Minimize Plastics & Waste
The Environmental Action Community of Western North Carolina (EAC of WNC) tackles the growing plastic crisis through local action. We provide the tools and education needed to eliminate waste from our landfills and waterways. By choosing reusable alternatives, we keep the Blue Ridge Mountains beautiful and healthy for everyone.
​Adopt Reusable Bags and Containers at Home
We work directly with the Waynesville Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB) to champion smarter waste policies. Our goal is to phase out single-use plastics in all municipal operations and public events. We conduct bold public awareness campaigns to highlight the benefits of plastic-free local government. By partnering with leaders, we ensure our tax dollars support a cleaner, greener future. These efforts help set a high standard for sustainability across Western North Carolina.
Expand Access to Public Recycling and Composting
Waste only happens when we fail to use the right systems for our discarded materials. We advocate for more recycling and compost bins in high-traffic public areas and parks. Through our partnership with the ESB, we push for better infrastructure to handle organic waste. Our public awareness campaigns teach residents how to sort their items correctly every time. We aim to make responsible waste disposal a standard habit for every visitor and resident.
Join the Zero-Waste Movement
Your choices today determine the health of our mountain ecosystem tomorrow. Join EAC of WNC to help us minimize waste and protect our local environment.
Our Past Accomplishments
A. Approached the Town of Waynesville Board to include recycling pick-up. The town reacted positively and purchased bins for all town residents, and a weekly pick up of trash that can be recycled began. Instructions about what you should recycle and what you shouldn't was distributed to residents as well.
B. On Earth Day 2022, the Bring Your Own Bag Haywood project (BYOBH) distributed over 2,000 reusable bags at 14 different store sites. We had over 50 volunteers for distribution and over 50 volunteers in the making of these bags. Both the Town of Waynesville and the Town of Canton passed proclamations declaring Earth Day 2022 a day to reduce the use of single use plastic bags, and other single use plastics to reduce plastic pollution affecting our community.
C. BYOBH has continued to distribute reusable bags at many stores, farmers’ markets, schools, distributing numerous of bags including recently 80 bags to school age children with an educational program