Shopping Sustainably in Tennessee

This week is National Small Business Week! Did you know that Tennessee has more than 741,000 small businesses that employ 1.2 million people? In fact, small businesses make up 99.5% of businesses in Tennessee.

Since we are highlighting small businesses this week, it’s a great time to talk about why shopping small is sustainable. Shopping small is sustainable because it:

Supports local economies
Small business owners and their employees live in our communities. When you choose to shop with them, you support your neighbors and keep money circulating in the local economy. This creates stronger, more resilient communities and helps ensure that the businesses we care about can continue to thrive.
Reduces transportation distances
A lot of small businesses offer products that are made or sourced locally. This reduces long-distance shipping and lowers emissions. Shopping small can also shorten the distance you have to travel, which saves you time, fuel, and money. Farmers markets are a great example. The food travels far fewer miles than items imported from out of state or other countries, and it is often fresher too.
Reduces packaging and waste
Many small businesses choose minimal or reusable packaging, which helps cut down on waste going to landfills. Some shops even offer bulk or refill options for household items, which is an easy way to reduce single-use packaging.

Shopping small isn’t just a way to support neighbors, it’s a tangible step toward building more resilient, lower pollution communities. Small choices, made collectively, can become a catalyst for meaningful environmental progress.

As warm weather arrives and vacation plans take shape, a few simple steps can keep your home energy-efficient whether you’re relaxing at home or away. Before leaving for a trip, raise your thermostat, switch your water heater to vacation mode, unplug electronics, and close blinds to block heat. While at home, take advantage of cooler mornings by opening windows for natural ventilation, then rely on ceiling fans and efficient thermostat settings as temperatures rise. Keep sunlight out during peak hours, use energy-saving lighting, and schedule an HVAC tune-up to ensure your system runs efficiently all season.

Tennessee residents can boost savings even more through the state’s Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program and home-upgrade incentives supported by TVA, which help offset costs of improvements like heat-pump HVAC systems and insulation upgrades. It’s a simple way to enjoy summer comfort while reducing energy use and utility bills.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is helping communities protect and restore local waterways through its Clean Streams Grants. These grants provide up to $1,000 for stream clean-up projects led by nonprofits, schools, and community groups across the state. Funding can be used for supplies, waste and tire disposal, and support for volunteers—removing barriers that often limit local action.

Clean stream efforts don’t just beautify neighborhoods; they improve wildlife habitat, reduce pollution, and build community pride. Whether you’re organizing a school service day or coordinating a larger watershed project, this grant is a great way to make a measurable impact. Applications are open now through June 30, 2026.

Tennessee and the nation are celebrating 50 years of cleaner outdoor air thanks to the Clean Air Act. But as our homes have become more energy‑efficient, they also trap indoor air more than ever—making indoor air quality an important part of a healthy home.

Tennessee homeowners should understand a few key indoor air topics: how HEPA filters reduce particulate matter, why carbon monoxide monitoring is essential in homes with natural gas, how moisture control helps prevent mold, and why radon testing is especially important in our state.

Being a responsible Tennessee homeowner means staying informed and taking simple steps to keep your indoor air clean and safe. Invest in your home’s air quality today.

Have fruit that’s gotten a little too soft, but isn’t spoiled yet? Give it new life by turning it into a quick homemade jam. This easy, kid‑friendly recipe works with almost any leftover fruit and comes together in just a few minutes. Since it’s more like a fresh compote than a traditional jam, be sure to enjoy it within a few days. Try it swirled into yogurt, spread on toast, paired with warm scones, or spooned over ice cream.