At Rebuild Jones Park, we know that parks aren’t just places to play—they’re places to connect, care, and create a better future for our community. That’s why we’re excited to support the City of Asheville’s call for sustainable consumption and help our neighbors take small, meaningful steps toward a zero-waste lifestyle.
Whether you’re swinging with your kids at Candace Pickens Memorial Park, enjoying a picnic at Carrier Park, or walking your dog through one of Asheville’s many green spaces, you’re already a part of the movement to protect and preserve our environment.
Now, let’s take it one step further—starting with the choices we make every day.
What Does “Zero Waste” Really Mean?
Zero waste is the goal of sending as little trash to landfills as possible. That doesn’t mean we have to live without waste completely—but it does mean making smart, intentional decisions about what we use, how we use it, and what happens after we’re done.
For park visitors and families, it’s about asking questions like:
- Can I bring a reusable water bottle instead of buying plastic ones?
- Do I need to bring paper plates to the picnic—or could I use reusable ones from home?
- Can I fix that broken toy instead of throwing it away?
Even one simple swap at the park or at home can reduce waste and make a lasting impact on our city’s natural beauty.
Asheville’s official zero-waste guide has even more ideas: Sustainable consumption tips from the City of Asheville
Easy Sustainable Habits for Park-Goers
When you’re enjoying time in the park, here are some easy and family-friendly ways to reduce waste while keeping things fun and functional:
Pack a Zero-Waste Picnic
Use reusable containers, forks, and cloth napkins.
Skip the plastic wrap—opt for beeswax wraps or simple sandwich boxes.
Bring your drinks in reusable bottles or jugs instead of single-use cans.
Clean Up Like You Care
Bring a reusable trash bag for your waste and recycling—then take it home and sort it properly.
Pick up a few pieces of litter you didn’t leave. It sets a great example for kids and neighbors.
Walk, Bike, or Carpool to the Park
Lowering your car usage helps reduce emissions. Bonus: biking with kids or walking your dog is a great way to enjoy more outdoor time.
Fix It, Don’t Toss It
If a park toy breaks (like a frisbee or a ball), see if it can be repaired before it ends up in the trash. Durable, well-loved toys are more sustainable than cheap, disposable ones.
Why It Matters for Our Parks
Every piece of plastic left in the grass, every broken toy tossed in the trash, and every disposable fork that ends up in the landfill adds up. Our parks—and our planet—deserve better.
At Candace Pickens Memorial Park, built by and for the community, we’re creating more than just playgrounds. We’re building places of respect, remembrance, and responsibility.
That’s why we encourage all visitors to think not only about how we play, but about how we care for the space we share.
Want to learn more about how this park came to life through volunteer power and community leadership?
Check out the story behind our park: Candace Pickens Memorial Park – A Neighborhood Park in North Asheville
Beyond the Park: What You Can Do at Home
The habits we bring to the park can also improve our homes, our schools, and our workplaces. Try these sustainable practices:
- Buy gently used gear instead of new (especially kids’ sports equipment, picnic supplies, and outdoor toys)
- Repair furniture or clothing instead of replacing
- Start composting food scraps or garden waste
- Set up a “sharing shelf” in your neighborhood for books, toys, or tools
Small changes at the household level can make a big difference when adopted by many.
A Community Effort
Sustainability isn’t a solo project—it’s a community collaboration. We’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when neighbors come together, from the 1999 build of the original Jones Park to the 2023 rebuild that brought Candace Pickens Memorial Park to life.
Just like the rebuild effort, our journey toward zero waste is about people showing up, doing their part, and making something better—together.
Final Thoughts: It Starts With Us
At Rebuild Jones Park, we believe that community parks are a reflection of the people who use them. When we show up with care, leave no trace, and use less, we’re showing future generations what it means to respect nature and each other.
So next time you visit your neighborhood park, ask yourself: “What can I bring, do, or take home that helps keep this place clean, green, and welcoming for everyone?”
Let’s protect our parks, reduce our waste, and build a more sustainable Asheville—one picnic, one playdate, and one reusable bottle at a time.
