95 percent of food waste goes to landfills, alongside plastics and other unrecyclable materials, where it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. 

• Plan for meals and events, store food smartly, get creative, use everything, freeze leftovers, and remember to use them later. Visit ChangeAddsUp.com for more information.
• Be mindful of expiration dates. “Best By”, “Use By” and “Sell By” dates indicate peak quality, not food safety (except on baby formula). Use your sight, taste, and smell to help decide!
• Donate leftover food to organizations that feed people, and compost scraps to support healthy soil.
• Take the pledge to reduce food waste with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and sign up for the Food Saver Challenge if you own or work for a restaurant.
• Reuse, repair, share, borrow, and recycle are all options you should consider before disposing of any product. Stay up to date with local resources here.
• Say no to unnecessary plastic. When possible, say “no” to plastic cutlery, straws, bags, and other products you only use once.

Responsible consumption protects environmental resources and contributes substantially to alleviating poverty worldwide.

• Buy locally, ethically produced goods from independent businesses to support your local food system.
• Sustainable food systems feed everyone while supporting the workers and the environment. 
• Conduct a life cycle assessment before making any purchase. To do a mini LCA, think critically about what a product is made of, where it came from, how it was produced, its intended use, and how it will eventually be disposed of.
• Support companies that protect nature and use ethical practices. Opt for sustainably made products when making any purchase and beware of “greenwashing”.

Preserving energy and water ensures access for future generations and promotes biodiversity worldwide.

• Beware of vampire loads! Some electronics in your home consume power even when they are “off”. These are called “vampire loads”. Unplug devices, use power strips, curb idle time, and make energy-efficient upgrades.
• Saving energy also saves you money. LED light bulbs use at least 75 percent less energy, and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
• For more tips on how to save energy at home and the office, look no further than Socket: Nashville’s Sustainability Outlet.
• Report and fix leaks – big or small.
• Don’t use plastic water bottles! Remember that water bottle companies sell plastic and often unjustly take water from areas that need that valuable resource to support their local people and ecosystem.
• Defend people’s right to clean water and sanitation. Support groups that work to keep governments accountable, invest in water research and development, and promote the inclusion of indigenous communities in water resource policies. Get involved in World Water Day and World Toilet Day campaigns that aim to provide information and inspiration to take action.

Ensuring no one is left behind is key to transformative change and living a more sustainable life.

• Stay open-minded, listen, and learn from others. Demand that the benefits from progress are shared, and support causes that benefit people and protect the planet.
• Stand up for your rights, and the rights of others. Learn about and take part in local decisions. Register to vote, and elect leaders that reflect your own values and beliefs.
• Demand safe, equitable, and quality public transport. Contact your councilperson.
• Advocate for a renewable energy grid! Energy production is the second-largest contributor to greenhouse gasses.
• Protect local trees, wildlife, and natural areas.