Bluegrass PRIDE (Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment) is encouraging holiday shoppers to support their local and green businesses this season.

The organization manages two programs that encourage and assist commercial facilities in their efforts to go green – The Live Green Lexington Partner Program and the Bluegrass Conservation Partner Program.

The Live Green Lexington Partner Program is funded by Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) and currently has 360 businesses in Fayette County enrolled. These organizations have all committed to adopting habits that reduce waste, improve stormwater quality and encourage energy efficiency.

Through the program, businesses have recycled a total of 1,098 tons of material annually. A complete list of businesses can be found at www.bgPRIDE.org.

The Bluegrass Conservation Partner Program started in 2010 and serves 88 businesses located outside of Fayette County. Like their Lexington counterparts, these businesses have pledged to improve their community’s environment through waste reduction, stormwater quality improvement and energy efficiency. They have completed projects such as storm drain stenciling and implementing a recycling program.

“We’re very proud of the work our Live Green Lexington and Bluegrass Conservation Partners have done to bring environmental awareness and improvement to Central Kentucky’s communities,” said Amy Sohner, executive director of Bluegrass PRIDE. “I hope that holiday shoppers will consider crossing off their lists at businesses that have demonstrated a commitment to the environment. I also encourage everyone to let the businesses know that you are supporting them because of their green practices.”

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Bluegrass PRIDE provides resources and education to empower Central Kentuckians to foster positive environmental change in their communities. For more information or to find additional tips on an environmentally-friendly holiday, please visit www.bgPRIDE.org.