Green Star E-News Vol. 2, No. 11 November 8, 2001
Recognizing businesses committed to environmental responsibility.
In this issue:
* Shining Star
* Plastics Recycling Update
* Green Events Update
* Recycling 101: Scrap Tires
* The Truth About Fluorescent Lighting
* Is Your Car Cold?
* Free Publicity For You!
* This Month's Hot Link: Energy Star
* Thank You 2001 Sponsors and Granting Agencies
* Call to Action
SHINING STARS
Green Star would like to welcome the following new members to our list of Shining Stars: Alaska Mountaineering and Hiking, Alaska Teamsters Training Center, and Schlumberger Oilfield Services. We’d also like to thank our newest sponsor Webb Consulting & Management Services, Inc. for donating to Green Star at the Contributor level.
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PLASTICS RECYCLING UPDATE
For those of you who have been waiting to see what the fate of plastic recycling would be, the wait is over and the news is good. Although the Saturday drop-offs, sponsored by Citizens for Recycling Solutions and the Anchorage Recycling Center, will no longer be held, plastic recycling will continue.
You can drop off plastic bottles and jugs, along with plastic bags and film, at the Anchorage Recycling Center during regular business hours. That's 9am to 4pm Monday through Friday. There is no 24-hour drop-off or weekend drop-off. This is important to abide by if we want to keep plastic recycling in Anchorage. Please do not drop off plastics if you cannot place them in the designated bins inside the fence.
Here's a refresher about what types of plastic containers are recyclable. First, look for the small recycling triangle with a number in it. It is usually found on the bottom of the container. You can only recycle #1 (PET or PETE) and #2 (HDPE) resins.
Next, once you have identified your #1 and #2 containers, check for the neck. You can only recycle #1 and #2 bottles and jugs that have a neck smaller than the rest of the container. That means that tubs and cups are not recyclable -- only bottles and jugs. The screw top should help you identify items with a neck. Peanut butter jars and Parmesan cheese canisters have a neck, although not a very visible one, that you can identify because it has a screw lid rather than a snap on lid like most tubs.
Another hint - acceptable HDPE #2 containers typically have a visible seam running across the bottom of them and acceptable PET #1 containers typically have a small dimple in the center of the bottom. Don't get this hint backwards -- if you mix it up, you'll have a bunch of non-recyclable plastic!
Finally, determine if the container once held a dangerous or hazardous substance, such as motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides, household chemicals, cleaners. These containers are not accepted for safety and processing reasons. To protect residents, recycling center workers, and workers at the end-user facilities, the Recycling Center is asking Anchorage to keep hazardous materials out of the recycling stream.
Here are a few examples:
PET (#1) BOTTLES include plastic water and soda bottles, both clear and green (like Sprite); clear shampoo bottles, peanut butter jars, Parmesan cheese canisters. Make sure the containers are clean!
HDPE (#2) BOTTLES include milk jugs, both the cloudy and the yellow variety; juice jugs; detergent bottles; cloudy or colored shampoo bottles. Make sure the containers are clean!
PLASTIC BAGS AND FILMS include grocery bags; newspaper sleeves; drycleaner bags; shrink wrap; stretch wrap; plastic wrap; bread bags; deli, product, and bulk food bags. Items must be clean and dry!
YOU CANNOT RECYCLE yogurt cups, butter tubs, cottage cheese containers, plastic cups, plastic plates, plastic cutlery, straws, plastic trays such as take-out clamshell containers, food-contaminated plastics, #1 bottles that are made of opaque plastic (some coffee creamers come in these bottle), any plastics with a #3-#7 on it unless it is an acceptable plastic film item, any containers that have held hazardous or toxic chemicals, any plastic bags or films that tear rather than stretch, such as potato chip bags and cellophane.
Just to review, you can recycle plastic containers that have a #1 or #2 on the bottom, a screw neck, and have not held hazardous or toxic materials. You can recycle plastic bags and films that are clean and dry and that will stretch a little when you press your thumb into them. Happy recycling!
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GREEN EVENTS UPDATE
Alaska State Fair
Green Star and Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS) recently met with Alaska State Fair staff to begin planning the best way to get the more than 300,000 annual fairgoers to recycle at next year's State Fair. This is the first step toward developing a comprehensive program for the Fair and all involved are excited about the prospect.
The preliminary plan involves collecting mixed beverage containers along the main trail routes at the fairgrounds. The pilot recycling program will most likely rely on volunteer organizations to help collect and sort the recyclable beverage containers. Although the program has not been finalized, it's never too early to start planning! If your organization is looking for a fun way to participate in next year's State Fair, please contact Green Star at 278-7839 or VCRS at (907) 357-4765 for details about the recycling volunteer opportunities.
Calling all Green Events volunteers! Get out your new 2002 calendars and date books! February and March will be bursting with Green Events and we'll need all the help we can get to make sure they all run smoothly. Just a preview - we'll be helping to recycle at the Alaska Forum on the Environment (Feb. 4-8) and the Hospitality and Food Expo (March 5-6) again this year, both at the Egan Center. In addition, the Ski for Kids on March 2 will be a Green Event. The Alaska Library Association is working with us to recycle at their annual conference on March 7-10. Finally, the Tour of Anchorage may be on board again this year (March 3) and the Ski for Women (Feb. 3) has recently contacted us.
As these dates get closer, we will send out details to the Green Events volunteer list. If you are not on that list but would like to be, please send your contact information, including email address, to Jeanne@greenstarinc.org.
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RECYCLING 101: SCRAP TIRES
This is the tenth in a series of articles about materials recyclable in Anchorage. For a more detailed look at scrap tires, you will find an expanded version of this article at http://www.greenstarinc.org/enews/scraptires.htm.
October and November usually bring snow and with the snow comes studded tires. As you switch from regular tires to studded tires to brave the snowy roads, many of you will learn that your tires need to be replaced. Here is some information about scrap tire reuse and recycling.
The National Picture
Americans generate about 273 million scrap tires annually (based on 2000 data) or 3.6 millions tons of tires. Tires make up 1.8% of the total waste generated in the U.S. Tires are often difficult to manage and dispose, resulting in a national stockpile of 300 million scrap tires. Each year, about 196 million scrap tires are reused or recycled each year, leaving about 77 million tires to join the growing stockpile.
Most of the tires that are recycled (about 25 million) are used for fuel. Another 30 million are used in civil engineering applications, 18 million are processed into ground rubber, 8 million are punched or stamped into new products, and 15 million are exported.
Scrap Tires in Anchorage
Anchorage generates about 2,438 tons of tires (based on a 1997 study), which is equivalent to about 243,800 tires. In 1997, about 390 tons of scrap tires were diverted for recycling, or about 16% of the total amount generated.
Alaska has no landfill restrictions for either whole or shredded tires; however, tire monofills (landfills solely for scrap tires) are not allowed. In addition, Alaska does not require a permit to collect, transport, store, or dispose of scrap tires. No fees are collected when tires are discarded and no active tire pile clean-up activities are underway.
How Do I Recycle Scrap Tires?
The only company currently recycling scrap tires in Alaska is Alaska Tire Recycling, Inc., located in Wasilla. Alaska Tire recycling can be reached in Anchorage at 344-1668 or in Wasilla at (907) 357-8473. The company will pick up tires (no minimums) in the Anchorage area for a fee of $1.50/tire. Only car and light truck tires are accepted. Currently there is no recycling outlet for large equipment or truck tires. No tires on rims are accepted. If you would like to drop off your tires, visit the facility on Lucas Road in Wasilla. Please call ahead using the Wasilla phone number listed above. There is a $1/tire drop-off fee.
Local tire retailers that have an arrangement with Alaska Tire Recycling include Costco, Sears, and Penske Auto Center. These retailers charge their customers $1 per old tire when you purchase new tires. Tires from most other Anchorage retailers eventually end up in the landfill.
Reducing Scrap Tire Disposal
The best way to reduce the number of scrap tires generated is to extend the life of the tires that are on your vehicle now. Here are a few tips:
* Purchase longer-tread life tires. Harder rubber may give you a slightly louder ride, but your tires will last longer. The higher cost of long-life tires will be offset when you purchase fewer sets of tires over the years.
* Rotate your tires every 6,000 miles to ensure that tires are wearing evenly.
* Balance tires when rotating them.
* Check your tire pressure often and keep your tires inflated to recommended air pressure levels. It is best to check at least once a month and before every long trip.
* Drive gently, avoiding jackrabbit starts and quick stops that can wear tread from your tires.
Resources
For further information about scrap tires, including current legislation and a list of products made from recycled tires, contact the Rubber Manufacturers Association's Scrap Tire Management Council at http://www.scraptire.org or (202) 682-4880.
Visit Scrap Tires News Online at http://www.scraptirenews.com for the latest advances in scrap tire reuse and recycling.
For information about the use of scrap tires in asphalt pavement, visit http://www.rubberpavements.org.
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THE TRUTH ABOUT FLUORESCENT LIGHTING
Hey, you forgot to turn that light off when you left the office! Yes, if you are going to be gone for more than 10 to 15 minutes turn off your fluorescent lamps. It is a misconception that it takes more energy to start a fluorescent light than it takes to run it. The reality is that there is a very brief jump in current when the ballast charges the cathodes and causes the lamp to start. This is the equivalent of about 5 seconds of normal operation. So, turn off your fluorescent lamps when you leave.
Now, what about your existing lighting. Is it energy efficient? First look at the number of lamps you have in each fixture, and the number of fixtures you have in each space. The goal would be one 2-lamp fixture for every 64 square feet. If you have more than this you are wasting energy, and money, by providing more light than you need. The simple solution is to remove lamps from the existing fixtures until you reach the 2-lamps per every 64 square feet. Note that the lamps are normally wired in pairs and you will generally have to remove two lamps from each fixture. Take out a lamp and see what happens.
The second thing to look for is the type of lamp you have. The old style of lamp is called a T12 and is 1.5 inches in diameter. New lamps called T8's are more energy efficient, 32 watts, versus 34 or 40 watts for the T12's. Additionally the T8 uses an electronic ballast that is 15% to 30% more efficient than the magnetic ballast that you presently have. Assuming that you have fixtures that were installed pre 1990, a 2-lamp energy saving 34 watt T12 would use 84 watts (96 watts with 40 watt T12 lamps). With a post 1990 installation the 2-lamp energy saving 34 watt T12 uses 76 watts (88 watts with 40 watt lamps). The 2-lamp T8 on an electronic ballast will use only 60 to 62 watts! Additionally the T8 system will provide 15% higher light levels than the 34 watt energy saving system and the same light as the full 40 watt T12 system.
An added benefit of the T8 lamp and electronic ballast is better color, sometimes dramatically better color. T8’s also will not flicker or hum. This on top of a 15% higher light level with a 20% to 40% energy savings is a no brainier.
What else can you do to save energy? Retrofit incandescent down-lights to compact fluorescent lamps. You can replace a 75 watt incandescent with a 20 watt compact fluorescent that last 10 times longer than the incandescent. Install occupancy sensors in restrooms, conference rooms and private offices. Studies show that occupancy sensors can save 20% to 70% in offices and around 45% in restrooms. We have provided a detailed table of savings at http://www.greenstarinc.org/enews/fluorescents.htm.
To learn more about energy-saving lighting, visit the Lighting Research Center website at http://lighting.lrc.rpi.edu. This web site has several links to fluorescent lighting studies, purchasing, and testing your current lighting system.
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IS YOUR CAR COLD?
Do your part to keep the air clean. It only costs an average of 8 cents an hour to plug your car in. Plug in your car’s engine block heater about two hours before driving when temperatures drop to 20 degrees F or cooler. For more information on this subject and air quality related issues, visit http://www.greenstarinc.org/airquality/pluginfo.htm.
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FREE PUBLICITY FOR YOU!
Let us tell your story. Green Star will be sharing success stories over the next year by placing ads in the Anchorage Daily News. Each ad will highlight a different Green Star Awardee. Be one of the lucky businesses to get its name in the paper by sending us a half dozen bullet points about your waste prevention, recycling, and energy conservation activities. Look for the ads starting in November. There will be a new one about every two weeks. Email your bullets to at Jeanne@greenstarinc.org.
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THIS MONTH’S HOT LINK: ENERGY STAR
November is ENERGY STAR month at the EPA! Energy Star is a program of the Environmental Protection Agency that offers businesses and consumers energy efficient solutions that save money while protecting the environment for future generations. To find out more about this program, visit the Engery Star web site at http://www.energystar.gov.
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THANK YOU 2001 SPONSORS and GRANTING AGENCIES
Platinum: Alaska Science & Technology Foundation, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Municipality of Anchorage Solid Waste Services, Phillips Alaska
Gold: Alaska Conservation Foundation, Anchorage Daily News, AT&T Wireless, BP Exploration, KTUU Channel 2, Wells Fargo
Silver: Phone Directories, Inc., The Home Depot
Bronze: Anchorage Refuse, Data Pro, Odom Corporation, Sam's Club, Smurfit Stone Recycling, Pepsi Cola Bottling of Anchorage
Supporter: ALPAR, Chugach Electric Association, Nabors Alaska Drilling
Contributor: Alaska Wildland Adventures, Arctic Wire & Rope Supply,Corporate Express Alaska, Green Connection, Shoot-N-Edit, Spenard Builders Supply, The Body Shop, Yukon Equipment
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CALL TO ACTION
Take the Green Star challenge and get your Green Star Award. Are you one of those businesses that keeps putting off your Green Star application? The Green Star staff is here to help get the ball rolling on your Green Star award, and we are anxious to give you the community recognition that you deserve.
Ever wonder how the folks at Green Star provide so many dynamic programs and services? We do it by the generous support of our sponsors. If you would like to help us continue to meet the environmental needs of our community and provide up-to-date information like E-News and our brown bag lunches, become a sponsor today! Visit our secured sponsor page on the web at: http://www.greenstarinc.org/forms/sponsorform.htm.
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Please send comments, questions, or suggestions for future E-News topics to us at betsy@greenstarinc.org. Forward this newsletter freely. Send us any e-mail addresses you wish to add to our mailing list. Thank you!
The staff of Green Star, Anchorage:
Sean Skaling, Executive Director
Jeanne Carlson, Recycling Program Coordinator
Betsy Goll, Membership & Communications Coordinator
If you would like to discontinue receiving E-News, please write betsy@greenstarinc.org.
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