Beth Oleson Joins Our Team

April 14, 2014By 0 comment

Greensource welcomes Beth Oleson, our new Outreach Specialist, to the team! Beth joined us in March 2014 and will be working with the LiveGreenLexington Partner Program, helping local businesses and apartment complexes expand recycling efforts, improve energy and water efficiency, and reduce stormwater runoff.

Beth

Beth began her own environmental education as a toddler, flipping over rocks in her Lexington back yard to check out the bugs living underneath.  She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.S. in Marine Science and a minor in Environmental Studies in 2008, and promptly moved back to Kentucky and several hundred miles from the nearest ocean (although she still enjoys scuba diving whenever the opportunity arises).  In her free time, Beth is passionate about native plants and animal rescue.  She still flips over rocks to check out bugs.

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Downtown Trash Bash 2014

April 2, 2014By 0 comment

Help Keep Downtown Lexington Clean and Green at the 2014 Downtown Trash Bash

Come on out to the Downtown Trash Bash on Friday, April 18 and make our downtown more beautiful while helping to protect water quality in the Town Branch watershed!

Individuals and businesses are invited to join us any time between Noon and 4 p.m. at one of five starting locations, where we will provide the tools you need to help remove litter from our cityscape.

Our check-in booths are located at:

  • Fifth Third Bank Pavilion at Main Street
  • Thoroughbred Park at Main Street
  • Duncan Park on North Limestone
  • Jefferson and Short Street
  • South Limestone at Avenue of Champions

Each location will provide snacks and thank-you gifts for participants. Prizes will be given to the organization with the most volunteers, all organizations who register at least 10 volunteers, and the top 3 businesses with the most improved storefronts (must be within the Central Business District)! Event and registration details are available at downtownlex.com or by calling 425-2590.

In case of rain, the event will take place on April 25, 2014.

This year, we have partnered with the Downtown Lexington Corporation and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government to help expand the scope of this annual event to include multiple areas of downtown. We have been further assisted by our partners at the University of Kentucky Student Sustainability Council, Fayette Alliance, and NoLi Community Development Corporation in organizing the sign-in locations.

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Earth Day Main St. Clean Sweep

April 1, 2014By 0 comment

Bluegrass Greensource needs your help this Earth Day for our first annual Main Street Clean Sweep.  On April 22nd, employees from seven downtown communities throughout the Bluegrass region will work during their lunch break to  pick up litter and keep their Main Street clean.

BGGS_Main St Clean Sweep

In the past, Bluegrass Greensource has worked with numerous community groups on litter clean ups and helped collect over 150,000 bags of trash and recycled an additional 1,500 tons.

Cleanups are planned in Frankfort, Lawrenceburg, Harrodsburg, Irvine, Lancaster, Stanford, and Winchester from 11:30 – 1:30 pm, rain or shine, on April 22nd.  Bluegrass Greensource will provide trash bags, gloves, t-shirts (adults), and tattoos (kids) to participants at each location.  Click on your city below to see more details.  Click here to register.

[add_eventon event_type=”176″ fixed_month=”4″ fixed_year=”2014″ event_order=”DESC” ux_val=”3″ ]

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Over 100 pledged to Get Outdoors in 2014

February 13, 2014By 0 comment

Get Outside pictures

 

Over 100 pledged to Get Outdoors in 2014 through our annual New Year’s Resolution Program, and Bluegrass Greensource would like to congratulate Joshua Saxton for winning the $100 gift card from Kentucky State Parks!

We would like to thank the following people who agreed to publically commit to  Get Outdoors in 2014 — Stephanie Vihlidal, Kenna Phelps, Laurie Davison, Lauren Monahan, Shanda Cecil, Christina Zavos, Melinda W., Ashley Osborne, Roberta Burnes, Alyse Garrard, Kenya Stump, Burley Thomas, Lori Minter, Eric Comley, Robin Stewart, Jamison Barton, Tracy C, Suzanna Weisenfeld, Beth Kelly, Nicholas Larkey, Jeri Howell, Hannelore Elliot, Tanya Ewing, Gayle Bourne, Linda Johnson, Mark Tower, Trudy Robards, Leann Brown, Chris Tyler, Charlie Lanter, Joyce Fister-Daley, Rachel Ford, Sabrina Oaks, Karen Hatter, Melody, Jaci Williams, Kathryn Turbek, Amy Sohner, Gene Slusher, Storey Slone, Chris Woolery, Eamonn FritzGerald, Amanda Black, Jennifer Mitchell, Bill Settles, Joey Svec, Joshua Saxton, Ashley, Mike Reed, Anita Courtney, Paula Dunn, Dawna Scripps, Cheryl Pena, and Jan McKinney.

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True Love Goes Green

February 12, 2014By 0 comment

iGreenValentinesTrue 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.

 

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16th District Science Fair

February 12, 2014By 0 comment

Science FairRobots, 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 30th annual 16th 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 16th 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.

 

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Boyle, Clark and Madison Counties Become WasteBusters!

February 12, 2014By 0 comment

LCMS - Energy Team - 2nd Audit

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.  

 

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Septic Workshop

February 11, 2014By 0 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.

 

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Competition "Can" Increase Recycling

January 10, 2014By 0 comment

Recycle Bowl photoPublic 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

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.

 

 

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Bluegrass Greensource Brings STEM Education to Schools

January 10, 2014By 0 comment

STEM Education photoToo 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 Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence (DEDI), Bluegrass Greensource was able to help local students better understand STEM by teaching them about coal  (its history, economy, and environmental impacts) and about alternative 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 materials.   When their design was ready, students began assembling their wind turbine kit and building the blades.  Once assembled, students tested how quickly the turbines rotated using a digital voltage meter. If needed, students were 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.

For more information about our school programs, go to www.bggreensource.org/pk-12.

 

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