Success StorySpring Into Green: Cultivating a Community of Sustainable Living
Spring Into Green: Cultivating a Community of Sustainable Living
Author: Kelly Alsip
Planning Unit: McCracken County CES
Major Program: Policy, Systems, and Environmental Changes
Plan of Work: McCracken County Residents and Youth Acquiring Life Skills
Outcome: Initial Outcome
The "Spring into Green: Sustainable Living" seminar on March 17, 2025, proved to be a resounding success, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability among its participants and inspiring tangible actions towards a greener lifestyle.
Participant Engagement and Knowledge Gains:
The seminar attracted a diverse audience, with a significant portion (47) being individuals aged 65 and over, demonstrating the program's appeal across generations. Notably, for many attendees (29), this was their first "Spring into Green" seminar, indicating the program's ability to reach new individuals.
Participants reported substantial gains in knowledge across various key areas of sustainable living. The seminar effectively increased awareness and skills in:
- Composting (51 participants)
- Utilizing rainwater (41 participants)
- Understanding stormwater pollution (50 participants)
- Repurposing items (50 participants)
- Harnessing the benefits of rain barrels (49 participants)
- Recognizing the advantages of using compost in the garden (52 participants)
Inspiring Action and Behavior Change:
Crucially, the seminar translated knowledge into intent to act. A high percentage of attendees indicated they plan to adopt sustainable practices after the seminar, including:
- Considering composting (28 participants)
- Repurposing/recycling items (45 participants)
- Reusing rainwater (34 participants)
Positive Feedback and Program Strengths:
Participant feedback highlighted several strengths of the program. Attendees particularly appreciated:
- The informative and engaging presentations.
- The knowledgeable and enthusiastic presenters.
- The well-organized structure and flow of the program.
- The practical value of the information, especially regarding composting, rain barrels, repurposing, and stormwater.
- The opportunity to connect with others.
- The quality of the lunch provided.
Conclusion:
The "Spring into Green: Sustainable Living" seminar successfully empowered attendees with the knowledge and motivation to embrace sustainable practices. The positive feedback, coupled with the high intent to adopt greener behaviors, demonstrates the program's effectiveness in cultivating a more environmentally conscious community. The seminar not only educated but also inspired action, contributing to a more sustainable future
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