Amy Sohner: What’s in our new name? A lot!
Bluegrass PRIDE now Bluegrass Greensource
I know one of those people who did not know she was pregnant until she gave birth to a full-term, healthy little girl. The thing that horrified me most when I found out was not how difficult it was going to be for her and her husband to prepare to be parents (i.e., arranging day care, getting car seats, adjusting to the idea, etc.), but how difficult it would be to pick a name. When our first daughter...
Bluegrass PRIDE: Outdoor spaces offer opportunities for fun and learning alike
By Ryan Farley
KyForward columnist
As the Kentucky summer starts to ramp up, I enjoy spending more and more time outside. Being someone who struggles with the gloom and gray of winter, the changing seasons and warm temperatures mean more time spent out in the sun, enjoying all that the outdoors have to offer.
That said, as an apartment dweller, it is difficult at times to really capitalize...
United Way of the Bluegrass and Blue Grass Airport host 2nd annual 5K on the Runway
United Way of the Bluegrass and Blue Grass Airport have partnered to host the second annual United Way 5K on the Runway, presented by BC Wood Properties on Saturday, June 15 at 8:00 AM.
Community sponsors include Bates Security, BB&T, APS Communications and Bluegrass PRIDE.
All are invited to participate in this year’s race on an updated, chip-timed course allowing the...
Bluegrass PRIDE: Move toward zero waste means changing the way we look at waste
By Elizabeth Mortenson
KyForward columnist
Lately, there’s been a lot of discussion about the possibility of making Lexington a zero-waste city. But what does that mean? Are we talking about never throwing anything away? Recycling every ounce of material that we use?
Actually, it means neither.
Food waste makes up about 30 percent of Lexington’s waste stream. Composting...
Bluegrass PRIDE: Competition is heating up in efforts to reduce environmental footprint
By Sandy Bottoms
KyForward columnist
I don’t know about you, but I’m glad to see that warmer weather has finally made its way to the Bluegrass. I’m looking forward to extended daylight hours, weekend road trips, Saturdays on the lake and evenings on the patio. Summer definitely has its share of perks, but there is one major element missing from the next few months – the competition of...
Bluegrass PRIDE: Today’s environmentally active youth are already tomorrow’s leaders
Ben Swanson, a junior at Henry Clay High School and member of Bluegrass Youth Sustainability Council, noted how a refilling station's digital counter trips twice when he fills a 32-ounce bottle. (Photo from FCPS) (Photo from FCPS)
By Amy Sohner
KyForward columnist
Water, water everywhere, and lots of drops to drink!
Every time I work with high school students, I feel dwarfed by...
Bluegrass PRIDE: Reuse, reclaim, then reap the rewards of end-of-school-year cleaning
By Pattie Stivender
KyForward columnist
Summer is just around the corner and schools will begin their end-of-school cleaning. As a result, trash cans and recycling bins will be overflowing with waste, even though much of what is thrown away is still useful. What can you do to lessen the impact on the waste stream?
1. Scissors, pens and pencils can be used again next year. Binders...
Bluegrass PRIDE: It’s not always easy, but anyone can be a little ‘green’ while traveling
By Amy Sohner
KyForward columnist
Being green is difficult when you are traveling. My family and I recently returned from a trip to Los Angeles for spring break, and other than recycling a crazy amount of stuff, I am sure that we tripled our carbon footprint compared to any other week. But my daughter got to meet Tinker Bell, so I am going to try to excuse that just this once.
Amy Sohner...
Bluegrass PRIDE: 25 Earth-friendly acts help make this ‘Earth Day Birthday’ really special
By Blair Owens Hecker
KyForward columnist
April in Kentucky means many things, from planting a garden to enjoying horse racing. For me, however, April means turning a year older and celebrating our Earth.
I believe it’s no coincidence that my birthday occurs two days before Earth day, and I use the excuse to spend an entire month celebrating. In college I used my birthday to try to...
Betsy Waters: With kids in tow, fun on your mind, discover all that Lexington has to offer
For more than six years, I was an elementary school teacher. But when my sons came along, first in 2006 and then in 2008, I decided to stay at home. I still consider myself a stay-at-home mom, but I also work part-time as the director of Calvary Baptist Church’s Mother’s Day Out preschool program.
I always knew I wanted to get my kids out and about to explore all our community...
Stella's Kentucky Deli to donate percentage of dinner sales to Bluegrass PRIDE April 11
Stella's Kentucky Deli, 143 Jefferson Street, Lexington (Photo from Stella's)
Stella’s Kentucky Deli, 143 Jefferson Street, will donate 15 percent of all dinner sales Thursday, April 11, to Bluegrass PRIDE – a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing environmental resources and information to schools, community groups, local governments and citizens in Central Kentucky.
Stop...
Bluegrass PRIDE: Chickens do more than lay eggs; they till soil, eat bugs, fertilize yard too
When considering raising chickens, be sure to check out local rules and regulations first. (Photo provided)
By Elizabeth Mortenson
KyForward columnist
What a long, cold winter this has been. I’ve been so happy the past few days to see sunshine again, and it finally feels like spring. For me that means the tomatoes, squash and basil are all ready to go in the ground, buds are popping...
Bluegrass PRIDE: A good time was had by all at waste-free, budget-friendly birthday party
By Amy Sohner
KyForward columnist
My little girl just turned 6! Ok, it is not all that traumatic since I am still sleep deprived from my 8-month-old. But I do continue to be amazed at how mature and adult she seems each day. Don’t get me wrong, she definitely has meltdowns and exhibits behavior that is much more in line with her age, but I am beginning to see glimpses into my/our future.
As...
Bluegrass PRIDE: Telephone wires may be handy perch for birds but not ‘natural’ one
By Deborah Larkin
KyForward columnist
Each day as I drive to work through Boyle, Mercer, Jessamine and Fayette counties I have the opportunity to observe the flora and fauna of the Bluegrass. One of the species that I see regularly, especially in the winter months, is the red tail hawk. I used to see these birds perched in the trees while they scanned the pastures for signs of prey (rabbits...
Bluegrass PRIDE: Even when it comes to our makeup, we can be environmentally friendly
By Amy Sohner
KyForward columnist
I just spent $40 on makeup. Forty dollars! And it was on only one thing – Lancôme Dual Finish Powder to be exact. I have been buying the same makeup since my mom took me to get a makeover my sophomore or junior year of high school. I obviously don’t like change, because that was more than 20 years ago, but I also don’t like spending $40 on makeup!
If...
Bluegrass PRIDE: Caution in order as state’s furry friends emerge from winter’s slumber
By Ryan Farley
KyForward columnist
As someone who is definitely over the cold and snow and ready for the warm weather, it’s exciting that springtime is quickly approaching. The changing of the season means different things for different people. For some, it means spending a Saturday or two cleaning out the house, going through closets of old clothes and then taking them to be donated. For...
