Winter in Tennessee brings plenty to look forward to—crisp air, festive celebrations, snowy mountaintops in the east, and twinkling lights across the state. But with the holiday season comes something far less magical: a spike in litter. From increased travel to gift-giving waste, winter often leaves behind more trash on our roadways, in our parks, and throughout our communities.
This year, you can make a real difference. As our holiday gift to you, Nobody Trashes Tennessee is sharing five eco-friendly, easy-to-follow ways to keep Tennessee beautiful—and earn yourself a spot on the Nice List while you’re at it.
1. Reduce Roadside Litter and Travel the Eco-Friendly Way
Holiday travel often means more cars on the road and, unfortunately, more litter. Items tossed from vehicles are one of Tennessee’s biggest litter sources, but a little planning goes a long way.
- Keep a small trash bag in your vehicle so wrappers, cups, and snack waste stay contained.
- Plan short breaks to dispose of trash properly instead of tossing items out the window.
- Carpool when possible—fewer vehicles mean less potential litter and a smaller carbon footprint.
These eco-friendly travel tips help keep Tennessee’s roadways safer, cleaner, and more welcoming for everyone traveling home for the holidays.
2. Choose Reusable Bags & Wrapping to Reduce Gift Waste
Gift-giving is one of the best parts of the holidays—but it also creates mountains of avoidable waste. This year, reduce litter with a few easy swaps:
- Bring reusable shopping bags when running errands or picking up last-minute gifts.
- Save and reuse gift bags from this season for next year.
- Wrap creatively: Use scarves, reusable totes, fabric wraps, or recyclable kraft paper instead of single-use wrapping that ends up in the trash.
- Give experiences instead of items—concert tickets, sporting events, and day trips create memories, not waste.
A little creativity makes holiday gifting more meaningful and more sustainable.
3. Recycle Your Holiday Tree the Right Way
Christmas trees are a beloved tradition, but improper disposal adds unnecessary waste to landfills. To reduce your environmental footprint:
- Choose a rooted, live tree that can be replanted and reused next year.
- If you buy a cut tree, use your county’s Christmas tree recycling program instead of sending it to a landfill.
- Explore unique ways to recycle your Christmas tree—such as chipping branches for mulch or turning the trunk into rustic décor (if permitted in your area).
According to Purdue University, properly recycled trees prevent methane emissions and support healthier soil. Your tree can keep giving joy long after the holidays end.
This holiday season, consider a real tree with the roots attached, which can be replanted and reused next holiday season. You can purchase a rooted tree from many working Christmas tree farms. Or if you opt for a non-rooted tree, make sure you utilize the Christmas tree recycling programs in your county. Discover other unique ways to recycle your Christmas tree and make the holidays a little brighter, knowing you are helping to reduce Christmas tree waste.
4. Adopt a “Leave No Trace” Attitude and Take Litter With You
From skiing and snowboarding to winter hikes, Tennessee’s outdoor recreation thrives during colder months. No matter where your adventures take you, follow a Leave No Trace mindset:
- Pack out everything you bring in—including food wrappers, cups, and single-use containers.
- Use designated bins and recycle when possible.
- Carry a small bag for collecting litter you encounter on the trail or slopes.
A clean trail is not just beautiful—it protects wildlife, preserves our natural spaces, and ensures these magical winter landscapes stay postcard-perfect.
5. Be Part of the Solution This Holiday Season
The holidays bring joy, gatherings, and celebrations—but also more waste. Your everyday choices matter:
- Dispose of trash responsibly while traveling.
- Reuse and recycle holiday materials.
- Choose sustainable alternatives where possible.
- Share tips with friends and family to spread awareness.
This holiday season, be part of the solution to end littering. Spreading the word on how to stop littering, following these tips and collectively working to keep the trash out of Tennessee. Together, we can make a positive difference and ensure that Tennessee’s winter wonderland remains beautiful for everyone.
Source:
- Which Christmas tree is better for the environment – real or artificial?
(Purdue University, www.purdue.edu)
