Atlanta Zero Waste Guide

Composting is an intricate part of the zero waste experience. In Atlanta, compost is easy and encourage by the city for residents.  If you don't have a back yard for doing the lazy man's compost, then find a community garden near you. They typically welcome all to drop of scraps, I would try to contact the garden to be sure they accept non-member's compost. If you're not interested in getting too deep into composting on your own, get in touch with Compost Wheels. They provide a pick-up service for kitchen scraps, and in return you receive soil at your request.

Filling Stations and Growler Shops are becoming a go-to for beers drinkers looking for a story behind their beer choice. A few neighborhood friendly spots for beer by the growler include Intown Market (Old 4th Ward), Ale Yeah! (Oakhurst), Candler Park Market (Candler Park), HopCity Craft Beer & Wine (Krog Street Market/ West Midtown) and Taps Craft Beers & Growlers (Decatur). For Wine by the growler, check out Wahoo! Wine & Provisions (Oakhurst) and 3 Parks Wine (Glenwood Each Growler system differs from establishment to establishment, be sure to call ahead to know if they provide you with a growler...

Come to Mama! Really there's a bath and body shop called Mama (in Avondale Estates and Krog Street Market). It's a local business with handmade goodies including soaps, lip balms, scrubs, essential oils. They also teach classes if you want to learn how to make your own soaps. Another zero waste personal care option is LUSH (Lenox Mall); they have a wide variety of unpackaged products including soap, scrubs, fizz balls and deodorant bars. You can get unpackaged soap at Sevananda and Whole Foods also. On Fort Negrita, I have how-tos for making your own products at home. See how...

Kroger on Moreland; their hot bar is the best place to stock up on hummus, olives and other savory yummies like roasted red peppers and stuffed grape leaves. You can also visit your favorite Mediterranean restaurant for these food goodies. My favorites are Cafe Agora (Midtown) and Lawrence's Cafe (Oakhurst).

This is an easy one. Think of your favorite Mexican restaurant. BOOM! Zero waste tortillas chips. I typically go to El Maryachi (Kirkwood). I sit at the bar and tell them about my zero waste lifestyle followed by making an order of zero waste tortilla chips. Many times they will take my bag to the back, sometimea I ask that they put it on a plate and bring it to me. Other good ones are Mi Barrio (Grant Park) and El Mexicano (Moreland).