There has been a movement to “go green” in more ways than one in our society, and there has been a particular interest for citizens of Woodford County, Kentucky after the local recycling center announced that there would be certain limitations on the items they would be accepting. To help to educate the community on recycling as well as other green living areas, the Woodford County Extension Agent for Horticulture and the Woodford County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences partnered with the Woodford County Conservation District to host a “Green Living Seminar” during Earth Month. Local resources were shared on choices and activities to make that have a positive impact on our natural environment. 

The Woodford County Solid Waste/Recycling Department presented on the do’s and don’ts of recycling in the county, and further explained the changes that would be made. Participants received clear guidelines on the local program and were encouraged to not only recycle containers that could be recycled, but to think about limiting products they purchase to not have to recycle in the first place. The Family and Consumer Sciences Agent presented a session on Green Cleaning and Homemade Cleaning Products that had less of an impact on people, pets, and the environment. A separate session was offered at a later date where participants were able to learn about this topic more in-depth and had the opportunity to make their own cleaning product with safer ingredients. The Horticulture Agent presented a session on Home Composting in order to eliminate waste that goes to the landfill and to also have compost soil that can be used on home gardens to include rich nutrients. The Soil Conservation District presented a session on Making a Rain Barrel. Catching rain water means less use of tap water and is also healthier for plants. Participants then stayed for an option hands-on Rain Barrel class, where they made their own barrel to take home. A grant was received from River Network for the supplies needed to make the barrels.