Going Green: Environmental Sustainability in Williamson County
In the last several years, national and global efforts have become saturated with the word sustainability as it relates to environmental preservation. Engaging in sustainability means participating in practices that conserve and protect natural resources. Though many of us acknowledge the necessity of these efforts to maintain the wellness and beauty of our world, the issue can feel huge and polarizing. How does one person, household, or community really make a difference in the welfare of the earth?
Simply put, it starts right where you are. It’s important to become more aware of the environmental efforts of our county and city and, in turn, take initiative in our own homes. Small steps can lead to great changes.
Williamson County’s Sustainability Efforts
Williamson County is working hard to preserve the beauty and environmental safety of the community. Keep Williamson Beautiful is the volunteer division of the Williamson County Solid Waste Department, affiliated with the organization Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading sustainability non-profit. The main goal of this program is to build a sense of civic pride in Williamson County, especially as it relates to attitudes toward the conservation and improvement of the local environment. The organization provides recycling collection centers for county residents in partnership with Williamson Recycles.
Keep Williamson Beautiful also provides education and volunteer opportunities, and initiates local environmental events. Individuals, neighborhoods, and organizations are encouraged to partner with the program. Some initiatives have included the sponsorship of an Environmental Reading Program, where volunteers read earth-conscious books to Kindergarten classes around the county to encourage environmental education, discourage littering, and prevent waste. Alongside this, Williamson County students have also participated in Tree Wise, an Arbor Day celebration and education opportunity for Kindergarten and 1st grade students. Recycling contests and merit programs are also implemented in Williamson County Public Schools as a way to encourage students of all ages to participate in sustainable efforts and environmental awareness.
Environmental Progress in Franklin
Franklin is a frontrunner in Tennessee’s environmental efforts. In 2018, the city became the first in the state to achieve a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certification. LEED was established by the U.S. Green Building Council and takes into account a city’s air quality, waste and energy management, and prosperity. There are currently only about 130 cities nationwide with this achievement.
This success is a result of the city’s sustainability project, an initiative that officially took root in 2008. The plan is currently maintained by 9 volunteers on the Sustainability Commission, who are appointed by the mayor and advise the local government on environmental policy. The main goals of this plan include improvement in environmental efforts, cost effectiveness, and quality of life in Franklin. These goals are achieved through effective waste management and facilitation, access to environmental education, preservation of community Greenways (protected natural spaces), and walkability. Franklin is also a part of the Bee City USA program, which aims to improve the habitat of local pollinators through increasing the amount of native plants and reducing pesticide use.
Franklin’s walkability is a huge proponent of sustainability. The city was awarded an honorable mention as a national walk-friendly community. This acknowledgement is based upon reports of public safety, general connectivity, tourism, and community activities.
Sustainability at Home
Despite the encouragement of these local governmental efforts, you may still be wondering how you can effectively participate in sustainable practices within your own home. Awareness of the policies, education, and volunteer opportunities within Williamson County is a great place to start. Beyond these communal efforts, however, there are personal steps you can take to make a difference!
- On the day-to-day, you can conserve energy and water in your household by being mindful of usage patterns. Reducing the use of electronic devices and appliances when possible is a great way to improve environmental, financial, and personal health.
- When purchasing household items and clothing, consider buying second-hand from local consignment and thrift stores.
- Consider indoor/outdoor gardening as a sustainable way to grow your own food and improve local flora. If you don’t have a green thumb, you can support local farmers by purchasing their produce and products in local shops and farmer’s markets.
- You can avoid excessive use of plastics by bringing your own bags to the store. Likewise, buying products from companies with sustainable production practices reduces harmful material waste.
- Walking or biking whenever possible is also a great way to make an impact! Alongside being good for your health and well-being, implementing this into your daily life will reduce air pollution caused by vehicular transportation.
Where to Recycle:
BOPAE (Batteries, Oil, Paint, Anti-Freeze, Electronic Waster) Recycling: 417 Century Ct, Franklin, TN 37064
Bethesda Convenience Center: 4905 Bethesda Road, Thompson’s Station, TN 37179
College Grove Convenience Center: 6520 Arno-College Grove Road, College Grove, TN 37046
Fairview Convenience Center: 2714 Fairview Boulevard, Fairview, TN 37062
Grassland Convenience Center: 1495 Sneed Road, Franklin, TN 37069
Hillsboro Convenience Center: 5406 Pinewood Road, Franklin, TN 37064
Nolensville Convenience Center: 1525 Owen Road, Brentwood, TN 37027
Southall Convenience Center: 1140 Mile End Road, Franklin, TN 37064
Thompson’s Station Convenience Center: 1515B Thompson’s Station Road, West, Thompson’s Station, TN 37179
Trinity Convenience Center: 3004 Wilson Pike, Franklin, TN 37064
Wilson Pike Recycle Drop-Off: 1301 Wilson Pike, Brentwood, TN 37027
Pictured: Factory Farmers Market, open Wednesdays and Sundays
Where to Buy Local Food:
Factory Farmer’s Market: The Factory, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
The Franklin Farmers’ Market: The Factory, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
Please Note: In 2025, the Franklin Farmer’s Market will move locations to the campus of Franklin First United Methodist Church. Click here to learn more.
Berry Farms Farmers Market: 5005 Captain Freeman Parkway, Franklin, TN 37064
Westhaven Farmers Market: 187 Front Street, Franklin, TN 37064
Hidden Gem Farmers Market: 863 Old Military Road, Spring Hill, TN 37174
Nolensville Farmers Market: 7248 Nolensville Road, Nolensville, TN 37135
East Franklin Farmers Market: 2080 Turning Wheel Lane, Franklin, TN 37067
(check websites for seasonal dates and times)
Where to Spend Time Outdoors:
Williamson County Community Garden: 120 Everbright Avenue, Franklin TN 37064
Peacock Hill Nature Park: 6990 Giles Hills Road, College Grove, TN 37046
Timberland Park: Natchez Trace Parkway: Mile Marker 437.2(South of the SR Highway 96 entrance) Franklin, TN 37064
Wilkins Branch Mountain Bike Park: 5664 Wilkins Branch Road, Franklin TN 37064
More outdoor spaces in Williamson County Here!
Given the magnitude of environmental issues, it can be tempting to assume that what you do doesn’t matter. However, it is important to remember that small efforts are impactful. Making changes in your home leads to changes in your community, which leads to changes in your state, in your country, and the earth at large.
Being environmentally conscious is a practice that takes time and awareness. On a practical note, paying attention to sustainability movements at individual and local levels can reduce the overwhelming nature of this topic. Staying up to date with efforts and policy in Williamson County is a wonderful way to stay informed and get involved. In 2025, we hope you consider taking small steps toward the ultimate goal of environmental well-being for our community and, ultimately, our world!
