Extension
It Starts With Us
Home Environment for Adults (HORT/FCS)
Agriculture, Horticulture and Environmental Awareness
Diane Mason, David Koester
Active Living and Health Promotions General
Family Development General
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Each decision individuals make has an impact on health and safety in the family, community and environment. Each year, on average, Kentuckians deal with 30-50 days associated with thunderstorms, 12 tornadoes and 3 fatalities related to tornadoes. Preparing for emergency situations can be crucial to survival and safety. Understanding how daily choices can impact our environment is vital to conserving and preserving our natural resources and ensuring a healthy environment for present and future generations. In 2008, Kentucky ranked 18th in total energy consumption and 7th in energy consumption per capita. In 2010, the statewide household participation rate for all curbside garbage collection types was 86.6%. In 2010, Kentuckians recycled 35.7% of all municipal solid waste and 29% of common household recyclables. The average Kentuckian used 67 gallons of water per person per day.
Radon, lead, mold and home indoor environmental issues affect Boone County families health and well-being. A clean and safe environment for residents can increase the value of a home, reduce illness and allergies, and provide a better living space for all.
Recycling waste helps improve the natural environment and saves other resources for future generations. Encouraging the proper methods of recycling, composting, and otherwise reducing the amounts of inputs into a home will help all.
Create safe homes within environments that promote and support the physical and mental well-being of families throughout the life cycle. Home values increase and individual health and well-being measurements improve.
Improve the built and natural environment to increase active and healthy lifestyles.
Reduce the number of individuals suffering the consequences of radon, lead and allergen exposure.
Implement one or more practices that will improve:
Pest management
Going green
Energy conservation
Solid waste management
Water conservation and management
Home safety
Built environment
Assess the cost savings and/or benefits associated with newly adopted practices related to:
Disaster preparedness
Pest management
Going green
Energy conservation
Solid waste management
Water conservation
Home safety
Built environment
Demonstrate skills to improve:
Disaster preparedness
Pest management
Going green
Energy conservation
Solid waste management
Water conservation
Home safety
Built environment
Participate in an activity or event that improves the built or natural environment.
Change knowledge, opinions, skills, and/or aspirations in understanding of issues related to:
Disaster preparedness
Pest management
Going green
Energy conservation
Solid waste management
Water conservation
Home safety
Built environment
Identify one or more practices that will improve:
Disaster preparedness
Pest management
Going green
Energy conservation
Solid waste management
Water conservation
Home safety
Built environment
Initial Outcome: Knowledge and attitude change
Indicator: Increased knowledge and awareness of environmental issues
Method: Post session survey
Timeline: June 2021
Intermediate Outcome: Behavior Change
Indicator: Increased environmentally friendly practices
Method: Mailed or on-line survey
Timeline: 3 to 6 months following program
Long-term Outcome: Decreased solid waste and improved home environments
Indicator: Statistics from area
Method: Monitor area statistics
Timeline: 4 years
Audience: General public adults
Project or Activity: Home Energy Efficiency
Content or Curriculum: UK handouts
Inputs: guest speaker from Owen Electric Cooperative
Date: October 2021 (one session)
Author: David Koester
Major Program: Local Food Systems
For numerous reasons home vegetable gardening has increased dramatically in the last 2 years. (Covid, Feelings of Food Insecurity, Desire for Family Activities at Home)After removing the old plastic from our demonstration high tunnel we decided to use this space for a home demonstration garden. The new garden was intended to mirror what clientele could do at home. Working with FCS Agent Diane Mason a list of vegetables was developed to include in the new garden. Our goal was to show our clientel
Author: Elizabeth Evans
Major Program: Family Development General
Tornadoes are the most destructive of all atmospheric conditions. Wind speeds within these violently rotating columns of air can reach up to 318 mph. A study published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science noted that there has been an upward trend in tornado frequency among the Southeast, including Kentucky. Unfortunately, the Southeast already the maximum occurrence of casualties as a result from tornadoes. From January 2021 through March 2022 there were 79 tornadoes in the state of Kentu
