Sustainability in South End
Good planets are hard to find.
There is no planet B, so let's keep this one clean. Making simple changes in your every day life can have a big impact, and there are plenty of ways to live a more sustainable life in South End. Learn how:
Recycle your #5 Plastics
Tons of products are made from #5 plastics, including most takeout containers, but did you know that a lot of that plastic is not actually recyclable? You may be putting them in the green bin, but that is likely to send your whole bin to the landfill. Drop off your #5 plastics in the circular recycling bins at the South End Farmers Market on Saturday mornings between 8 am and 1 pm. The plastics need to be clean and sticker free. Envision Charlotte will process them and turn them into PPE and new plastics, including kayak parts.
LEARN ABOUT THE RECYCLING PROGRAM
Volunteer at Rail Trail Cleanups
Hundreds of volunteers gather to clean the Rail Trail during the spring and fall. Volunteers are able to RSVP in advance or on site, and all supplies are provided. As a reward for their hard work, volunteers hang out at The Union after the cleanups and enjoy a free beer and prizes.
Learn about Rail Trail Cleanups
Support Local Farming Systems at The South End Farmer's Market
Local farming systems are integral to providing nutritious, culturally relevant, and affordable ingredients in our kitchens. When you purchase your groceries at the South End Farmer's Market, you not only help a small business owner in our community, but you are also supporting diverse agricultural systems in Charlotte.
Learn about the south end farmer's market
Buy Reusable, Recyclable, and Refillable Goods at Good Earth Essentials
Cut down on your plastic consumption by purchasing items that can be reused or refilled. Good Earth Essentials, located at Centro Square, is a sustainable gift shop offering sustainable art and zero waste everyday essentials. The shop offers bulk refills and sustainable swaps for bath, body, and home, such as soaps, detergents, and reusable paper towels.
LEARN ABOUT good earth essentials
Book Swap at The Little Free Libraries
Forget Amazon, leave a book or grab a book at one of South End's five Little Free Libraries! These colorful libraries double as a work of art and were created by Glen and Maria Nocik at ACSM and C3 Lab. Check out any of these locations to get a book. Better yet, make another reader's day by leaving a book inside.
Learn about little free libraries
Travel by Light Rail or Rail Trail
There are plenty of ways to get around the city without a car (say goodbye to parking garages!). You can get anywhere you want to go in South End by light rail. There are four light rail stops in South End, and more throughout the City of Charlotte. If you'd prefer to run, bike, or walk, the Rail Trail is a 3.5 mile linear park that runs parallel to the light rail.
In the coming years, a pedestrian bridge will be constructed across Interstate 277 to provide direct access from Uptown to South End, further positioning the Rail Trail as a transit hub that links businesses, residents and visitors to the neighborhood.
learn about the light rail and rail trail
Compost at the South End Farmer's Market
Keep those food scraps out of landfills and nourish local farming soil while you're at it! Compost with ease thanks to Crown Town Compost, a local company offering a subscription where you can pick up new composting bin and drop off your old one. Stop by their booth at the South End Farmer's Market every Saturday to learn more.