Green Checklist

Green Checklist

Date Completed: ______

Air Quality
Did you know: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency studies indicate that indoor levels of many pollutants may be 25 times (and occasionally more than 100 times) higher than outdoor levels.
Action / Will Do / Doing / Done / Cannot Do
Use air filtration (HEPA filters) to improve air quality and reduce fine particulate matter.
Use nontoxic, green cleaning products.
Use low-VOC paints, adhesives, etc.
Do not use wood-burning stoves on bad air quality days.
Monitor HVAC units for mold that could be spreading throughout your farm.
Do not burn plastics or Styrofoam™. Dispose of in an approved landfill.
Properly maintain vehicles to ensure greatest fuel efficiency.
Do not let vehicles idle for more than 10 seconds.
Know what and when you can/cannot burn.
Energy Management
Did you know: In the average U.S. home, lighting can account for as much as 20 percent of the electric bill.
Action / Will Do / Doing / Done / Cannot Do
Have an energy audit performed on your farm.
Replace standard incandescent lightbulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs or LED bulbs.
Use motion sensors and dimming devices to reduce energy needed for lighting.
Install programmable thermostats.
Clean coils on your refrigerator(s) to decrease its workload.
Ride a bicycle or walk when feasible.
Use natural lighting as much as possible, and turn out lights when not in a room.
When replacing appliances and equipment, look for ENERGY STAR™ and other energy-efficient products.
Check your insulation levels. R38 is code, but the U.S. Dept. of Energy recommends R60 for Kentucky.
When indoors, use fans on not-too-hot days and to circulate warm air in the winter by reversing the blades.
Shut down electronics when not in use, and use power strips. Even appliances that are not in use or are turned off can draw current (a.k.a. vampire energy law).
Insulate hot water heaters to decrease their workload.
Wash cloth items in warm or cold water.
Use alternative energy (solar, wind, biogas) when possible.
Water
Did you know: On average, each American uses about 100 gallons of water each day.
Action / Will Do / Doing / Done / Cannot Do
Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, spray nozzles, etc.
Install water aerators on sink and water spigots to decrease water consumption.
Catch rainwater in rain barrels for use on the farm.
Only run dishwashers and do laundry when you have full loads.
Fix any leaky faucets, hoses, showers, etc. A tap dripping once per second can waste more than three gallons of water per day.
Use mulch around plants to retain moisture.
Install automatic waterers for livestock or develop a spring.
Protect sinkholes from trash and clean up sinkholes previously used for waste disposal.
Create or update your Agriculture Water Quality Plan.
Complete a Groundwater Protection Plan if you have a septic system or fuel storage tank.
Create a riparian buffer zone.
Fence livestock from creeks and ponds.
Stormwater diversion.
Use native or drought-resistant plants to cut down on watering.
Water early in the morning to decrease evaporation.
If possible, use a soaker hose when watering.
Plant a rain garden on your farm.
Use mulch around plants to retain moisture.
Waste Management
Did you know:Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a television for three hours.
Action / Will Do / Doing / Done / Cannot Do
Recycle old tires.
When possible, buy in bulk. This reduces packaging and saves money.
Take advantage of local recycling programs; including recycling plastic fertilizer or pesticide jugs and hazardous waste collections.
Purchase products that have less packaging.
Use cloth rags and work towels to reduce trash going into landfills.
Look for products with recycled or recyclable packaging.
Maintain and repair appliances, equipment and farm tools.
Compost organic materials, like collected grass clippings and leaves.
Recycle waste oil. Do not pour it on the ground.
Purchase products that can be reused.
Soil Health and Nutrient Management
Did you know:Healthy soil holds water and requires less irrigation.
Action / Will Do / Doing / Done / Cannot Do
Increase the organic matter in your soil.
Plant a cover crop.
Practice rotational grazing.
Attend a workshop about improving soil health and/or nutrient management.
Practice no-till farming.
Have your soil tested and only apply the amount of fertilizer needed for crop growth.
Develop a Nutrient Management Plan for your farm.
Other Green Ideas
Did you know:During the heat of summer, shade from trees can improve the health of livestock in pastures.
Action / Will Do / Doing / Done / Cannot Do
Purchase products with third-party certification or labels you trust.
Buy locally produced or organic products.
Develop a Conservation Plan.
Utilize integrated pest management techniques to reduce the use of chemicals.
Install pads in heavy use areas.
Practice Precision Agriculture.
Make sure your employees are aware of your environmental commitments.
Provide environmental education opportunities.
Use cleaning products that are safer for the environment.

List of Green Resources

Water

Tools to develop your Agriculture Water Quality Plan and Nutrient Management Plan

Waste Management

How to compost vegetable scraps

How to setup dead animal composting on your farm

Learn about recycling programs in your area

Schedule for pesticide container recycling

Energy

Everything you need to know about energy efficiency from the U.S. Department of Energy

For more information about what type of assistance is available in your area, visit your local Conservation District or Natural Resources Conservation Service office.

Website: dca.ky.gov • Email: envhelp.com • Phone: 502-564-0323

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