BGGS Admin, Author at Bluegrass Greensource

True Love Goes Green

February 12, 2014By BGGS Admin0 comment

True Love Goes Green

Let’s show some love for our planet and make this Valentine’s Day green! We’ve got some ideas that will keep the romance alive and the energy waste minimal. From buying that box of chocolates to planning the day, here are some tips for every couple.

To save the planet and money, plan a romantic energy saving evening at home. Turn down the thermostat and snuggle up to your loved one under a blanket for a romantic film or a quiet evening in front of the fireplace. Leave the car in the driveway and have dinner at home too. When planning dinner, consider incorporating local produce and/or local products. Your bottle of red or white may taste of fruit, chocolate, oak – but can you detect the hint of a healthier planet? Try an organic or local wine.

Set the mood and lose the electronics for a night. Take some time to connect with each other. Unplug all unnecessary appliances. Turn off your cell and the computers and turn down the lights. Soy or beeswax candles can create a romantic energy-saving ambiance. Whether it be dinner by candlelight or drinks at sunset, soft lighting affects our emotions. Studies suggest that soft lighting evokes a calm feeling throughout our body and can also send the message of beauty, tranquility, and romance.

When you are getting ready for your night in, go ahead and get all dolled up with some eco-friendly products. Blow dryers use a lot of electricity, so consider letting your locks go au naturale.

Many gifts have unique and valuable stories that can add to your relationship and help the world around you. Many companies are now making gifts from recycled materials. Instead of those cliche roses, try getting your significant other a seasonal arrangement of local blooms or a beautiful native potted plant.

Whether your love stands tall or is just beginning to bud, planting a tree is a great way to honor it and a meaningful gift that will last. The tree’s life is like the life of your love, and we don’t mean that in a cheesy way. Trees also help reduce stormwater pollution while keeping your neighborhood looking great.

If your relationship is not quite ready for a tree, go for some organic fair trade chocolates or a homemade card.

We hope you will try some of these tips this Valentine’s Day! Remember, true love goes green! For more ideas on greening your Valentine’s Day, check out the Sierra’s Club Valentine’s Day page.

16th District Science Fair

February 12, 2014By BGGS Admin0 comment

Robots, Raptors and Race Cars, Oh My!

What do robots, raptors, and race cars have in common? These were just a few of the hands-on activities available to students at the 30^th annual 16^th District Science Fair. While the 690 participating students were waiting for the judging and the awarding portions of the fair, they were treated to amazing activities and educational information from over 30 community exhibitors at Science Sensation.

All of the exhibitors contributed exceptional learning opportunities to the Science Fair. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority gave students the opportunity to handle brain samples, a fetal pig, and horse eyeballs. Newton’s Attic kept the students occupied with a robot that students controlled to shoot a basketball through a hoop. Buckley Hills Audubon Society drew a large crowd with their bald eagle and owl exhibit. Rosie the Recycling Bin and Louie the Lightning Bug greeted students reminding them to recycle and conserve energy.

Showing practical applications of science, Bluegrass Greensource helped the Science Fair become more environmentally friendly by incorporating recycling into the event. This year’s fair featured dual stream containers to collect waste. Each container was labeled with items at the fair that are recyclable and over 25 pound of recyclable waste was recovered!

Bluegrass Greensource would like to thank Kentucky American Water, Bryan Station High School, the 150 volunteers, the exhibitors, the students and their families that made this day possible.

The 16^th District Science Fair is a collaboration between Fayette County Public Schools and Kentucky American Water. Bluegrass Greensource is contracted through KAW to organize the Science Sensation portion of the science fair.

Boyle, Clark and Madison Counties Become WasteBusters!

February 12, 2014By BGGS Admin0 comment

Boyle, Clark and Madison Counties Become WasteBusters!

Thanks to a generous grant from the Walmart Foundation, Bluegrass Greensource will be able to expand our successful WasteBuster Program to schools in Boyle, Clark and Madison Counties. The goal of this program will be to increase school wide recycling, improve learning and save the school systems money.

The WasteBuster Program is an expansion of a program we successfully completed in Anderson, Garrard, Lincoln and Jessamine counties, and mirrors the award winning LiveGreenLexington Partner Schools Program in Fayette County. In each of these counties, school districts have shown increased recycling rates, reduction in their landfill bound waste, and improved student test scores. Fayette County has also shown a significant cost savings because of their participation.

Bluegrass Greensource educators will work with principals, custodians, cafeteria mangers and teachers to provide recycling bins, conduct waste audits, and work with students in the classroom. Greensource educators will facilitate hands on classroom activities to educate students about recyclable items and waste reduction practices they can implement at their schools. All participating schools in Boyle, Clark and Madison also have the opportunity to apply for a waste reduction grant to implement specific initiatives in their school.

Bluegrass Greensource is excited about the opportunity to work with schools, staff and students in these three counties! If you are a teacher in Boyle, Clark or Madison County and would like to participate, please contact Blair@bgGreensource.org.

Septic System Grants

February 12, 2014By BGGS Admin0 comment

Septic System Woes?

Did you know that a failing septic system can require expensive repairs, pose a serious health risk to your family and neighbors, and have negative impacts on water quality? Bluegrass Greensource awarded five Garrard County homeowners cost-share grants to repair or install septic systems at their homes. Each grant will pay 80% of the repair or installation cost, while the homeowner is responsible for the remaining 20%.

To be eligible for the grants, homeowners must reside within the Dix River watershed in Boyle, Garrard, or Lincoln Counties and must attend a one-hour workshop about septic system care and maintenance. Following the workshop, participants can apply for a cost-share grant for system repairs or installation, or for a free septic tank pump out (a regular maintenance task that is recommended every 3 to 5 years).

The next free septic system workshop will be held on Tuesday, March 4^th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at the Junction City Community Center (724 W. Shelby Street). Please contact Sandy Bottoms at sandy@bggreensource.org or (859) 266-1572 to register!

Bluegrass Greensource will offer a series of free septic workshops over the next two years, as well as a series of watershed awareness festivals in local communities and water-related activities in area K-12 classrooms. These activities are part of a grant program funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act through the Kentucky Division of Water.

Septic Workshop

February 11, 2014By BGGS Admin0 comment

Going Green Can Save You Green

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government with Bluegrass Greensource will be hosting the 5th annual Go Green, Save Green Workshop on March 20, 2014 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the BCTC Newtown Campus at 500 Newtown Pike. This one-day workshop will provide you with the know-how to make your business more environmentally friendly while saving you money.

This workshop is a fantastic opportunity to network with sustainability professionals and learn more about steps your business can take to save energy, improve water quality, reduce waste, while reducing your costs.

“As a small business owner, I really learned a lot of budget-friendly green ideas,” states Jana, a past-attendee. “This workshop always has great information for anyone looking to do things a little bit more ‘green’ and it’s a good chance to see what others are doing too.”

Whether you’re just getting started, implementing eco-friendly practices at your business or you’re a seasoned sustainability professional; there are sessions to fit all your needs, including specialized tracks for:

Industrial businesses
Small businesses/Start-ups
Bars/restaurants
Non-profits
Religious institutions/Faith community
Apartment and Property management
LEED Design (Fulfills continuing education credits for USGBC)
Your Business!

This year, we have partnered with the Kentucky US Green Building Council to expand our offerings, including sessions that will provide continuing education credits for LEED professionals.

The cost to attend is $25 and covers entrance to all the sessions, a zero-waste breakfast and catered lunch, a tour of the LEED Certified BCTC Newtown Campus, chances to win door prizes (including a Haiku Fan from Big Ass Fans), and an invitation to the Happy Hour at Blue Stallion Brewing Company. Parking is free and conveniently accessible. To register, please visit ggsg.eventbrite.com.

Vendor opportunities are also available; please contact Lisa Conley or Schuyler Warren at (859) 266-1572 for more details.

To download a Go Green Save Green Workshop poster, click here.

Staying active outdoors this winter is challenging but worth the effort

February 7, 2014By BGGS Admin0 comment

Winter has always posed a challenge to staying active outdoors, and this winter is particularly so with all the snow, ice and frigid temperatures we’ve had. But meeting that challenge head on is well worth the effort.

Research has shown that the more often we find ourselves outdoors and enjoying nature, the happier we tend to be. A 2013 article from the New York Times Health and Wellness blog discussed how exposure to plants is not only a stress reliever, but also seems to raise levels of white blood cells.

(Photo from Dreamstime.com)

Other research, including sources such as the Harvard Health Letter, has shown that being outdoors raises vitamin D levels, which lift one’s mood and fights cancer, depression and heart disease. Over the years peer reviewed research has also examined how increasing the time spent playing in nature for children with ADHD has improved their ability to concentrate and focus.

When the mercury keeps dipping into the negatives it raises questions for us. How can we benefit from the outdoors if we choose to? What do we do with ourselves and family members if we’re going to be stuck indoors more than we’d like? What can we do to help members of our community who might find themselves homeless or overexposed to the elements?

Tips on benefiting from the outdoors when you’d rather be inside:

Many of us have vowed that 2014 will be the year when we get back in shape for good. If walking or running outdoors was part of your new workout plan but you’re finding it unbearable to brave the cold, don’t give up yet. The key to keeping up an outdoor workout plan is all in the clothing. When I first started running I was shocked to find out that running in 40 degrees is actually a pretty perfect temperature with the right apparel. Running tights, thick socks, long sleeved sweat-wicking shirts and jackets, and thick gloves and hats made the runs surprisingly refreshing.

When the temperatures fall somewhere in between 30 and 40 degrees F, hats with built-in face masks are perfect (I have a neon yellow Carhartt one that was affordable and works well). Hats like these also keep your breath warm by filtering it which is good if you have exercise-induced asthma and the cold makes you wheezy. You’ll get used to the strange looks from passersby and like a recent commercial, it might be best to remove the mask when you enter a gas station, but all in all, running or walking in the cold can be done.

If the temps dip below the teens, however, it might be better to take your workout indoors and enjoy nature through a window from the confines of your cozy recliner because few pieces of clothing can make minus-9 degrees bearable.

Happy-making projects for yourself and your family:

When it is simply too cold to get out, workout videos can keep your cardio on track and you on your way to fulfilling those healthy resolutions. A yoga video in the living room can be just as fun as a group workout at your gym, and making time during work can bring a welcome change.

During our break, my co-workers and I have recently been doing a group exercise called “7-Minute Workout.” You can find it as a smart phone app or a video on Youtube. Many a cold gray day has been improved by our micro-workout and it is a fun activity since we usually end up laughing at ourselves as we do “high knees/running in place” and “side-plank.” We leave our conference room a little bit warmer, a little more refreshed and ready to dive back into work.

During the weekends and evenings it is far too easy to veg out and binge-watch shows such as Game of Thrones (admittedly fun, but leaves one feeling sloth-like), so making a list of projects to do can kickstart those creative juices. I promised myself I will complete at least 5 items from my Pinterest crafts page in 2014. Other things such as creating healthy meals and decadent desserts from recipes I have saved are also on the to-do list.

Purging/organizing is also a great indoor activity that helps refresh both one’s living space and one’s head space. I have been streamlining our apartment and getting rid of clothing and items that have accumulated in our closets. Coats, warm clothing, gloves, and scarves have been donated to local organizations such as the Hope Center and The Nest.

Organizing a clothing or home goods swap with friends is also a great, free way to get rid of stuff you’re tired of, while getting new-to-you things you might need. My newly de-cluttered space feels larger and leaves me feeling more free and inspired.

The following are great links to bookmark for the next time you and your family have a lot of indoor time on your hands:

• 50 Fun Winter Activities from Real Simple Magazine

• 31 Things for Kids to Do During Winter Break from No Time for Flashcards

• 29 Things to do Indoors this Winter from Minnesota’s Examiner

• Winter learning activities from Scholastic

• Themed winter crafts by Activity Village

Helping others endure the cold:

While complaining about the temperature, I have thought of the members of my community who have little choice but to endure the cold. For those without homes or who lack adequate housing, there are actions we can take to help.

Donating warm clothing, in good condition, to local shelters and nonperishables to local food banks will fill a need that increases exponentially with the cold. If you cannot donate monetarily, the following locations accept donations and are in need of the following items:

The Hope Center – Donations can be dropped at: 360 W Loudon Ave, Lexington. Currently in need of coats, cold weather clothing, thermal underwear, socks, gloves, hats and unopened hygiene products.

The Catholic Action Center – Donations can be dropped at: 614 E. 7th St., Lexington (10 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Saturday). Currently in need of laundry detergent, coffee, creamer/sugar, large garbage bags, bleach, cleaning supplies and toilet paper.

The Salvation Army – Donations can be dropped at: 736 W. Main St., Lexington. Currently in need of canned meats (tuna, chicken), beef stew and soups, pasta and spaghetti sauce, breakfast cereals, peanut butter, canned green vegetables, canned fruits and juices, clothing in good condition, diapers (all sizes), personal care items (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant), and household items for shelter residents who move into a home, such as toasters, microwaves, linens.

God’s Pantry – Main warehouse is at 1685 Jaggie Fox Way, Lexington (9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m.-12 noon on Fridays). Any nonperishable food item is appreciated. Residents of Fayette County can also make their donations at any Kroger location by placing the food in the donation barrel near the customer service desk or exit.

Lisa Conley is an outreach specialist for Bluegrass Greensource.

This article appeared in KY Forward on February 6, 2014.

We spent day ‘unplugged’ as part of a resolution to get outdoors more

January 30, 2014By BGGS Admin0 comment

For those of you who joined Bluegrass Greensource in including getting outdoors more among your 2014 resolutions, I hope it’s one you’re actually going to keep. Beyond the obvious benefits of getting fresh air, vitamin-D enriched sunshine and exercise, being around nature can boost energy levels and relieve stress. It also can remind us how important our natural surroundings are to our quality of life.

Greensource is asking everyone, adults and children alike, to enjoy more time outdoors this coming year, maybe with a hike, a walk around your neighborhood or geocaching, a real-life treasure hunt. Anything that lets us “unplug” from electronic gadgets and enjoy the outdoors will count.

Learning to identify the trees along your street would provide fun and interesting outdoor time for your family. You could even set a goal to visit at least one state park this year. For a list of other great ideas, click here and search “resolutions.”

A pair of bald eagles perch on a bare branch at Kentucky Dam Village where my family loves to go. (Photo by Donna Stinnett)

My family has agreed to accept the challenge. This past weekend, we started by “unplugging” from electronic gadgets for a day. No phones, TV, computers or iPads – just a day of family time. As a mom of two, 10 and 8, I was looking forward to a day without Minecraft discussions, Jessie episodes and texting marathons.

I did not take into account the fact we use our smartphones to tell time, iPads to do science fair project research and that UK would be playing Vanderbilt. We ended up taking advantage of the warmer weather and spent lots of time outside – walking, playing basketball and doing much-needed yard work. That night, we enjoyed a family game night. All in all, we learned that we could survive while taking some time away from gadgets. There was even talk about a day of no electricity, but I’ll have to check UK’s schedule first.

This summer, we plan to explore a state park we’ve never been to before. I grew up going to Kentucky Dam Village with my family, and I really enjoy taking my kids there now. They just can’t get enough of Mom’s “back in the day” stories or saying the park’s name with a giggle. We’ve enjoyed the park’s hiking trails, swimming spots and fishing and golfing opportunities.

The 18-hole golf course is really top-notch and well maintained, plus some of the local wildlife may even join you. If you have a favorite state park, share it on our Bluegrass Greensource Facebook page here and maybe we will visit it this year.

The year is off to a great start already as my family resolves to get outdoors more. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with nature and discovering new things with my kids. I’m sure you have some great ideas of your own for spending more time outdoors. I’d love to hear about all the fun activities, but only after you’ve enjoyed your time outside.

Chris Clabes is the development and public relations coordinator at Bluegrass Greensource. Before joining Greensource, Chris worked as a consultant for numerous nonprofit organizations across the state, including the formation of Kentucky Philanthropy Initiative and Gov. Beshear’s Commission on Philanthropy. She was Kentucky 4-H Foundation’s executive director and served as the director of finance for the National Association of Home Builders’ Political Action Committee in Washington, D.C. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky.

This article appeared in KY Forward on January 30, 2014.

Kentucky-grown vegetables can be ‘what’s for dinner’ even in middle of winter

January 24, 2014By BGGS Admin0 comment

It’s January, and I had Kentucky-grown tomatoes this week for dinner.

(Photo from University of Wisconsin)

How, you might ask? It’s obvious, given the recent polar vortex, 1 to 3 inches of snow and short winter days, that this tomato was not grown anywhere in our state recently. However, during the long, cold, winter months I am able to enjoy summer produce straight from my freezer or a can that I prepared myself.

Canning and freezing food is a relic of the past. I know my grandparents grew up doing it, but with our modern conveniences of grocery stores it’s just not a necessity now. However, I am both encouraged and surprised to see many people my own age taking part in this food practice.

Freezing and canning food has many benefits. For my household of two, there is no way that we could possibly consume all the food our garden produces during the short window of time in the summer. Storing our produce helps us not waste those valuable vegetables.

Storing food also saves me money. During the summer if I’m purchasing my produce from the farmer’s market, usually the prices are very reasonable. I am able to purchase extra to set aside for freezing or canning, which saves me money at the grocery store later on in the winter. Storing our food also helps cut down on our meal prep times during the winter. I am able to come home from work, thaw a few bags of vegetables and throw them in with whatever I am cooking for dinner.

When the weather is sunny and 80 degrees, and I’m enjoying my long summer days playing outside, the last thing I want to do is think about how I’ll be spending my days in the middle of winter. Storing food does take some preparation, but it’s not unmanageable.

I prepare by setting aside the produce I want to store each week during the summer and fall. Whether it’s excess from my own garden that I’m not going to cook with, or extra that I purchased from the farmer’s market, I store it in my refrigerator so it doesn’t ripen any further. During the weekend, I set aside a few hours of my time to prep and store my food. For me, this usually means cutting up tomatoes, peppers, squash and eggplant into slices and putting serving size amounts into freezer bags.

I create my own vacuum seal by zipping the top of the bag almost closed, inserting a drinking straw and sucking all the extra air out. Other times, I choose to can rather than freeze, and my prep time may be longer.

I am no expert, but after taking a class at my local extension office, I know the basics and regularly can things in my boiling water canner. Tomato juice, applesauce and various pickled vegetables are all in my repertoire.

Canning and freezing produce takes extra time and planning, but there is nothing like the feeling of accomplishment you get with a freezer full of vegetables at the end of the growing season. After all the prep work is done, the hardest part is waiting until the dead of winter to eat the fruits of your labor! Start thinking ahead now and you can enjoy your produce in the winter months as well.

Blair Hecker is an environmental educator with Bluegrass Greensource. She began her work for Greensource in 2010, after graduating from Georgetown College with a bachelor of arts in religion. At Bluegrass Greensource, Blair works with elementary students in Fayette and surrounding counties. She is dedicated to educating Central Kentucky students about environmental issues and loves to watch them become passionate about their own environment. On any given day, you can find Blair playing with worms, dumpster diving or turning old junk into new recycled creations. Contact Blair to schedule activities with your elementary-aged students.

This article appeared in KY Forward on January 23, 2014.

January Newsletter

January 16, 2014By BGGS Admin0 comment

Competition “Can” Increase Recycling

Public and private school students in Fayette County collected more than 146,000 aluminum cans for recycling during this year’s Recycle-Bowl. In terms of weight, students collected 4,180 pounds of aluminum beverage cans for the contest.

The competition challenged schools in Fayette County to collect and recycle as many aluminum beverage cans as possible from October 21 – November 15. Students from 19 Fayette County schools competed to see which schools could collect the most cans for recycling. This is the eighth consecutive year Lexington schools have participated in an aluminum can recycling competition.

Wise Recycling, Central Kentucky Fiber, the Keep Lexington Beautiful Commission, and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government’s Division of Waste Management contributed monetary prizes to reward the schools. Additionally, schools were paid by the pound for the cans they recycled through Wise Recycling and Baker Iron and Metal.

The schools that collected and recycled the highest number of cans per student in their respective size category received $750 each. The six schools that collected the most cans regardless of their student size category received $450 each. Schools were eligible to receive only one monetary prize.

The winning schools and the prizes they earned are:

1st place winners:
Lexington Family Care Center, $750
Russell Cave Elementary, $750
Wellington Elementary, $750

Other winners:
Ashland Elementary, $450
Cardinal Valley Elementary, $450
Christ the King School, $450
Lexington Universal Academy, $450
Montessori Middle School, $450
Sayre School, $450

Greensource Brings STEM Education to Schools

Too often students struggle to see ‘real world’ applications of Science, Technology, Energy and Math (STEM) but through Bluegrass Greensource’s hands on activities in area classrooms, students are able to understand and relate. Our classroom activities encourage students to explore, question, analyze and even create products used in their everyday lives.

Thanks to a grant funded by the Department of Energy Development and Independence (DEDI), Bluegrass Greensource was able to help local students better understand STEM by teaching them about coal (it’s history, economy, and environmental impacts) and about alternatives energy sources.

Recently, students at Lincoln County Middle School explored and analyzed alternative energy sources while conducting a Wind Turbine Lab. With this activity, students reviewed designs of a typical windmill and its blades. Students were then asked to brainstorm and design their own turbine blade. They examined and considered different shapes, sizes and material. When their design was ready, students began assembling their wind turbine kit and building the blades. Once assembled, students test how quickly the turbines rotate using a digital voltage meter. If needed, students are encouraged to go back to the drawing board and reconfigure their designs.

As the students study and analyze their results, their hands-on Lab experience gives them a better understanding of STEM’s components and Greensource is able to capture students’ attention and help them learn how to apply this new found knowledge to their daily lives.

Talking about Green Jobs in Boyle County

Over 300 students from Danville City Schools attended the Bate Middle School College and Career Fair on December 19th and learned about green careers. Bluegrass Greensource partnered with Bate Middle School and the Danville Career Pathways Coach to educate students about their college and career opportunities. In addition to learning about different colleges and military opportunities, students also learned about green jobs and green businesses right here in Central Kentucky.

The goal of the Greensource’s Green Jobs Program is to educate guidance counselors and students about the growing green economy so that students will be pursue green careers. Green careers offer students well-paying jobs that also benefit the environment. Our Green Jobs Program, funded by the Americorps VISTA, plans to partner with other schools to host career fairs where green jobs will be highlighted.

If you would like more information about our Green Jobs Program, please contact Ashley Bryant Cheney at vista@bggreensource.org or (859) 266-1572.

Ashley Bryant Cheney Joins Our Team

Greensource would like to welcome Ashley Bryant Cheney as our new Green Jobs Coordinator through Americorps VISTA. Ashley grew up in rural Alabama and credits her rural upbringing and time spent on her grandparent’s farm with influencing her concerns for the environment. She moved to Knoxville, Tennessee to attend Carson-Newman University in 2004. While in Tennessee, she worked at numerous non-profit organizations doing volunteer management, program development, and fundraising. The time she spent living near the Smoky Mountains only furthered her love and appreciation of the natural world.

While attending Carson-Newman University and later the Eastern University in Philadelphia, Ashley researched issues related to environmental conservation, urban homesteading, and community gardening and served on the board of directors for Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center. She moved to Kentucky in July and is enjoying all that Lexington has to offer.

Ashley is excited to be developing the new Green Jobs Program for Bluegrass Greensource and is looking forward to working with green businesses and area high schools to connect the young workforce with the growing green job market. She is a great addition to our team!

Local Apartment: New Look, New Outlook for Recycling

Many things are new at 100 Chevy Chase Apartment Homes- a new name, management, look, and now the shift to become a “greener” home for its residents. Located at 100 Lakeshore Drive the apartment homes just off Richmond Road are visibly different due to new paint and the placement of many blue Rosie recycling containers. Less visible are the changes inside the complex. With Community Manager Jason Whitehouse at the helm the complex is taking steps to become a greener apartment complex. Bluegrass Greensource and LFUCG were invited to their first holiday party on Dec. 19 to discuss recycling, energy efficiency, and water conservation with residents. Over 20 residents stopped by and learned about services offered to them and opportunities to live a bit greener in 2014.

Plans to create a comprehensive recycling program and the formation of a green team will begin in 2014 as more residents move into the complex. An October 2013 stream cleanup for the creek running alongside the Richmond Road side of the property was successful and future stream clean-ups are likely. Whitehouse hopes the space alongside the creek will be utilized by tenants looking to enjoy a bit of nature in the city instead of the creek merely existing as a backdrop. The creek affords the possibility for environmental education opportunities for young tenants like micro-invertebrate outdoor days and storm water education. These efforts will not only help the complex become greener, but will also build a sense of community with residents – something Whitehouse strongly supports.

Bluegrass Greensource is here to assist those seeking to create a recycling program or make their apartments greener. Nearly every apartment complex has a group of residents interested in minimizing their ecological footprint. The key is finding this group of engaged, participatory residents and showing them how best to utilize their skills and time. Site specifics, resident participation, and the community’s desires are incorporated into any recycling program to maximize success. If you know of, or manage an apartment complex and would like to see changes to your recycling and green mission, contact us at Bluegrass Greensource for no-cost assistance (859)266-1572.

Become a Bluegrass Greensource Ambassador

Bluegrass Greensource Ambassadors serve as representatives of BG Greensource at assigned outreach and education events. These may include community fairs and festivals, neighborhood events, farmers markets, watershed festivals, etc. We are focusing on two main areas at this time:

Zero Waste team members to assist at outreach events. This may include coordinating with event planners and/or assisting at events.

Children’s outreach events. Volunteers will work with Bluegrass Greensource staff to offer educational activities geared toward children.

Volunteers must demonstrate an ability to conduct themselves in a professional manner, willingness to learn details of Bluegrass Greensource’s programs and educational activities, and comfort communicating with the general public.

Bluegrass Greensource Ambassadors will be expected to attend a mandatory training that will cover Bluegrass Greensource’s programs and educational activities.

Interested in volunteering? For additional information please visit our website or contact:

Pattie Stivender
Volunteer Coordinator
Bluegrass Greensource
3120 Pimlico Pkwy, Ste 126
Lexington, KY 40517
859-266-1572
pattie@bgGreensource.org

Thank you for signing up to receive our newsletter. If you have any questions or comments about this issue, please contact us at info@bggreensource.org.

Sincerely,
Amy Sohner

Executive Director

Bluegrass Greensource

Competition "Can" Increase Recycling

January 10, 2014By BGGS Admin0 comment

The winning schools and the prizes they earned are:

1st place winners:
Lexington Family Care Center, $750
Russell Cave Elementary, $750
Wellington Elementary, $750

Other winners:
Ashland Elementary, $450
Cardinal Valley Elementary, $450
Christ the King School, $450
Lexington Universal Academy, $450
Montessori Middle School, $450
Sayre School, $450

Schools earning certificates are:
• Bryan Station Middle
• Lexington Day Treatment Center
• Madeline McDowell Breckinridge Elementary
• Mary Todd Elementary
• Meadowthorpe Elementary
• Montessori High School
• Morton Middle
• Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
• Rosa Parks Elementary
• School for Creative and Performing Arts
Participating school were recognized for their efforts by the Mayor and Council during the December 5 Urban County Council meeting.

Author Archives: BGGS Admin

True Love Goes Green

16th District Science Fair

Boyle, Clark and Madison Counties Become WasteBusters!

Septic System Grants

Septic Workshop

Staying active outdoors this winter is challenging but worth the effort

We spent day ‘unplugged’ as part of a resolution to get outdoors more

Kentucky-grown vegetables can be ‘what’s for dinner’ even in middle of winter

Competition "Can" Increase Recycling

Green News in the Bluegrass Articles

Reflection on a year at Bluegrass Greensource

Online Auction

Small Changes, Big Impact: Earth Day 2024

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