The Cataylst Newsletter
Be Proactive in Your Community
By: Kelsey Davis
Fall is quickly approaching, and with it a new season to begin a new journey. Now is a great time of year to find a group that has a mission you’re passionate about and to become proactive in your community. Joining a local volunteer group, club, or mission is a great way to connect with people who share your interests and values, and it’s also a fun way to learn new things about your community. Whether you’re interested in participating in a community clean up event, a gleaning to help end hunger, a weed wrangle at your local park to stop invasive species, or whatever it may be, now is a great time to sign up!  
Here are some ways to be proactive in your community: 
  • Volunteer your time to a local organization. 
  • Donate to a charity or cause that you care about. 
  • Attend community meetings and events. 
  • Run for office or serve on a committee. 
  • Start a community garden or clean-up project. 
  • Get involved in your local school or library. 
  • Mentor a child or young adult. 
Here are some local organizations that host regular volunteer opportunities: 
No matter how you choose to get involved, volunteering is a great way to make a difference, build relationships, and improve the lives of others. By being proactive in your community, you can help to make it a safer, cleaner, more vibrant place to live.  
Community Corner
We recognized our 2023 Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award Winners in Franklin last month. Congratulations to all of our winners and thank you for your commitment to sustainability in Tennessee!
Business Corner
Tennessee Volunteer Emission Reduction Strategy (TVERS)
TVERS is an emissions reduction plan currently being developed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), with input from diverse, multidisciplinary stakeholders across the state. Through this planning process, we will develop reports that include a greenhouse gas inventory, specific measures to reduce emissions, and quantified emissions data. 
Stakeholder engagement is an important component of TVERS, and your input will play a key role. We are offering several ways for stakeholders and the public to get involved throughout the planning process.
More information on the virtual kickoff webinar can be found in the included graphics, and more information can be found on our website, including dates and locations of public meetings.
 State Government Corner
Tennessee has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, with much of it being available for all its citizens to enjoy. Therefore, it is important that we protect and maintain these outdoor spaces for generations to come. National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the largest single-day volunteer effort for America’s public lands. Each year, thousands of volunteers come together during the month of September to help restore, improve, and enjoy public lands around the country.
Tennessee State Parks, in partnership with the TN Serves initiative, will be offering various opportunities for Tennesseans to roll up their sleeves and volunteer to help our parks complete cleanup and improvement projects. Click here to get more details about events that are happening near you.
     Small Business Environmental Assistance Corner
    How should you dispose of unused latex/acrylic paint? Regardless if you are a homeowner or a small business, the answer depends on whether the paint is latex/acrylic or oil-based. 
    Dried latex and acrylic paints can be placed in a trash can for disposal in a landfill. To dry out the paint, leave the open container in a sunny spot for a few days. Another option is to add an absorbent material such as shredded paper to the paint container to solidify the liquid. Once the paint is dry, toss the container into the trash can. Check out this section next month to learn how to dispose of oil-based paints.
    As a reminder, Reduce and Reuse should be considered before Recycle. Look for creative uses for any unused paints. If you have other questions about how to properly dispose of waste, reach out to TN’s Small Business Environmental Assistance Program for answers.
    Recipe of the Month
    Tomatoes continue to be in abundance in Tennessee. If your garden is overflowing, use them in this simple salsa recipe.
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