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OPSP Summer Events
By: Ashley Cabrera
Summer is right around the corner and OPSP has some exciting virtual events lined up for everyone from families to businesses.
During the months of June and July, our office will be hosting a Virtual Summer Camp to provide environmental education to K-12 students. Each week students can participate in a variety of activities and learning opportunities. Activities and lessons will be led by TDEC staff and also feature local nonprofits Turnip Green Creative Reuse and Urban Green Lab. No registration is required. Those interested in participating should log onto the Office of Policy and Sustainable Practices Facebook page daily at 10am. Activities will later be shared on Instagram and on the OPSP webpage where parents, students and teachers may access them at any time. See the program flyer below for more information.
On June 17th, OPSP will be hosting a webinar on backyard composting and at-home gardening. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions to all aspects of society and emphasized the importance of community and household resilience through self-reliance. Two practices that enhance community and household self-reliance, while also providing environmental benefits, are at-home gardening and backyard composting. This webinar will highlight information, including tips and tricks, on how to start your own garden and backyard compost setup. The webinar will be Wednesday, June 17 at 2pm CST. For more information and to register, click HERE.
On June 12th, the Tennessee Sustainable Spirits program will be hosting a webinar for spirits producers and other interested businesses in the state. Topics covered will include the TN Sustainable Spirits program, EPA ENERGY STAR for Distilleries, and How to re-engage with customers during/after the covid-19 pandemic. The webinar will be Friday, June 12 at 11am CST. For more information and to register, click HERE.
You can also learn more about sustainability through our podcast, The State of Sustainability. This podcast creates a casual conversation about environmental stewardship that the average person can understand and replicate. New episodes are recorded each month and you can listen to them on our Anchor account or any platforms where podcasts are heard, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Community Corner
Construction of a new adventure park has been completed at Henry Horton State Park. OPSP partnered with Henry Horton State Park in Marshall County and Tennessee State Parks - Recreational Education Services to help fund an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible porous pathway made from granulated rubber. Funds were provided by the Tire Environmental Act Program (TEAP), a grant program that encourages development of end-markets and innovative solutions for waste tires. This ADA compliant pathway, which consists of approximately 1,400 recycled tires, provides access to a wheelchair accessible playground, learning, and adventure area. Additional private partners, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and GameTime, provided financial support for the construction of the playground, learning, and adventure area. For more information about TEAP funded projects please our website.
Business Corner
TGSP Member Highlight
Florim USA, Inc. is an award-winning porcelain tile manufacturer, a leader in the global ceramic sector, and committed to continued technological innovation in both tile manufacturing and sustainability. Located in Clarksville, Tennessee, Florim USA is the largest single-site porcelain tile manufacturer in the United States. The company endeavors to incorporates environmental considerations in all of their actions. Check out the video below to learn more about Florim and the Tennessee Green Star Partnership.
Read the Latest TGSP Member Highlight>
State Government Corner
In an effort to provide a more sustainable and efficient work environment for its employees, TDEC is participating in Urban Green Lab’s (UGL) new Lab Certification Program. This new program assists organizations and businesses with the development of a culture of sustainable living within their workspace. Through the program, a “Green Team” of TDEC staff will partner with UGL to review existing sustainability initiatives within the Tennessee Tower (TDEC’s Central Office) and then develop a strategic plan to enhance and expand on those programs. Once the plan is developed, the team will meet regularly to work towards implementation, and ultimately certification as an urban green lab.  For more information on Urban Green Lab, visit their website at: www.urbangreenlab.org.
Recipe of the Month 
Carrot Top Pesto
Instead of throwing away those carrot tops, turn them into this Carrot Top Pesto, which is great on pastas and pizzas!
News Articles
2020 Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award winners announced
GM's Spring Hill Manufacturing plant to run on solar by 2023
Keep America Beautiful Announces Relaunch of 2020 Great American Cleanup
Panther Creek Park Ranger keeping bees at the park
Events
Tennessee State Parks Events
National Trails Day - June 6th, 2020
Urban Green Lab: Sustainable Nashville Live - Every Friday @ 4pm in June
Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Environmental Education in Tennessee Events
Socket, Nashville's Sustainability Outlet
Funding Opportunities
TDEC Grants and Programs 
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
TDOT Rural Planning Initiative
Tire Environmental Act Program Grant
Education and Outreach Grants
Grants.gov
Conferences/Workshops/Training Opportunities
Stay tuned as we receive updates about upcoming conferences. 
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