9 eco-friendly holiday tips (including a holiday light collection drive)
Presented by a LEXtoday Partner
Keep the holiday cheer going by recycling old or broken lights, instead of throwing them away. | Photo provided by Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
The holidays bring lots of cheer, but also create lots of trash. Wrapping paper, packaging for gifts, Christmas trees, wreaths, and non-reusable decorations are all types of holiday waste — but you can stay on the nice list this year by properly disposing of and/or recycling your holiday waste with the help of Live Green Lexington.
Here’s what to know:
Recycle lights and electronics: Special collection carts for broken string lights, old extension cords, power strips, and other electronics are available at 11 locations throughout Lexington until Sunday, Jan. 14.
Compost natural trees: Place your natural Christmas tree at the curb on regular collection days between Wednesday, Jan. 3 and Saturday, Jan. 27 for pickup and the city will compost it.
Wrapping goes in green: While some paper is recyclable, most wrapping paper, gift bags, padded envelopes, ribbons, bows, and strings are not — so be sure to put these items in your green trash cart.
Cardboard goes in blue: Flattened shipping boxes, shoe boxes, gift boxes, wrapping paper tubes, and other types of cardboard belong in your blue recycling cart.
Natural waste goes in gray: Wreaths, poinsettias, garland, holly, and other natural decor can all go in your gray yard waste cart.
Want to be extra eco-friendly for the holidays? Help reduce holiday waste by:
Shopping with reusable shopping bags
Reusing gift wrap, such as boxes or bags
Wrapping gifts in old newspaper or catalogs instead of new gift wrap
Gifting experiences, instead of things (we’re big fans of this one)
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” | Tuesday, Dec. 19-Saturday, Dec. 30 | Times vary | Eastside Branch, 3000 Blake James Dr., Lexington | Free | Ring in the season with a visual reimagination of this classic Christmas tune created by artist Jen Dunham.
Lex Out Loud Comedy Series | Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 7 p.m. | Pivot Brewing, 1400 Delaware Ave., Lexington | Free | Enjoy craft drinks and have a laugh with performances from a variety of stand-up comedians.
Wednesday, Dec. 20
Home for the Holidays Tour | Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 5-6 p.m. | West Sixth Brewing, 501 W. 6th St. #100, Lexington | $6 | Learn about the history of this beloved brewery, tour its facilities, and sample holiday specials such as Christmas Ale.
Thursday, Dec. 21
Fire Up Your Soul | Thursday, Dec. 21 | 6-7:30 p.m. | McConnell Springs Park, 416 Rebmann Ln., Lexington | Free | Beat the winter chill with a slow-paced mindfulness walk, followed by hot cider and cocoa — registration is required.
Friday, Dec. 22
The Ebony Nutcracker | Friday, Dec. 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Singletary Concert Hall, 405 Rose St., Lexington | $10-$25 | Come see a fresh take on the classic tale you know and love presented by The African American Ballet Troupe.
Saturday, Dec. 23
Holiday Sprinkles & Glitter Candle-Making | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 2 p.m. | Wick + Mortar Studio / Poppy & Pomelo, 526 E. High St., Lexington | $45 | Craft your own holiday-scented candle in a stylish cosmo glass + enjoy available spirits.
A new restaurant has made its home in Blue Stallion Brewing. Head to 610 W. 3rd St. to try cozy bites from Yearling Kitchen, including its Soup of the Week, queso-topped hot dog, and salted caramel cheesecake with your brew.
Number
$700,000. That’s how much two UK School of Information Science researchers received as part of the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program grant and the National Leadership Grants for Libraries. The professors will use their grants to study public library responses to book ban attempts + review secondary school librarian curriculums. (UK NOW)
Job
Consider yourself a leader? Commerce Lexington is hiring a Director of Leadership Development, who would be in charge of managing the organization’s leadership programs, including Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass. Apply before the deadline on Monday, Jan. 15.
Sports
Is the baseball fan in your life already counting down the days until spring? Our Lexington Counter Clocks are offering a holiday package, which comes with 10 tickets to any 2024 season game and the option for add-ons like a chance to throw the first pitch.
Kids
Kids have permission to make a mess to their heart’s desire at the Living Arts & Sciences Center’s MLK Day Class on Monday, Jan. 15. Register for a day of fun activities including playing with slime, melted crayons, and more. The best part? You don’t have to do the clean up.
Pets
Did you hear about the newest members of Shaker Village’s farm team? Murphy + Milo, two Bernese Mountain puppies, are in training to help other on-site dogs protect the sheep. Next time you take a trip to Harrodsburg, be sure to tell them the LEXtoday team says hi.
Featured Home
Peek inside this 7 BD, 3 BA historic estate built at the turn of the last century by businessman Richard T. Anderson. Featuring the Richardsonian Romanesque style, the home reflects the migration of Gilded Age sensibilities westward. 431 W. Third remains an enduring icon on one of Lexington’s most prominent avenues today. Take a virtual tour.*
Real Estate
New apartments proposed for East Maxwell
Proposed apartments near UK clears first hurdle
The 250-unit would feature also include townhouses along Stone Avenue, with apartments above them. | Map via Google Maps
The Lexington Urban County Planning Commission recently approved a zone change that could open the door to a new apartment complex on East Maxwell Street.
The zone change would take a stretch of East Maxwell Street and Stone Avenue from an R-4 (medium-density residential) zone to a B-2 (general business district) zone. If approved by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council, it could lead to a proposed six-story apartment building.
According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, the $50 million complex would feature:
250 units
700 bedrooms
175-car parking garage, as well as an off-site lot
Interior courtyards
This is the second time in the last few years a developer has attempted to transform this corner of East Maxwell, but neighbors have raised concerns about preserving the neighborhood’s historic homes.
There is no date set for when the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council will vote on the amendment.
The Buy
The Buy 12.19.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
This Adams Apple Company apple butter. It’s made in the USA + you can use it to make these amazing apple butter snickerdoodle cookies Lifestyle and Recipe YouTuber Jessica O’Donohue whipped up (just save a few for Santa).
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