05/17/2026
Maris & Sam go to the East Nashville convenience center to recycle glass and compost!
Do you have resources like this in your town? Do you have any recycling access?
I grew up recycling with my mom, so many of these habits are already ingrained in me. When I didn’t have single-stream curbside recycling for the last six or so years, I had to separate everything and take it to this convenience center. But I was fortunate to have this resource—many don’t.
These habits and behaviors take time and effort to learn, including understanding what is recyclable and what resources are available to you. It’s never been easy for anyone, no matter where you live! I believe many people have lost faith in the recycling process, which makes sense since my home state, Tennessee, is ranked 48th in the nation for recycling, with a 12% recycling rate—no bueno.
I’m here to tell you it’s not your fault. Many companies—mainly petrochemical companies—produce plastics and packaging that can’t be recycled, and as consumers, we have no control over this process. But what if I told you there’s a solution? One that would require every single company to make better, more sustainable products and contribute to the recycling infrastructure our state desperately needs?
That solution is a policy called extended producer responsibility (EPR) and it’s already happening in 30% of the world! 🤯 Tennessee could be the first “red” state to pass a true EPR bill, and expand and improve recycling for all Tennesseans, TAX PAYER FREE!
Learn more at www.tnwastetojobs.com or check out the Instagram profile here:
Recycling education needs to be consistent, and as Tennesseans, we must feel confident that when we put in the effort to recycle, it actually gets recycled. DM me for more information.
Love, your friendly EPR nerd, Maris 🫶💫✨
