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A Home Guide to Recycling
Recycling is something that many of us do in an effort to reduce our carbon footprint. For recycling to be effective, we must make sure that it is done correctly. When recycling is not done properly, items intended for recycling may still end up in the landfill. It is always best to check with your local recycling facilities to see what items can be accepted but follow the tips below to ensure all your items are able to be recycled.
- Always empty, rinse, and dry containers to remove any left-over contents.
- Plastic grocery bags can’t go in your regular curbside recycling. Check with your local grocery store to see if bags can be returned there for recycling. You can also bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store with you to avoid having to use plastic bags.
- Check the plastic number, usually on the bottom of a container, and see if your local center accepts these types of plastics. Most of the plastic generated each year is not able to be recycled so the best action that you can take is to use less of it when possible.
- Aluminum is one of the most recycled items. Everything from cans to foil is accepted in most household recycling streams. About 75% of all the aluminum ever produced is still in use today!
- Do not bag items for recycling. There is no need to put items in recycling into plastic trash bags.
- Compost! Visit our composting guide for how you can start recycling your food waste.
- Reuse items at home first. Glass jars and other containers can be reused for a multitude of uses at home.
To help further your recycling efforts, the Tennessee Environmental Council (TEC) is planning to host Recycling Roundup events across the state to help residents properly dispose of those difficult to recycle items including mattresses, tires, electronics, glass bottles, etc. The first of these events will be on December 10th in Nashville on TSU’s campus. Click here to learn more about these upcoming recycling opportunities.
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Household waste increases by more than 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. As we all celebrate this special time of year, we can also do our part to minimize our impact on the environment. Here are some small changes you can make to live more sustainably during the holidays:
- Use eco-friendly gift bags that can be re-used for years! Save boxes, bags, or tissue paper for re-gifting
- Use LED lights for your decorations, which use up to 85% less energy than regular lights. Using a timer also helps reduce energy usage
- Give the gift of experience that supports local events
- Shop local. You don’t have to worry about package delays, and it reduces your carbon footprint by eliminating delivery and packaging materials.
- Plan your menu with the Guest-imator from Save the Food to cook the right amount and reduce food waste. Provide reusable containers for leftovers to send home with guests.
- Real Christmas trees are recyclable and can be shredded into chippings for mulch and trails. Check with your local State Park or community for collection events where you can drop-off your tree after the holidays. Another option is to buy a live tree and plant it afterwards!
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Even though the cold days of winter are upon us, there is still so much activity and adventure to be found in our Tennessee State Parks. As we all enjoy the holiday season, many of the parks are offering opportunities to enhance this time with family and friends.
Throughout December, each park will be offering events that give guests the opportunity to celebrate the season in many different ways. Whether it is volunteering or donating to help others, making special hand-made ornaments and other crafts, or stepping back in time to learn how Tennesseans have historically celebrated the season, there is something for everyone.
As we turn to the new year, Tennessee State Parks encourages you to make a #resolutiontohike and join them on January 1st for one of their First Day Hikes. All across the state, parks will be offering free ranger-guided hikes for guests to start the new year reconnecting with the outdoors.
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Small Business Environmental Assistance Program
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Small businesses get the recognition they deserve on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, but every day at TDEC’s Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP) is Small Business Day.
The holidays are the perfect time to support small businesses and shop local. Did you know that there are over 142,400 small businesses in Tennessee employing fewer than 100 employees and 470,330 non-employer firms? Additionally, 53.3% of the private sector working population works in a small business with fewer than 100 employees and out of that percentage. Pick Tennessee Products is a great resource for finding small and local businesses that sell a variety of products: foods, home goods, Christmas trees, and more!
If you are a small business in the food industry, check out this upcoming webinar on December 12, 2022 about the recently enacted Tennessee Food Freedom Act. TN Department of Agriculture staff will explain the new rules and answer questions from the audience!
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Do you have leftovers from your holiday get-togethers? Check out these 25 recipes using leftovers to create new meals!
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December 10, 2022 | 9am-3pm
Deadline: December 9, 2022
Deadline: February 3, 2023
Deadline: January 6, 2023
Conferences/Workshops/Training Opportunities
February 16-18, 2023
Stay tuned as we receive updates about upcoming conferences.
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