Bluegrass PRIDE Offers “Green” New Year’s Resolution Program
[Lexington, Ky.] –For the sixth year, Bluegrass PRIDE (Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment) is offering Central Kentuckians ideas for environmentally-friendly New Year’s resolutions. In 2010, the organization is asking citizens throughout its 18-county service area to complete and return resolutions to make small changes that can reduce energy consumption in the Bluegrass. The resolutions are:
•Turn all ceiling fans counter-clockwise in the summer and clockwise in the winter
• Unplug my cell phone charger unless the phone is charging
• Wash clothes in cold water
• Check car tires regularly to make sure they have proper air pressure
• Never allow my vehicle to idle
• Use caulk or weather stripping to reduce air leaks in my home or business
•Set my water heater temperature to 120°
• Unplug all appliances and electronics when not in use
• Set the dishwasher for air dry instead of heat dry
• Install a programmable thermostat
• Change all light bulbs to ENERGY STAR rated Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFL) and properly dispose of all burned out CFLs (all Home Depot locations will accept CFLs for proper disposal)
• Schedule an energy audit from my utility company
• Replace old appliances with those rated by ENERGY STAR
• Clean all HVAC filters once a month during peak heating/cooling seasons
•Use energy efficient LED holiday lights for all holiday decorations
Central Kentuckians who want to take part in the program may select as many or as few resolutions as they wish. In addition, anyone who completes and returns resolutions will be entered to win prizes, such as weatherization kits, CFL light bulbs and LED lights that will help them maintain their resolutions throughout 2010. While hard copies of resolution cards are sent to Bluegrass PRIDE members, anyone who is interested in participating in the program or finding supporting information on any of the resolutions may do so by visiting www.bgPRIDE.org. Resolutions may also be completed manually and mailed to PO Box 910384 Lexington, KY 40591. Any resolutions received in this manner will be entered into the drawing for prizes.
“The New Year’s resolution program is a way for Bluegrass PRIDE to continue educating Central Kentuckians on the importance of making small changes to environmental attitudes and habits,” said Amy Sohner, executive director of Bluegrass PRIDE. “Even though the holidays are always a busy time, it’s important to remember that even the smallest action can lead to positive change.”
Bluegrass PRIDE provides resources and education to empower Central Kentuckians to foster positive environmental change in their communities. For more information, please visit www.bgPRIDE.org.
