Go Zero Waste
By: Ashley Cabrera
Tennesseans generate a lot of waste. In 2018, 6.77 million Tennesseans produced 8.1M tons of waste which equates to 6.56 lbs of waste per person per day. EPA reported a 2017 national average of 4.51 lbs of waste per person per day. In other words, Tennesseans produce 31.7% more waste than the national average. Recycling has historically been promoted as the primary answer to our waste management issues. However, it can be labor and energy intensive, and may result in the production of a material stream that may not have a viable end-market. While recycling has its place in the waste management hierarchy, it should not be seen as the sole solution.
A better solution is zero waste. Zero waste entails shifting consumption patterns, making more conscious purchasing decisions, and maximizing the reuse of materials at the end of their useful life. Zero Waste includes eliminating or preventing waste at the source, and implementing waste reduction strategies further down the supply chain such as reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting.
There are 5 simple steps to take as you start your zero waste journey:
1. Rethink: Adjust purchasing behaviors and implement conscious purchasing
2. Reduce: Make purchasing decisions that reduce unnecessary waste
3. Reuse: Consider reusability and durability of the products you purchase
4. Recycle: Consider recycled content and recyclability of purchased items
5. Re-Earth: Consider packaging or products that cannot be recycled, but may be compostable.
Each year on October 27th, TDEC and its partners celebrate Zero Waste Day. The event aims to raise awareness about waste in Tennessee and educate citizens on actions they can take to reduce it. Help us to celebrate by doing your part to reduce waste in Tennessee!
