Here’s the thing, Zero Waste is one giant misnomer. There’s really no way to live a truly Zero Waste lifestyle in Nashville, or anywhere for that matter—you’re bound to send something (probably many somethings) to the landfill.
To be “Zero Waste” in our present society means to re-evaluate what we think we need, reuse what we can, recycle less, and compost the rest.
You can prevent a TON of waste just by focusing on your purchasing habits. Before you buy something, think about where it came from and where it will go when you’re through with it.
We exist in a linear economy, not a circular one—most of the items we buy are deliberately designed to fail after a certain time, requiring us to buy a new or improved version (also known as planned obsolescence). The problem is, the linear economy in which we live is totally unsustainable. As materials become more scare, prices go up, people look for new ways to extract resources often to the detriment of the planet, and landfill space runs out as more and more obsolete items get thrown “away.”
A circular economy, on the other hand, minimizes the creation of waste through long-lasting design, maintenance, repair, and reuse.
Many people think that zero waste is time-consuming, difficult, or expensive. My hope is that with this site as a resource, your Zero Waste journey doesn’t have to be any of those things. In fact, once you get the hang of it, I think your life may feel simpler—and you may even have more money to spend on experiences rather than stuff.
Imperfection is key to going Zero Waste. No one expects you not to create trash. You’re awesome just for thinking about your waste and wanting to take steps toward reducing it.
Let’s do it together! Feel free to reach out with any questions by visiting the Contact link at the top of the page.
