We’re all concerned about the environment. No matter where you live, this website will be a tool to help you achieve your goals when it comes to reducing waste.
Here you will find helpful facts, DIY projects, help with recycling, and much more. We are working on spreading the word about reducing waste through local workshops and educational speaking events.
What is Zero Waste?
If you are just beginning the Waste Free Lifestyle here are some articles to inspire you to produce less trash.
- How to transition to Zero Waste and Become a Cool Mom
- Don’t Throw That Away! Zero Waste Lunch
- How to support local business and go green in a good way
- 4 Reasons People Don’t Worry about Waste Reduction
You can also meet our team at Knoxville’s EarthFest events.
Make sure you are on the list to receive announcements for our Waste Free Tennessee Workshops
Follow Waste Free Tennessee on Instagram.
Beginner Tips to start reducing waste right now.
- Recycle – educate yourself on recycling. Know what your local recycling facility accepts.
- Carry your own reusable shopping bags – keep them in the trunk of your car!
- Keep containers with for drinks – a reusable water bottle, coffee mug, reusable straws and utensils – we plan to make kits available soon!
- Instead of putting your produce in a plastic film bag, simply put your produce directly in your cart (I hope you were planning to wash your apples anyway!) OR carry some net produce bags along with your reusable shopping bags.
- Keep cardboard boxes for carrying your groceries instead of recycling the cardboard right away. Boxes are easier to carry than bags anyhow!
- Shop the bulk bins! Here in Knoxville there are lots of stores with bulk bins. Try Three Rivers Market, Kroger, Whole Foods, Earth Fare and others. Save your leftover jars and other containers to use for bulk items.
- Pack zero waste lunches using a reusable container and cloth baggies.
- Replace disposable paper towels with eco friendly reusable rags. They do not have to be fancy – as a matter of fact, dark brown works best for cleaning up spills. Trust me. Coffee.
- Instead of single use coffee pods, make a pour over or do a French press – or just make an entire pot of coffee and share it with your friends. Be popular!
- Bar soap doesn’t require plastic, when possible use it instead of soap in plastic bottles.
- OR refill glass pump bottles with liquid soap at Wild Lavender on Union Avenue.
- Use natural rubber gloves instead of disposable latex gloves for washing dishes
- Instead of dishwasher detergent in plastic bottles, buy your detergent in a cardboard box.
- For shampoo – try shampoo bars!
- Choose plastic-free hair brushes and combs.
- Make the switch to a safety razor and ditch the plastic razors – they give a closer shave and look more beautiful!
- Get plastic free toilet paper delivered to your home.
- Make your own beeswax wrap instead of plastic cling film or else buy some already made. It smells great!
- Use good old fashioned iron skillets.
- Buy second hand clothing at thrift stores and other second hand shops instead of fast fashion.
- Compost food waste.
- Use ceramic, stainless steel or glass for pet food and water – your cat hates plastic and your dog will thank you too!
- BYOB. Bring Your Own Beverage containers that is! When you go to an event take a stainless steel cup for your drink! People will think you are SERIOUS!
- Wrap gifts the eco-friendly way.
- Learn to live with less.
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