In 2009, FrankfortCAN – a community group in the Frankfort area that works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a more sustainable community – launched Lighten Up, Frankfort!  Participating households work together in small teams and over the course of four meetings analyze their carbon footprints and create an action plan to lower their carbon emissions. 

In the last 12 months, 45 households reported annual cuts of nearly 700,000 pounds or 350 tons of carbon dioxide.  The project goal for the next 12 months is to cut an additional 650 tons to reach cumulative cuts of 1,000 tons (2 million pounds) of carbon emissions.

Local organizations that formed one or more teams in the past year included several churches, the local chapter of the United Nations Association, the Cooperative Extension Service, the local utility board, Kentucky State University, neighborhood groups, and others.  Teams have also been formed by individuals not connected with any organization.

“FrankfortCAN’s approach of working with local organizations to form Lighten Up teams may have been key to our selection by the EPA,” said Fonda McWilliams, a Lighten Up, Frankfort! organizer and team leader.  “We hope more and more people will join this effort to make changes in our lives that save money, save energy and achieve a lifestyle that is sustainable.”

The EPA grant will be used to hire a part-time project coordinator for Lighten Up, Frankfort!, to promote participation in the project, and to organize a series of community workshops about energy efficiency and climate change.

The grant comes from the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice.  The purpose of its small grants program is to support and empower communities working on local solutions to local environmental and/or public health problems, and to create self-sustaining community-based partnerships that will continue to improve local environments in the future.

Appalachia - Science in the Public Interest will share in the grant. For more than 30 years ASPI has worked as an advocate for environmental protection, sustainability and social justice, using appropriate technologies that empower people to improve their lives and communities. Their Sustainable Energy Program advocates for effective solutions to the climate change crisis and works to advance renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation in Kentucky.

More information about FrankfortCAN and Lighten Up, Frankfort! is available at www.frankfortclimateaction.net, via email at lightenupfrankfort@gmail.com or by calling 520-320-3275.