The Overlook at Beargrass Creek

City Launches “Go Green Louisville!”

Apr 01, 2008

Mayor outlines city?’s green goals, encourages citizens to help



On a day celebrated by ?“the wearing of the green?”, Mayor Jerry Abramson announced the city?’s new plan to ?“go green and save green?”.


The environmental plan, Go Green Louisville, has five major goals:

?· Reduce energy usage in government buildings by 10 percent by 2010

?· Decrease city government fuel consumption by 5 percent by 2010

?· Increase recycling rates throughout the city by 10 percent by 2010

?· Expand green spaces, including planting 1,500 trees and adding 25 miles of biking and walking paths by 2010

?· Encourage citizens and businesses to be more environmentally responsible, using www.louisvilleky.gov/gogreen as a portal for education



Louisville Metro Government has made progress in the past several years in environmental stewardship, including reducing the city?’s vehicle fleet, consolidating government facilities, and purchasing more ?“green-friendly?” products and vehicles.


Abramson urged residents to ?“Take 5?”, which means choosing five actions from a list of changes to improve energy efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and increase recycling.


Examples of ?“Take 5?” for Citizens


?· Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth ?– you?’ll save four gallons of water.

?· Replace four lightbulbs with compact fluorescents to save 1,800 pounds of carbon emissions over the life of the bulbs.

?· Walk or ride a bicycle for short trips around your neighborhood.

?· Take your own mug to the coffee shop.

?· Recycle 10 aluminum cans each week ?– it saves enough energy to power a 25-watt fluorescent bulb for 140 hours.

?· Compost your food waste.

?· Recycle old computers, video game players, faxes and cell phones at the city?’s CyberCycle center at 636 Meriwether Ave.

?· Open the dishwasher door to air-dry dishes instead of using the machine?’s drying cycle.

?· Install faucet aerators to reduce hot water use.

?· Purchase an electric lawn mower.

?· Use rechargeable batteries.