by Kirsten Grenier
You will find locals all throughout Williamson County doing their part to improve the environment on Earth Day, Tuesday April 22. From businesses to individuals, every act helps leave the community and the earth a little better off.
Whole Foods is spearheading a volunteer opportunity with Harpeth River Watershed Association from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Volunteers will be provided with supplies and snacks as they help clean trash and debris in and around the river. Whole Foods staff has worked with Harpeth River Watershed Association many times, but they decided to expand beyond team members on Earth Day.
“It’s the first one we’ve done that we’ve opened up to the public,” Supervisor Cindy Thomas said. “We’re all about community, so we decided ‘Why not involve the people who shop with us too?” The site is located near 821 Lewisburg Pk. in Franklin. To volunteer or for more information, contact Thomas at [email protected] or at 615-550-5660.
One highly impactful Earth Day change is happening because a local eighth grader decided to take a stand. Freedom Middle School student Ben Gray’s efforts led his entire school district to make an environmentally friendly change in the lunch room. Gray noticed his school’s use of polystyrene lunch trays and was concerned about their effect on the environment. He eventually went to Franklin Special School District (FSSD) Director of Schools Dr. David Snowden to address the issue. Thanks to Gray’s initiative, all FSSD meals will be served on compostable or recyclable lunch trays as of Earth Day.
Are you doing your part to impact the environment on Earth Day? Share it! Mellow Mushroom is offering prizes to those who are making efforts. Post your “Going Green” photos on Instagram and hashtag #mellowgreen for a chance to win.
