Tennessee

Tennessee is known for a variety of things, including its music scene, particularly in Nashville, which is known as the “Music City”. Tennessee is also famous for its barbecue and hot chicken, which are popular local cuisines. The state is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is the most visited national park in the United States.

Tennessee is also known for its role in American history, as it served as the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War and was the site of many important battles. Additionally, Tennessee is home to several major universities and has a strong sports culture, with popular college football and basketball teams.

Sustainability in Tennessee

Tennessee has made significant strides in sustainability over the past decade, but it still has some work to do to catch up to other states that have been leading the way in this area. According to the 2020 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard, Tennessee ranks 34th in the nation for energy efficiency, but it has improved its ranking in recent years. The state has implemented several energy efficiency programs and policies, including the Tennessee Energy Education Initiative and the Energy Efficient Schools Initiative, which have helped to reduce energy consumption and save money for consumers.

In terms of renewable energy, Tennessee has made progress in increasing its capacity for solar and wind energy. The state has a goal of generating 10% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025, and it has already surpassed that goal with 13% of its electricity coming from renewable sources in 2019. However, Tennessee still lags behind other states that have set more ambitious goals for renewable energy, such as California and New York.

Tennessee has also taken steps to promote sustainable transportation, including the development of bike and pedestrian infrastructure and the adoption of electric vehicles. The state has a goal of having 200,000 electric vehicles on its roads by 2028, and it has implemented a tax credit for electric vehicle purchases. While Tennessee still has room for improvement in sustainability, it has made progress in recent years and is on a path towards a more sustainable future.

Recycling in Tennessee

Recycling in Tennessee has been on the rise in recent years, with more and more residents recognizing the importance of reducing waste and conserving resources. According to data from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the state’s recycling rate was 17.4% in 2018, up from 14.6% in 2013.

While this is a positive trend, there is still room for improvement. The state has set a goal of achieving a 25% recycling rate by 2025, which will require continued efforts to increase awareness and participation in recycling programs.

One area where Tennessee has made significant progress is in electronic waste recycling. In 2018, the state collected over 3 million pounds of electronics for recycling, up from just over 1 million pounds in 2013. This is an important step in reducing the amount of toxic materials that end up in landfills and can harm the environment.

Overall, while there is still work to be done to improve recycling rates in Tennessee, the state is moving in the right direction and making strides towards a more sustainable future.

How to Recycle in Tennessee

Recycling is an essential way of reducing waste and protecting the environment. If you reside in Tennessee and would like to recycle, the following guidelines can help you.

Firstly, find out if your city or county has a recycling program. Most areas in Tennessee have curbside recycling programs where you can leave your recyclables outside your home for pick up. If your area doesn’t have a recycling program, find out if there are any drop-off locations near you.

Secondly, determine what materials are accepted in your recycling program. Most programs accept items such as paper, plastics, and metals. However, some areas may have specific rules regarding what materials can be recycled. Make sure you follow those rules to avoid contaminating the recycling stream.

Thirdly, clean and sort your recyclables. Rinse out any containers and remove any caps or lids. Sort your recyclables into different categories based on the guidelines provided by your recycling program.

Lastly, recycle your materials on a regular basis. Ensure that you put your recyclables in the appropriate bin and place it outside on the designated pick-up day.

By following these guidelines, you can help to reduce waste and protect the environment in Tennessee.

Here are links to help you and your family recycle in Tennessee:

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
CLICK HERE

Tennessee Environmental Council – Recycle Tennessee
CLICK HERE

Recycle Right Tennessee
CLICK HERE

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