Building Sustainable Habits
While many of the issues with our current food system need to be addressed through policy, advocacy, and corporate change, there are things that all of us can start doing to create more sustainable habits, and, eventually, a more sustainable food system. Check out some of the resources we’ve compiled here to help start you on your journey of building sustainable habits. Know that you are not alone as you start building these habits; check out Urban Green Lab and Network for Sustainable Solutions for support along this journey! Leave a comment sharing other resources that you’re aware of or letting us know which sustainable habits you’re working into your daily routine.
Composting
Composting can be a simple way to both cut down on your personal food waste and contribute to the environment. Check out some of these resources to get started on your own composting journey.
The organization Compost Nashville will pick up your food scraps and turn them into compost for you!
Recycling
Most of our food comes in extensive packaging. One way to cut down on the waste produced as a byproduct of the food system is to be intentional about reusing or recycling food packaging whenever possible. Use the resources here to learn more about the dos and don'ts of recycling. Check out these resources to help you start your own recycling journey.
Gardening
Whether you're a part of a community garden or growing food for your family in your own backyard, gardening can be an easy and inexpensive way to access fresh food! Check out some of these resources to get connected to existing community gardens or start your own gardening journey.
Check out this list of existing community gardens around Nashville. Be sure to check out one of our partner organizations, Brooklyn Heights Community Garden!
Use this resource from Nashville.gov to explore the possibility of starting a new community garden! The Nashville Community Garden Coalition is also doing important work surrounding building communities gardens.
Check out these resources to start your own personal gardening journey!
Local Food Sources
Buying your food from local food sources helps support local businesses and farmers, is better for the environment, and can often have higher quality food! Check out some of this list of locally owned markets and grocery stores and this list of local farmer’s markets.
Community Supported Agriculture programs can be another great way to get food from a local source. Each program is different, but they often look like getting a weekly box of freshly harvested fruits, vegetables, and/or meat from a local farm. Check out these opportunities to sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture program.