Low Waste in the City

12/17/24 • 48 min

Join low waste couple Michael and Nancy as they share their ever-growing list of sustainable household practices—ditching non-recyclable packaging, swapping paper towels for reusable cloths, cutting junk mail, backyard composting, and so much more. Competitive by nature, the pair discusses how they keep each other on track and even inspire friends and family to adopt eco-friendly habits. Don’t miss this final episode of 2024, packed with practical tips to kickstart your sustainable new year.

See you in 2025!

Resources mentioned during the episode & more:

Find more information about the Nashville Department of Waste Services tips for backyard composting and Earth Machine backyard compost bins.
Check out Urban Green Lab’s sustainable gifting guide.
Find more information about Metro Nashville Water Services rain barrels and read the Annual Consumer Confidence Report on Nashville’s water quality.
Opt out of receiving junk mail with Catalog Choice.
Visit Nashville’s refill stores, The Good Fill and Sage Refill Market.
Learn about recycling bottles, jars, and jugs in the first episode of Sustainable in the City.
Sign up for the Nash Trash Newsletter to receive notice for the next recycling facility tour.
Learn more about the work of state and local sustainability organizations, like Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Tennessee Environmental Council, Cumberland River Compact, and The Nashville Food Project.
Visit second-hand retails, like Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Turnip Green Creative Reuse, ThriftSmart, and Goodwill.
Try Michael and Nancy’s favorite homemade hummus recipe.

•••
Hosts: Allie Omens & Karissa Hampton
Producer: Simone Chhut
Music: Draped Apes
Contact Sustainable in the City!
Email: [email protected]
Learn More
Nashville Waste Services: WasteServices.Nashville.gov
Urban Green Lab: UrbanGreenLab.org

See you in 2025!

Resources mentioned during the episode & more:

Find more information about the Nashville Department of Waste Services tips for backyard composting and Earth Machine backyard compost bins.
Check out Urban Green Lab’s sustainable gifting guide.
Find more information about Metro Nashville Water Services rain barrels and read the Annual Consumer Confidence Report on Nashville’s water quality.
Opt out of receiving junk mail with Catalog Choice.
Visit Nashville’s refill stores, The Good Fill and Sage Refill Market.
Learn about recycling bottles, jars, and jugs in the first episode of Sustainable in the City.
Sign up for the Nash Trash Newsletter to receive notice for the next recycling facility tour.
Learn more about the work of state and local sustainability organizations, like Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Tennessee Environmental Council, Cumberland River Compact, and The Nashville Food Project.
Visit second-hand retails, like Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Turnip Green Creative Reuse, ThriftSmart, and Goodwill.
Try Michael and Nancy’s favorite homemade hummus recipe.

Previous Episode

Cooking in the City

This month, join local chef Mariah as she whips up a batch of sustainable cooking tips, including how to use the whole ingredient (yes, even those "ugly" veggie bits!), and freeze leftovers to reduce waste in the kitchen. She’ll spill the beans on creative ways to cut down on food waste, save some dough, and make the most out of every meal. Mariah will inspire you to chop, freeze, and sauté your way to a greener kitchen!

Resources mentioned during the episode & more:

Composting options in Nashville:
- Compost Company for businesses
- Compost Nashville and REGENR8 for paid household collection
- Convenience Centers for free drop-off composting
Use the Guest-imator, a dinner party calculator that estimates how much food you need to keep your guests full & happy
Learn how to freeze and properly store food
Make a low-waste pesto
Learn how to dehydrate food
Check out farmers markets in Nashville

Find Mariah on Instagram @RadicalRabbit_

Next Episode

Adopt-a-Street in the City

This month, join LeLann who adopted a street in Nashville’s Antioch neighborhood and celebrates his birthday by hosting a litter pick-up party! With cupcakes, music, and community vibes, he turns his annual clean-up into an impactful celebration. 🎉 Tune in to hear how LeLann is making Nashville cleaner and greener, one street at a time.

Resources mentioned during the episode & more:

Borrow neighborhood clean-up supplies from Metro Nashville Beautification
Apply for Adopt-a-Street
- For streets in Nashville: Use the city's Adopt-a-Street application.
  For state-owned streets in Tennessee: Use the state’s Adopt-a-Street application.
Report illegal dumping on hubNashville
Watch this News Channel 5 spotlight on LeLann's birthday clean ups