opt for reusable bags, bottles, and containers.
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Participate in Local Events: Join community clean-ups, workshops, and other activities promoting Zero Waste.
The Office of Sustainable Practices will be hosting a webinar featuring TDEC’s Zero Waste TN program including why waste reduction is important, zero waste concepts and actions, and resources available to help reach your zero waste goals. To further encourage Tennesseans to adopt sustainable habits, TDEC is partnering with Zero Waste stores and refilleries across the state. On Zero Waste Day, these businesses will be hosting giveaways to provide resources and incentives for reducing waste. Some of Tennessee’s Zero Waste stores participating in Zero Waste Day this year can be found below or on the Zero Waste TN website:
To learn more about TDEC’s Zero Waste Day and how to be involved, follow @TNSustainability on Facebook, and @thestateofsustainability on Instagram. If you are interested in learning more about how you can go Zero Waste, visit our Consumer's Guide to Zero Waste.
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Halloween is just around the corner--here are some tips to make your Halloween a little more green:
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Create costumes and decor with thrifted, traded, or upcycled items. These fun, reusable lanterns can be made from upcycled plastic bottles and these adorable bats can be made with upcycled toilet paper rolls; try hosting a craft night with friends or kiddos!
Don't waste your pumpkins after the season is over! If the pumpkin has not been carved, you can cut and roast the flesh for pies or soups. Compost your jack-o-lantern after you are finished with it or offer to donate it to a local farmer to give their animals a tasty treat.
- Try to purchase local treats with minimal and/or recyclable packaging to share with your neighbors.
Whenever possible, avoid disposable plates and utensils at your party. Reduce waste by using reusable dishes, serving only finger food, or using (and composting!) compostable plates and cups.
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Household Hazardous Waste Collections |
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The average home in Tennessee produces 20 lbs of household hazardous waste (HHW) each year. Fortunately, there are safe options for disposal of these dangerous materials. Since 1993, TDEC has offered mobile HHW collection events for Tennesseans to drop off items such as cleaning fluids, pesticides, mercury thermometers, swimming pool chemicals, paint thinner and automotive fluids. To see a full list of acceptable and unacceptable items, you can visit TDEC’s HHW Program’s website.
Approximately 50 mobile events are held in selected counties across the state annually during the spring and fall. The remaining collection events of 2024 will be held through the first weekend in November. Click here to see the full collection schedule and determine if there is an event near you.
To help reduce hazardous waste that you generate at home, consider using non-hazardous chemicals when possible. Here is a list of do-it-yourself green cleaning solutions, many of which are as simple as vinegar and lemon!
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Pollution Prevention Program |
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The Office of Sustainable Practices’ Pollution Prevention program encourages Tennessee manufacturers to implement best management practices that exceed mandatory compliance required by environmental permits. This program offers training and support to businesses to help save and protect Tennessee's water resources.
Here are some ways you and businesses can help keep Tennessee’s drinking water safe:
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Dispose of chemicals properly: Always throw away chemicals in the right place. Never let them go into storm drains or streams and lakes. Chemicals can pollute our surface water, which is a source for drinking water. Dumping them on the ground can also harm groundwater, another source for drinking water.
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Choose energy-efficient appliances: If your washing machine or dishwasher breaks, think about getting a new one that has an Energy Star label. Many of the appliances with Energy Star labels use less water, which helps to conserve clean water and protect surface water. These appliances are also certified to use less energy, which can help lower your utility bills.
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Small Business Environmental Assistance Program Corner |
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October 17 is Imagine a Day Without Water, a day to think about how important water is. Did you know that TDEC’s Division of Water Resources helps keep our drinking water safe? They make sure all public water systems follow rules to protect the quality of the water we drink.
These rules include how to build, operate, and take care of public water systems, following the Safe Drinking Water Act. Public water systems must regularly test their water and treat it to remove harmful substances. The Safe Drinking Water Act also sets limits on how much of certain contaminants can be in our drinking water.
In Tennessee, public water systems do a great job providing clean water. You can find out more about your local water system by visiting TDEC’s Drinking Water Watch Dataviewer.
TDEC does not control private drinking water wells, except for how they are built, or springs that private individuals use.
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We are officially in pumpkin season now-learn how to roast your own pumpkin seeds and get some tips for using the rest of the pumpkin too!
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