From recycling centers to sustainable dining, we have you covered with this statewide green living resource guide.
Green Spaces (Parks/Garden Centers)
Recycling Centers
Northern Kentucky
Abitibi Paper Retriever Box
Cincinnati, OH
Recycle paper products from magazines to mail and support a good cause. Abitibi will donate money to schools, churches. etc. after collecting recycled paper.
Bluegrass Recycling
Burlington, KY
859-283-9560
A state of the art facility that specializes in scrap metal and that picks up your scrap quickly and efficiently. Also offers free estimates.
Eastern Kentucky
T & B Recycling
Monticello, KY
606-349-1108
Turn your metal into money at T & B Recycling. They also specialize in different types of clean up jobs. No job too big or too small!
Eastern Kentucky University Recycling
Richmond, KY
www.facilities.eku.edu/recycling
859-622-2966
Having participated in Cans for Habitat (Habitat for Humanity) the past 8 years, EKU with the help of surrounding cities, churches, and businesses has been able to raise enough cans to build two houses for Habitat. Their recycling program is currently accepting cardboard, mixed paper, used books, newspapers, aluminum cans, plastic bottles and more.
Central Kentucky (Bluegrass Area)
Central Kentucky Fiber Resources
Lexington, KY
859-225-8100
You can recycle everything at this facility in Lexington. Everything from paper and plastic to metal and supplies.
Global Environmental Services
Georgetown, KY
502-570-8545
GES is one of the best e-recycling centers around. They will accept televisions, computers, printers. etc. GES strives to keep electronics out of landfills by disposing of them properly.
Louisville area
Solid Waste Management
Louisville, KY
502-574-3571
This recycling and junk disposing establishment in Louisville will rid you of everything from yard waste to expired medicines.
Lucas Metal & Recycling LLC
Elizabethtown, KY
270-776-9100
If you need to dispose of washers, dryers, farm equipment, etc. this is the place for you. At Lucas' any metals or large items can be recycled.
Western Kentucky
CSI of Western Kentucky- B & J Sanitation
Owensboro, KY
270-686-7909
With over 78 recycling facilities in the US, Republic Services is dedicated to recycling paper, aluminum, or glass. All recyclable materials are salvaged and repacked, and can be picked up at your home.
River Metals Recycling LLC
Henderson, KY
270-826-1626
RMR has a vast amount of machinery ready to recycle your trash. This includes paper and aluminum shredders, balers, shears, mobile shearing, auto crashers, and truck and railcar fleet.
Southern Kentucky
Southern Recycling
Bowling Green, KY
270-781-3265
Souther Recycling offers customers a wide array of products to dispose of; ranging from paper products and food containers, to clothing and computers.
Somerset-Recycling
Somerset, KY
606-274-4170
A purchaser and processor of paper and plastic recyclables, this company is dedicated to taking care of your recyclables.
Green Action Groups
Northern Kentucky
Enright Ridge Urban Ecovillage
Cincinnati, OH
513-921-1932
ERUEV is a community of people that promote social and economic well-being while contributing to the planet.
Northern Kentucky Sierra Club
Open to all areas of Northern Kentucky
859-291-2976
The Sierra Club has monthly informative meetings, as well as hiking, canoeing, backpacking, and bicycling outings. All counties in Northern Kentucky are welcome to attend and work with the Sierra Club to preserve nature, and just have fun!
Eastern Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky PRIDE
Somerset, KY
606-677-6150
Eastern Kentucky promotes Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment. PRIDE includes uniting people to help improve water quality, clean up trash, and provide environmental awareness and education.
Kentucky Natural Lands Trust
Berea, KY
877-367-5658
After being established in 1995, KNLT promised dedication to restoring and preserving Kentucky's remaining wildlands.
Central Kentucky (Bluegrass Area)
The Buckley Hills Audubon Society
Lexington, KY
859-271-3022
The mission of the Buckley Hills Audubon Society is: "To build an organization to support environmental education, conservation, and recreational programs."
Bluegrass Conservancy
Lexington, KY
859-255-4552
This is the region's only private, nonprofit land trust. Bluegrass Conservancy works to permanently protect scenic open space, rural heritage, and agricultural vitality.
Louisville Area
EarthSave Louisville
Louisville, KY
502-299-9520
With the motto "healthy people healthy planet," EarthSave is committed to supplying information about and encouraging healthier, planet-friendly foods.
River Fields
Louisville, KY
502-583-3060
River Fields is dedicated to helping preserve and enhance the Ohio River. Through their programs of land conservation, advocacy, and education, RF is protecting both land and water by enhancing their natural resources.
Western Kentucky
Daviess County Audubon Society
Owensboro, KY
This society consists of a diverse group of people who provide service to the community by encouraging awareness in conservation, ecological, and environmental issues.
Kentucky Audubon Council
Hartford, KY
The Kentucky Audubon Council creates a culture of conservation, focusing on environmental issues, education and advocacy.
Southern Kentucky
Lost River Cave & Valley
Bowling Green, KY
270-393-0077
Lost River Cave & Valley is a non-profit organization that protects and promotes this 68-acre park. Home to the states only Underground Boat Tour, this park is dedicated to developing educational programs for schools in Kentucky.
Land Between the Lakes Association
Golden Pond, KY
800-455-5897
The mission of the LBL is to assist the public and USDA Forest Service through education, improvement, promotion, conservation, and stewardship of the LBL area. Includes a Woodland Nature Center, Planetarium, and an Elk and Bison Prairie.
Green Building and Energy
Northern Kentucky
Green Energy Ohio
Columbus, OH
614-985-6131
Green Energy supports all of Northern Kentucky with "green buildings" and gives information about materials from solar to wind to hydro products that will help build the perfect energy efficient home.
The B.O.L.D Company
Florence, KY
859-657-6700
The Builders Of Lifelong Dreams are dedicated to building and serving the Northern Kentucky area with Energy Star Standards that involves using resources that make homes 20-30% more effective than standard homes.
Eastern Kentucky
Kentucky Solar Energy Society
Mount Vernon, KY
The Kentucky Solar Energy Society partners with Kentucky Solar to better promote the use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation in Kentucky.
MACED
Berea, KY
859-986-1299
MACED, or Mountain Association for Community Economic Development works to help give Appalachian communities better places to live by increasing the practices of using sustainable forest management.
Central Kentucky (Bluegrass Area)
UBuildIt
Lexington, KY
859-223-5300
UBuildIt is a building company that participates in Green Building. They use quality building practices that make a home healthier and more energy efficient.
Green Build Kentucky
Lexington, KY
1-800-489-4225
The `Green Build Kentucky†Program is designed to promote energy efficient and green building practices among builders, subcontractors, suppliers, and lenders.
Stratton Lumber Company, Inc.
Nicholasville, KY
859-885-9426
Stratton Lumber has long been a leader in providing products and verified information on Environmentally Friendly ("Green") and Energy Savings products. They are producers of recycled and sustainable forest building materials.
Louisville Area
Building Performance Group
Louisville, KY
www.buildingperformancegroup.com
502-509-5535
The Building Performance Group uses infrared thermography to locate and diagnose problems in a home that allow moisture intrusion, reduce air quality, and increase home costs. They will remodel your home with resources that will increase the "green" quality of your home.
Bluegrass Green Company
Louisville, KY
502-365-3373
Environmental building supplies and sustainable remodeling services is what Bluegrass Green Company in Louisville specializes in. A large variety of green home products are available, including: non-toxic paint, stains, sealers, finishes, household cleaners, eco countertops, natural flooring, wool carpet, denim insulation, and recycled glass and ceramic tiles.
Sustainable Foods
Northern Kentucky
Green Eats
Cincinnati, KY
513-885-2922
Green Eats is a local and independent catering and personal chef company that uses ingredients from local producers and farmer's markets to provide you homemade and wholesome food.
Boone County Farmer's Market
Burlington, KY
www.boonecountyfarmersmarket.org
859-586-6101
Located between Florence and Burlington, this Farmer's Market is where you can buy food picked just that morning!
Eastern Kentucky
Brodhead Farmer`s Market
Brodhead, KY
606-256-2403
Come visit this open-air market and find a great array of crafts, vegetables, local specialties, and organic food and fruits.
McCreary Artisans Homegrown and Homemade Items
Stearns, KY
606-376-5730
McCreary Artisans promote handmade arts and crafts, homegrown goods, and small business partnerships. They sell everything from candles and cookies, to fruits and jewelry.
Central Kentucky (Bluegrass Area)
Bluegrass Farmer's Market
Lexington, KY
www.bluegrassfarmersmarket.org
859-624-1020
Offering 100% locally grown foods and products, Bluegrass Farmer's Market offers a wide assortment of vegetables, flowers, herbs, and fruit, not to mention farm-fresh eggs, grass fed beef, local honey, jams, soaps, rubs, and bedding plants.
Good Foods Market & Cafe
Lexington, KY
859-278-1813
Good Foods' market carries everything you would buy from a grocery store- but with focus on natural foods, organic foods, and whole foods.
Louisville Area
Rainbow Blossoms Farmer's Market
Louisville, KY
502-896-0189
Offerings include fresh produce, eggs, a wide variety of meats, native plants, flowers, herbs, handmade artisan soaps, jams, mustard's and breads from all over Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
Old Depot Farmer's Market
Lawrenceburg, KY
502-859-4845
Unlike a traditional market, Old Depot gives you the luxury of dropping off what you wish to sell. This makes the local fruits, vegetables, plants, and crafts more available to the community.
Western Kentucky
Barren County Regional Farmer's Market
Glasgow, KY
270-786-4991
With the motto "fresher 'cuz it's local!" how can you beat this farmer's market? They specialize in fresh, locally grown fruits and veggies, bread, canned items, and arts and crafts.
Marion Farmer's Market
Marion, KY
270-965-5015
At Marion's you can buy produce directly from the farm at decent, competitive rates. You can also find fresher items here that you won't find at a grocery store.
Southern Kentucky
Southern Kentucky Regional Farmer`s Market
Bowling Green, KY
270-749-4600
This farmer`s market strives to provide the freshest local farm products, best horticultural items and most interesting crafts in the region. They are guaranteed to provide customers with 100% locally grown food, 100% of the time.
The Little Teapot Café
Hopkinsville, KY
270-350-6729
Come to the Little Teapot for some of the best vegetarian/vegan food available. Homemade breads, desserts, soups, salads, and sandwiches are the best here, and you won`t feel guilty eating them, as they are as delicious as they are healthy.
Sustainable Dining
Northern Kentucky
Loving Café
Cincinnati, OH
513-731-2233
Offering a vegan (non animal product) menu, this café features an earth friendly environment. Loving Café is dedicated to keeping the world a more `green†place.
Manna Vegetarian Deli
Cincinnati, OH
513-241-8343
This restaurant is dedicated to health and wellness. They feature many varieties of scrumptious soups, sandwiches, and they even have a healthy juice bar.
Central Kentucky (Bluegrass Area)
Stella`s Deli
Lexington, KY
859-255-DELI
By using seasonal ingredients for their soups, sandwiches, salads, and desserts, Stella`s is dedicated to supporting local farmers and local food economies.
Holly Hill Inn
Midway, KY
859-846-4732
Holly Hill Inn is a charming fine dining restaurant located close to Lexington. The chefs prepare brunch, lunch and dinner with the freshest ingredients and these ingredients are usually bought from local farmers. Holly Hill Inn is enthusiastic about preserving local agriculture.
Louisville Area
Lilly`s-A Kentucky Bistro
Louisville, KY
502-451-0447
Lilly`s in Louisville is a restaurant that is committed to buying products grown within a close distance of the restaurant. Organic vegetables, free-range beef, home-grown bison, and artisan cheeses are only some of the specialties you will find here.
Jason`s Deli
Louisville, KY
1-888-DELI-543
Jason`s Deli is all about healthy food. Their selection of sandwiches and salads will appease any health food fan. Served with no high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, or MSG, and often organic, Jason`s is the healthy place to be.
Western Kentucky
Rocksans Pizza
Madisonville, KY
270-821-1999
Rocksans is a pizza joint that is known for its amazing sauces, cheeses, and their hand-cut organic produce. Because of this, Rocksans is reputed to be one of the best pizza places in town.
Green Spaces (Parks/Garden Centers)
Northern Kentucky
Cincinnati Nature Center
513-831-1711
Cincinnati Nature Center is a non-profit, nature education organization and community of people who enjoy and care about nature. Enjoy their award winning trails and seasonal nature programs.
Sunrock Farm
Wilder, KY
(859) 781-5502
Fun activities that center on nature is Sunrock Farm`s objective. They have been open for more than 30 years and they continue to provide hands on environmental education.
Eastern Kentucky
Cumberland Falls State Park
Corbin, KY
(606) 528-4121
Home to the only `moonbow†in the Western Hemisphere, Cumberland Falls is a place to see. With plenty of campsites, hiking trails, and scenic areas this is one park not to miss.
Holliday Farm and Garden
Hazard, KY
606-436-2635
From pumpkins and mums, to outdoor décor and home garden supplies, Holliday`s has it all. Family owned and operated, the Holliday family is dedicated to agricultural importance and sharing their love of the land.
Central Kentucky (Bluegrass Area)
Daniel Boone National Forest
Winchester, KY
859-745-3100
Lands that are managed to provide plenty of natural resources including wood, water, forage, and wildlife. The conservation management of the park works to provide important environmental benefits to all.
King`s Garden Center
Lexington, KY
859-272-7077
Locally owned King`s is a garden center in Lexington that keeps stocks of plants from common to rare. They carry functional and fun garden accents, and everything from trees and shrubs, annuals and perennials, and more
Louisville Area
Jefferson Memorial Park
Louisville, KY
502-366-2913
This park in Louisville features environmental classes and groups for all ages to participate in. It also pays a tribute to all veterans that have served in our nation wars.
New Earth Garden Center
Louisville, KY
502-261-0005
With a staff that has 75 combined years of experience, New Earth is an eco-friendly garden center that uses New Earth hydroponic systems, Econoponics.
Western Kentucky
Rolling Hills Nursery-Garden Center and Landscaping
Murray, KY
270 753-1725
Rolling Hills has a wide range of healthy, fresh plants that are cared for by gardening and landscaping experts. Open year round, Rolling Hills is a great place to get gardening materials and products.
Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
Owensboro, KY
270 852-8925
The WKBG has ten different gardens, including a children`s garden. Also available are educational tours for all ages, and a library resource center that provides information on plant life.
Southern Kentucky
Southern Nursery
Walton, KY
859 628-9200
Southern Nursery purchases stock from other nurseries located through out Kentucky in order to provide you with over 200 different varieties of trees and plants. Family owned and operated, this nursery is dedicated to giving you the best quality plants available.
Jackson`s Orchard
Bowling Green, KY
270-781-5303
Jackson`s Orchard is one of the best places to get seasonal fruits, vegetables, and spring plants for your home and garden. With over 11,000 trees and plants on 105 acres, this is a great place for anyone looking for fresh produce.
Green Transit Systems
Northern Kentucky
TANK
Ft. Wright, KY
859-331-TANK
The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) has provided transit services to Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties as well as downtown Cincinnati since 1973. Save money and go green with TANK.
Go Metro
Cincinnati, OH
513-621-4455
Metro is Southwest Ohio's fixed route bus service. Providing more than 22 million rides per year, Metro brings approximately 20% of downtown Cincinnati's workforce into the city. Metro service operates 365 days a year and provides cost-effective, efficient, quality transportation options within available resources to enable people to get to their chosen activities in our community.
Eastern Kentucky
RTEC
Mt. Vernon, KY
606-256-9835
Rural Transit Enterprises Coordinated, Inc. (RTEC) is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to make transportation affordable, available and accessible to everyone living in the service area. Services include a demand response public transit system, intercity routes, and rides for jobs access and new freedom rides for elderly/disabled.
Lighthouse Travel and Tours
Whitesburg, KY
606-633-1122
Lighthouse Travel and Tours provides charter transportation services throughout Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia and North Carolina. Their 49-passenger bus is equipped with safe and entertaining features that are sure to provide you with a comfortable ride.
Central Kentucky (Bluegrass Area)
LexTran
Lexington, KY
859-253-4636
LexTran (The Lexington Transit Authority) is one of Lexington's public transportation systems. LexTran is dedicated to excellence and vows to get you where you need to go.
Bluegrass Tours
Lexington, KY
859-252-5744
Blue Grass Tours, located in Lexington, Kentucky, specializes in daily and private horse farm tours, Bourbon trail tours, group travel, and student travel and charter coach services. Their professional and courteous staff will create a customized experience for any size group.
Louisville Area
TARC
Louisville, KY
502-585-1234
The Transit Authority of River City provides safe and reliable transportation for Louisville and surrounding areas. TARC's mission is to explore and implement transportation opportunities that enhance the social, economic and environmental well being of the greater Louisville community.
Ticket to Ride
Louisville, KY
502-267-5400
Want to save money on gas, ease traffic congestion, and reduce pollution? As the local ridesharing program, Ticket To Ride helps to organize car and vanpools, which minimize the number of vehicles on our already overcrowded highways. By helping people traveling similar routes at similar times to share rides, Ticket To Ride is easing gridlock and lowering vehicle emissions in and around the Louisville area.
Western Kentucky
PATS
Paducah, KY
240-444-8700
Paducah Area Transit Systems provide inner city bus service to Paducah, Benton, Murray, and Mayfield, and anywhere in between. Ride with PATS whose mission statement is to explore and implement transportation opportunities that enhance the social, economic and environmental well being of the greater Paducah Community.
GRITS
Owensboro, KY
Serving the Green River counties of Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Webster and Union, GRITS, or Green River Intra-county Transit System is committed to providing para-transit services. GRITS has become an essential part of the community making over 100,000 trips per year providing access to physician care, hospital care, employment, child care, grocery stores, and other qualified services.
Southern Kentucky
GO BG Transit
Bowling Green, KY
270-782-3162
Environmental Preservation
Northern Kentucky
Keeping Cincinnati Beautiful
Cincinnati, OH
www.keepcincinnatibeautiful.org
513-352-4380
The Cincinnati Clean Community Commission was formed with the goals of promoting litter prevention, recycling, community improvement and beautification through citizen action, education and strategic partnerships. Through this, Keeping Cincinnati Beautiful was born, as was a lifetime of preservation for the city.
Dinsmore Woods State Nature Preservation
Boone County, KY
naturepreserves.ky.gov/naturepreserves
Home to the maple-oak-ash forest, these woods are a jewel because they have never been commercially logged. Featuring hiking, bird watching, and nature studying, this preservation is one that should not be missed.
Eastern Kentucky
Cascade Caverns State Nature Preserve
Grayson, KY
naturepreserves.ky.gov/naturepreserves
Bat Cave and Cascade Caverns State Nature Preserves consist of two tracts totaling 146 acres located in Carter County. Bat Cave is dedicated into the nature preserve system for the protection of the Indiana Bat, and the Cascade Caverns portion is preserved for two rare plant species, the mountain maple and the Canadian yew.
Frances Johnson Palk State Nature Preserve
Pulaski County, KY
naturepreserves.ky.gov/naturepreserves
This 150-acre preserve contains a series of acid seep communities that can rarely be seen in Kentucky. These small wetlands are formed by seeps found at the heads of several small streams. Although much of the preserve is dominated by upland forest, over 70 species of plants occur within the bogs, several of which are considered rare.
Central Kentucky (Bluegrass Area)
Department for Environmental Protection
Frankfort, KY
502-564-0323
The DEP`s mission is to protect and enhance Kentucky's environment. This is important because it has a direct impact on Kentucky's public health, our citizen's safety and the quality of Kentucky's valuable natural resources - our environment. Become a member of Kentucky Excel and take part in an effort to keep our environment healthy.
Preservation Kentucky
Frankfort, KY
502-871-4570
Preservation Kentucky is the Commonwealth's statewide nonprofit historic preservation organization. They are a membership-based organization devoted to preserving buildings, structures, and sites in every region and every town in the state.
Louisville Area
Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve Home
Goshen, KY
www.creaseymahannaturepreserve.org
502-228-4362
Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve is a 168-acre non-profit nature preserve dedicated by Virginia Creasey Mahan and Howard Mahan to enrich the community through conservation, education, preservation, and community enjoyment.
New Pioneers for a Sustainable Future
Springfield, KY
859-336-5070
New Pioneers for a Sustainable Future is a community non-profit organization founded in Washington County in 2005?to promote sustainable thinking and development in order to ensure a healthy, safe, and prosperous future for all. Their goal is to help communities make choices and plans to enable those who come after us in this beautiful place to have a wholesome and sustainable quality of life.
Western Kentucky
Flat Rock Glade State Nature Preserve
Simpson County, KY
naturepreserves.ky.gov/naturepreserves
This preserve's name describes the large area of limestone bedrock that forms openings in the oak-hickory woods. The glades support seven rare plant species including limestone the fameflower, which is only found in two places across Kentucky.
Brigadoon State Nature Preserve
Barren County, KY
naturepreserves.ky.gov/naturepreserves
With a total of 184 acres, Brigadoon is a great place to see rich woodlands, beautiful spring wildflowers, and natural habitats for many resident animals.
Southern Kentucky
American Cave Conservation Association
Horse Cave, KY
270-786-1466
The American Cave Conservation Association (ACCA) is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the protection of caves, karstlands, and groundwater resources. With tons of environmental education classes for all ages, this is a great place to learn more about Kentucky`s mysterious caves.
Bad Branch State Nature Preserve
Letcher County, KY
naturepreserves.ky.gov/naturepreserves
Bad Branch State Preserve features a 60-foot waterfall on its 2,000+ acres of beautiful forests. Known as one of the largest areas to inhabit rare and uncommon species in the state, Bad Branch is home to the only nesting pair of common ravens.