The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee continues to advocate for the planet we share with our elephant residents by integrating sustainability into every aspect of operations—from daily decision-making and purchasing to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility across all departments.
As part of ongoing sustainability efforts, The Sanctuary remains committed to reducing waste, improving recycling practices, and identifying thoughtful ways to lessen its environmental footprint. In 2025, the Sustainability Committee focused on strengthening recycling accuracy through a Sanctuary-wide audit and the introduction of department-specific guidance, helping Staff make more informed and consistent choices. Additional efforts included increased upcycling across departments and continued reductions in waste through operational changes within elephant care.
The Sanctuary also continues to prioritize responsible purchasing and resource use, building on existing practices such as composting, recycling, and selecting environmentally conscious products whenever possible.
The Sustainability Committee reports that in 2025, 97.2% of waste was diverted from landfills (including composting), reflecting the organization’s continued commitment to environmental stewardship. Composting totaled 863,407 pounds, while recycling reached 53,703 pounds.
Recycling totals included:
- Cardboard: 5,680 lb
- Glass: 1,180 lb
- Steel: 30,880 lb
- Aluminum: 420 lb
- Plastics: 1,000 lb
- Paper: 980 lb
Join us in person at the following events if you are local to Middle Tennessee:
Nashville Earth Day Festival
Our team will be there to share more about The Sanctuary’s mission, answer questions about elephants, and connect with the community. If you have not yet purchased a Sanctuary license plate, we can provide more info in person! Learn more about the event and plan your visit.
When: Saturday, April 18 at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Centennial Park Bandshell | Nashville, TN
Third Saturday at The Discovery Center: Earth Day Celebration
Join us at The Discovery Center in downtown Hohenwald to celebrate Earth Day! We will be writing letters to the rangers in the Sumatran Ranger Project and have coloring sheets and snacks available. This event is free and perfect for all ages.
When: April 18 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: The Elephant Discovery Center, 27 East Main Street, Hohenwald, TN 38462
Please note: Visitors will not see or interact with elephants.