EcoEKY: Green News from Eastern Kentucky

One more eco-conscious perspective in eastern Kentucky.

Today's Breathitt County Voice contains an interesting opinion piece by Andy Mitchell on "greenwashing." In it, he states:

I completely agree with being environmentally friendly. I believe that we have a responsibility to not only ourselves and the planet that provides for us everything we need to survive, but to the coming generations of people that will be affected by our actions forever. It makes perfect sense to conserve the resources we have, search for alternative, renewable, and less polluting forms of energy, and to be aware of our impact upon the Earth. I came across an ad for a powerful energy company recently. It stated that they were finding alternative fuels, creating less of an impact upon the Earth, and “going green”. On the surface, this looks great. Then I thought, “Why would they all of a sudden care so much about the environment?” It seems to me that if they were truly interested in the health of the planet and its peoples, they would have been doing this from the very start. I know, as companies, their main goal is to make a profit. I understand this. However, if being environmentally friendly is so expensive, why would they ever do it, unless it’s just a scheme to get people to buy their products or to improve their image as a “green” company? And if it is not hurting them financially and is cheap to go “green”, why haven’t they done it since the start? It seems to me that all these companies are jumping on the bandwagon of public fear and feeling over global warming.

Middlesboro Middle Schoolers inform Board of Education members about global warming with a podcast.

From the Middlesboro Daily News:

Board members get lesson on podcasts

By Brandy Calvert/Senior Staff Writer

Published: Thursday, March 20, 2008 11:24 AM CDT

MIDDLESBORO — The Middlesboro Board of Education held their regular March meeting at the newly remodeled Middlesboro Middle School on Monday, March 17. Two of Mrs. Givens’ computer students presented their latest creation to board members- their podcast, “Helping prevent global warming”. By utilizing new technologies in their school, eighth graders Cassie Kirkland and Shayna Thomas showcased their technological talents and even taught board members something new.

Middle School Principal Steve Spangler spoke with board members about a recent review that the school received. Spangler told the board that the school system, school leaders and teachers were highly commended for creating a climate conducive of learning....