Eco-Friendly Atlanta: Green Resources For Your Community

Living a green lifestyle in Metro Atlanta is not only good for the environment, but it can also improve your health and well-being. Sadly, Georgia is not the greenest state in our nation by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, legislators in this state often try to go out of their way to make living sustainably much harder than it has to be. But, you CAN be a green living advocate in the Atlanta area, despite a few significant challenges.

By adopting a few simple habits and making conscious choices, you can reduce your carbon footprint and support sustainable practices in your community. In this post, we'll explore five ways to live green in Metro Atlanta: farmers markets, refill shops, places to recycle, gardening, and small local sustainable businesses.

Farmers Markets

One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint and support local agriculture is to shop at farmers' markets. Metro Atlanta has several farmers' markets, including the Peachtree Road Farmers Market, the Grant Park Farmers Market, and the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market. If you live farther out in the suburbs, there are many other markets to choose from as well. Most likely they take place every weekend in spring and summer not too far from your house.

By purchasing locally grown produce and other goods, you can reduce the amount of energy needed to transport food from distant locations, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Remember to bring your reusable bags and load up on fresh fruits and veggies this season.

Refill Shops

Disposable packaging is a major contributor to environmental pollution. By shopping at refill shops, you can reduce the amount of waste you generate and support sustainable practices. Refill shops allow you to bring your own containers and fill them with cleaning supplies, personal care products, and pantry staples like grains, nuts, and spices.

One refill shop to try in Metro Atlanta is called alto in SW Atlanta. They have loads of eco-swaps to help you live a low-waste lifestyle. The store runs on a very simple model. Just weigh your bottle, hit tare, fill up with the amount of product you need and pay by the ounce. They carry everything from shampoo and laundry detergent to zero-waste nonliquids like dental floss and toothpaste tablets.

Live a little farther outside of Atlanta? One place I enjoyed visiting recently is Totally Taylored in Athens, Ga. If you are ever in the area visiting your UGA student, check it out. Located in Bottleworks in Downtown Athens, Totally Taylored is the Classic City’s new one-stop shop for a more sustainable lifestyle.

Places to Recycle

Recycling is a crucial part of reducing your environmental impact. However, not all waste is recyclable, and not all recycling facilities accept the same materials. It's essential to learn about the recycling options available in your area to ensure that you're disposing of waste in the most responsible way possible.

In Metro Atlanta, most cities offer limited curbside recycling for residents, and several recycling centers accept a wide range of materials, including electronics, hazardous waste, and construction materials.

Sadly, many cities and counties around the state of Georgia are making recycling harder instead of easier by reducing the types of products they accept. If you live in Gwinnett County, check out the Snellville recycling center. They take glass, unlike many of the curbside recycling programs here. In addition, they also take shredded office paper which I had a heck of a time finding somewhere to take.

Another source for hard to recycling items is the Hefty Orange Bag recycling program. Residents of unincorporated and incorporated Gwinnett County can drop off #3 through #7 plastic in Lawrenceville on Maltie Street as long as it is in the orange Hefty Energy Bags.

Also, call up your local Best Buy and ask what items they accept. Usually, you can recycle small electronics, batteries, electrical cords, and small appliances.

The Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) facility is a premier program of the nonprofit, Live Thrive. It is a permanent drop-off facility that accepts many difficult-to-recycle items.

Gardening

Growing your own food is a fantastic way to reduce your carbon footprint and improve your health. When you grow your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, you can reduce the energy needed to transport food from distant locations, and you know exactly where your food comes from.

Even if you don't have a yard, you can still grow plants in containers or on a windowsill. There are also over 200 community gardens in metro Atlanta. The Metro Atlanta area also has several resources for home gardeners, including the Atlanta Community Food Bank's Community Garden Program. Call your local county extension office to learn more about resources in your area.

Don't think you need a lot of land to grow food, either. Check out the book Grow All You Can Eat in 3 Square Feet. It has some creative ways to grow a lot of food in very small spaces.

Small Local Sustainable Businesses

Supporting small, local, sustainable businesses is another way to reduce your environmental impact and support your community. By shopping at businesses that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices, you can reduce the carbon footprint of your purchases and support the local economy.

Some examples of small, local, sustainable businesses in Metro Atlanta are Sevananda Natural Foods Market, a natural grocery store, or Buffalo Exchange, a second-hand store where environmentally conscious customers can buy, sell, and trade clothing. Take a deeper look into available shopping locations and you will find more than fast food and fast fashion.

Conclusion

Living a green lifestyle in Metro Atlanta is not only good for the environment, but it can also improve your health and well-being. Shop at farmers' markets, refill shops, and small local sustainable businesses. Start recycling responsibly, even if it isn't offered right at the end of your driveway. Learn to garden at home and enjoy the fresh taste of a vine-ripened tomato that you grew yourself.

You can reduce your carbon footprint and support sustainable practices in your community, even if Georgia isn't the most sustainable-minded state in the nation. Remember that small changes can make a big difference, and every effort counts towards creating a more sustainable future for all. Get more green living tips from a metro Atlanta blogger at Turning the Clock Back.