Did you know the average American generates about 4.5 pounds of trash daily? Multiply that by the population of Tennessee, and it adds up to a staggering amount of waste. Worst of all, much of it ends up in landfills when a significant portion could have been recycled.
Plastic, aluminum, and glass take centuries to break down. But this isn’t just about space; recycling and reusing also help reduce pollution and conserve natural resources. For instance, recycling aluminum saves 95% of the energy required to produce new aluminum from raw materials. That’s enough energy to power a TV for two to three hours.
It’s easy to feel like your small choices don’t matter in the face of such a big problem, but don’t be discouraged. The good news is you don’t have to go zero-waste overnight. Every small change in your daily routine adds up. Below are some simple, effective tips for recycling and reducing waste that you can start using today.
Okay, so what can you do today?
Recycling and reducing your waste doesn’t have to be hard, and you don’t have to get it right every time, but small changes to your daily routine can make a big difference.
1. Reuse When You Can
Reducing your waste from the start greatly impacts what you throw away.
- Bring your own bags, water bottles, utensils, and containers.
- Choose reusable items over single-use whenever you can.
- Get creative: old jars = new storage. Sturdy boxes = future gift wrap or shipping!
2. Rethink What You Toss
Before you trash it, ask: Could this be used again? Could someone else use it?
- Keep a “donate” bin at home for clothes, tools, and household goods.
- Skip the trash can when you can give something a second life.
3. Recycle (When You Can)
Even without a full-service system, most recycling programs in Tennessee accept the basics like cardboard, paper, aluminum, and sometimes plastic bottles. Follow these simple tips for recycling to make sure these items have a chance at a second life:
- Break down cardboard boxes before tossing them in the bin.
- Rinse out cans and bottles (no food or liquids!)
- Keep plastic bags out of the bin. They jam sorting equipment and usually aren’t accepted. You can take these back to your stores, which typically offer a recycling program focusing solely on recycling single-use plastic bags.
Not sure what your area takes? Check your local website or head over to this easy tool to find a drop-off location near you: https://nobodytrashestennessee.com/tennessee-recycling-centers-near-me/
4. No Curbside? No Problem!
Not every community has curbside recycling, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options:
- Use this tool to find your nearest drop-off location: Find a Recycling Center Near You
- Many centers accept paper, plastic, aluminum, and more.
- Some even take specialty items like electronics or used motor oil.
- Remember to bookmark the page or share it with a friend who is ready to make a change and looking for easy recycling tips.
Show Others How It’s Done
Your habits matter, and the people around you are paying attention. When your kids see you carry your reusable bag or your coworkers notice you bringing your lunch in a reusable container, you’re planting a seed of awareness. Your actions show a genuine commitment to protecting the environment, and that example resonates with others. Small actions create curiosity, inspire conversation, and encourage and motivate others to follow.
Real change doesn’t have to happen simultaneously; it can begin with just one person. For example, one person who reuses a bottle or drives their recycling to a drop-off center can inspire ten more individuals to take action. Those ten can then motivate even more people to get involved. That is how actual change begins – one small action at a time. Remember that Tennessee is cleaner because of your actions, even when it feels inconvenient.
Sources:
https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/sw-solid-waste.html
