Ssubmit your resolutions online or click here to print a hard copy to send to PO Box 910384 Lexington, KY 40591 before January 31 for a chance to win a tumbling composter.
Start a compost pile at your home or business:
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, yard and food waste make up about 27% of the waste we produce. Starting a composting program at home or work can reduce the amount of waste going to landfills, and provide you with a natural fertilizer for your garden. Below are some resources to help you get started.
Look for home composting workshops offered through your county’s Cooperative Extension office, The Arboretum in Lexington or other local groups.
Compost your Christmas tree and live garland/wreath:
Add these items to your home composting pile, or use them in your garden.
Communities such as Lexington, Richmond, and Frankfort offer curbside pickup programs and/or drop off locations for Christmas trees. Make sure all decorations and tinsel are removed from your tree and contact your community’s solid waste department for local recycling options.
Mulch leaves instead of bagging them:
Mulching leaves on your lawn can be less labor-intensive than bagging them, and it can improve the quality of your soil.
Reduce waste from meals – buy foods with minimal packaging and cook only what is needed:
Try to buy items with minimal packaging – buy in bulk when possible, choose packaging that is easily recyclable, avoid buying “snack size” packages or individually wrapped servings, buy fresh produce instead of frozen or canned, etc.
Reduce food waste from your holiday dinner by cooking only what your family will eat. If you have leftovers, store them in reusable containers and make them part of your waste-free lunch!
Separate food prep waste and put it in my home compost pile:
Add organic food waste to your compost pile, such as apple cores, melon rinds, egg shells, coffee grounds, and produce that is “past its prime” for kitchen use.
While things like meat, bones, and dairy will break down over time, composting them at home isn’t recommended because they can smell unpleasant and attract unwanted animals.
Shop at Live Green Lexington Partner and/or Bluegrass Conservation Partner businesses:
These businesses have partnered with Bluegrass PRIDE to make a commitment to reduce their impact on the environment by recycling, reducing energy use, and improving water quality.
A categorized list of Live Green Lexington Partners can be found here.
A list of Bluegrass Conservation Partners outside of Lexington can be found here.
