Community Resources

Sustainable choices can be easy ways to cut costs and improve your quality of life alongside preserving Earth’s resources.

To lower your energy bills, access free food and transportation, and find beneficial programs for your home, business, farm, & more, take advantage of the sustainable solutions and actions laid out in these resource sections.

Resources

Energy Efficiency

Access resources/programs (including free and low-cost) to identify and perform energy upgrades that reduce personal energy costs and create a more resilient home and environment.

Energy Assessments
Perform at-home energy assessments to identify energy upgrades and reduce bills.
Energy Efficient Financing
Access energy efficiency financing programs without credit score requirements.
Funding Programs
Leverage regional energy efficiency tax credits and other free or low-cost funding opportunities to reduce the cost of energy improvements and lower your bills while increasing your quality of life.
Sustainable Energy
Consider investing in switching to sustainable sources of energy such as solar.
audit savings

You can save 5-30% on your energy bill by making efficiency upgrades identified in your home energy audit.

Source: energy.gov

Resources

Food and Farming  

Access resources/programs (including free and low-cost) to improve food security, reduce grocery bills, and support resilient food systems. Consider contributing to your local economy by entering agriculture as a farmer or gardener following recommended practices.

Food Assistance
Utilize food assistance and nutrition incentive programs like SNAP, WIC, Double Up Food Bucks, or CSA subsidies to make healthy, local food more affordable. 
Grants and Financing
Access agriculture and food system grants or financing opportunities that do not require credit checks, community land access programs, or cooperative buying clubs. 
Funding Programs
Leverage regional and federal tax credits, cost-share programs, and nonprofit support for sustainable farming practices, food entrepreneurship, or equipment purchases. 
Long-Term Investments
Explore long-term investments in sustainable practices, such as rainwater harvesting, regenerative soil practices, or installing small-scale aquaponics or permaculture systems. 
Fighting Child Hunger

 

In East Tennessee, 1 in 6 people struggle with hunger. To help meet this need, food banks like Second Harvest distribute tens of millions of pounds of food each year. Find your closest food bank for support.

Source: feedingamerica.org

Resources

Land Use

Learn about ways to manage your yard, property and take advantage of free natural resources to bring benefits to you and to the environment.

Native Plants
Add native plants to your garden to make it easier to manage, lower-cost, and more friendly to local species.
Energy Efficient Tools
Invest in tools like rain barrels to collect free water to use for yardwork and reduce the effects of run-off on flooding and other problems.
Land Management Programs
If you’re a landowner, participate in land management programs to earn money and get free assistance to upgrade your management or farming practices and preserve your land’s quality.
Benefits of Native Plants
Reduce water use by 85% and lower bill.

Reduce maintenance by 75% and increase free time.

 

 

 

 

Manage your allergies with native plants that produce less pollen.
Save costs on fertilizers and pesticides.

Source: ballonafriends.org

Resources

Natural Hazards

Learn about how and why natural hazards and other human health problems are increasing due to environmental change and find resources to prepare yourself and your family.

Natural Disaster Risks
Find information on natural disaster increases and specific risks in our area.  
Local Emergency Management Plan
Identify your local emergency/disaster management plan. 
Disaster Assistance
Apply to disaster assistance for food, housing, and other problems if you have been affected by a natural disaster. 
Weatherize Your Home
Weatherize your home to buffer against extreme temperatures and conserve energy.  
Number of Natural Disasters to Triple for New Generation

Frequency of natural disasters experienced in a lifetime for a person born in 2020 compared to one born in 1960. All climate disasters are approximately 3 times as many.

Source: statista.com

Resources

Transportation

Learn about cheaper, fuel-efficient transportation options like public transit and higher MPG vehicles. Find specific programs and discounts to ensure your access to employment, healthcare, and your community. 

Public Transit
Use public transit such as KAT and ETHRA and figure out if you qualify for discounted or free use.
Fuel Efficient Cars
When purchasing a new vehicle, consider choosing a higher MPG vehicle to use fuel more efficiently and reduce your spending on gas.
Walking / Biking
Consider walking or biking for short trips to save on fuel and get enjoyable exercise.
Benefits of Public Transportation

Taking public transit can reduce your risk of being in a vehicular accident by over 90%. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Taking public transit and owning one less car can save your household nearly $13,000 a year.

Source: avta.com, apta.com

Resources

Waste Management

Learn about strategies for lowering waste and consequently cutting unnecessary spending on food, disposal, and more. Find specific local resources and programs to help make waste disposal easier. 

Reduce Consumption
Reduce your consumption and purchasing to save money and lower the amount of waste you have to deal with. 
Buy Used, Reuse, Repurpose
Reuse/repurpose what you can by reusing containers, composting, and buying second-hand items.  
Recycle / Disposal Practices
Follow best disposal practices and take care to recycle materials like electronics to prevent harmful, unnecessary waste and aid the economy.  
Food waste in the U.s.

31.9% of American household food supply is wasted each year, making up 24% of our landfill space. Save up to $56 a week or $3,000 a year by throwing away less food.

Source: epa.gov, planetforward.org

The CPRG Program is a two-stage grant program that provides funding for planning and implementation grants to develop and implement plans for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other harmful air pollutants.

For additional information or general inquiries, please contact us