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Green Star E-News
Green Star E-News Vol. 6, No. 9 September 13, 2005
Recognizing Alaska organizations committed to environmental responsibility.
In this issue:
* Shining Stars
* September’s Education Program:
“Get a Head Start with Green Star’s New Standards”
* Anchorage Hires Renewable Resources Coordinator
* Alaska Materials Exchange Highlights
* Bioneers Conference on October 13-15: Save the Date!
* Air Quality in Anchorage – Series Kick Off
* This Month’s Hot Link: NWF’s Mercury page
* Thank you 2005 Sponsors
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SHINING STARS
This month’s Green Events:
American Fisheries Society National Meeting – September 11-15. This national meeting, with estimates attendance at 2,500 people, is hosting events at numerous Anchorage venues during the week. Organizers are putting in place a comprehensive recycling plan for all venues and have borrowed the largest number of bins ever loaned by Green Star at one time. If you are attending an event associated with the meeting, look for recycling bins.
Congratulations to our most recent Green Star Awardees:
BP Northstar received its Green Star Award on August 8th. BP’s Northstar facility is an island off the coast of the North Slope with a footprint of only a few acres. Its drilling wells explore a vast area from that small footprint. With Pam Pope’s oversight, Northstar employs many cutting-edge, custom-designed technologies that improve efficiency and environmental performance. The facility’s employees have also worked hard to recycle and reuse as much material as possible, showing great ingenuity in getting materials off the Slope for processing. The facility also has greatly reduced the use of hazardous chemical, staying far ahead of regulations and other requirements.
Peak Oilfield Services received its Green Star Award on August 22nd. Peak’s North Slope operations in Deadhorse provide support services for other oilfield service contractors; BP Exploration Alaska’s Prudhoe Bay, Milne Point, Endicott and North Star operations; and ConocoPhillips Alaska’s Kuparuk and Alpine operations. Support includes hauling drilling-related waste fluid and solids, drilling equipment, providing a variety of construction services, and operating a fleet of water trucks, fuel trucks, vacuum trucks, dump trucks, compactors, graders, loaders, and cranes. Peak, with the enthusiasm of Jack Kvanshikoff, has put in place a host of initiatives to reduce water use, fuel use, and generation and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes. Employees have gotten involved in all aspects of the Green Star program, from making suggestions for efficiencies to participating in water saving activities in their personal routines during their time on the Slope.
Congregation Beth Sholom received its Green Star Award on August 29th. The effort to earn a Green Star Award at this synagogue was led by Sophie Wiepking-Brown, an inspiring 13-year-old. She set up a recycling program through the building and is involved in taking the recyclables to the recycling center. She also gathers information about recycling and waste prevention and disseminates it to congregants and teachers. The facility will undergo substantial remodeling in the next few years and energy efficiency, waste prevention, and recycling will all be considered in the design and construction process, from the newest lighting systems to installing a dishwasher to allow the use of reusable dishes. A new after-school program has also just begun that uses donated and recycled materials to teach children about art, recycling, and community service.
Thank you for your support:
Thank you to everyone involved in this year’s Alaska State Fair recycling effort.
Volunteer Organizations
Alaska Job Corps Center
APU – Self and Society Class
Anchor Park United Methodist Church
Boy Scout Troop #300
Boy Scout Troop #368
BP
Chickaloon Village Traditional Council
ConocoPhillips
East High School Recycling Club
Ecology & Environment
Girl Scout Troop # 374
Girl Scout Troop # 430
Girl Scout Troop # 443
Matanuska Telephone Association
McLaughlin Youth Center
Nine Star
North Star Health
Palmer Kiwanis Club
RurAL CAP
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
And all the individuals and families
Sponsors/Donors
BP
Alaska Waste
Pepsi-Cola Bottling Group
Coca-Cola Bottling of AK
Great Harvest Bread Co.
Wal-Mart #2074
Fred Meyer – Palmer
Organizers
Alaska State Fair
Green Star
Valley Community for Recycling Solutions
Special Thanks
Judith Anderegg
Kathleen Asay
Carole Henry
David Pelto
Kate
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SEPTEMBER’S EDUCATION PROGRAM: “GET A HEAD START WITH GREEN STAR’S NEW STANDARDS”
Green Star enrollees, this is especially for you. Green Star understands that choosing 12 of 18 standards can be a little overwhelming, so while still maintaining a high level of environmental integrity, the Green Star Award Standards have been condensed from 18 to 8!
To find out more about the revised standards, join Green Star on Wednesday, September 21st at noon for September’s education program, “Get a Head Start with Green Star’s New Standards.” The revised standards will be presented, but the standards aren’t the only thing Green Star is making more time efficient for our members! We also will discuss the achievement report, which is modified from a self-written account to a user-friendly checklist, with just a few brief descriptions. The waste assessment is simplified to tracking two aspects of your organization’s daily processes, rather than trying to maintain tracking systems for all aspects of your business.
Whether your organization is already enrolled, or is considering becoming a Green Star member, this is the perfect time to learn more about the Green Star program. Come kick off your Green Star efforts and earn the recognition you deserve. Just by attending, your organization may complete the first standard!
What: “Get a Head Start with Green Star’s New Standards”
Where: BP Energy Center
When: September 21, 2005, 12 to 1pm
For more information, contact Jean Marie at jeanmarie@greenstarinc.org or 278-7869.
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ANCHORAGE HIRES RENEWABLE RESOURCES COORDINATOR
Mayor Mark Begich recently announced the hiring of longtime Alaskan Kevin Harun to fill the new full-time position of Renewable Resources Manager. This position was created to coordinate recycling activities as well as to look for new markets for recyclable commodities.
Harun said, “The Mayor has made it clear he wants to see recycling produce jobs and economic benefits by using resources that would otherwise be put in the landfill.” Another objective, he noted, is to lengthen the life of the landfill by diverting items from the waste stream that could be used elsewhere.
Initially, the Renewable Resources Manager will work to support a number of projects such as providing support to tap methane gas at the landfill for electrical generation, encouraging curbside recycling, and making the city a Green Star business. Harun also is coordinating his efforts to look for new markets for the glass plant with non-profit groups such as Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling (ALPAR) and Green Star.
Harun is a 32-year Alaska resident and has worked in local and state government, as well as the private and non-profit sectors. He served as a two-term member of the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly from 1977 to 1982, Assistant State Ombudsman, neon sign manufacturer for Carr-Gottstein, Executive Director of the Alaska Center for the Environment (ACE), and Program Officer for the Alaska Conservation Foundation. He holds a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University.
“I welcome the ideas and suggestions of Anchorage residents and businesses, because I know that many have given considerable thought to key improvements that might be made,” Harun noted. He may be reached by calling 343-4174 at City Hall or by emailing him at Harunka@muni.org..
While the Renewable Resource Manager’s position is housed at the city’s Department of Economic and Community Development, it is funded by Solid Waste Services from the $1 per revenue ton that is now dedicated to recycling.
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ALASKA MATERIALS EXCHANGE HIGHLIGHTS
For the past few E-News issues, we highlighted our recent Alaska Materials Exchange postings. Now, you don’t have to wait for a once a month update. Green Star is offering weekly updates of all new listings on the Alaska Materials Exchange. You will never receive the same listing twice! If you would like to take advantage of this new service, visit the Alaska Materials Exchange listings website at http://www.greenstarinc.org/ame and click on the “weekly notification” link at the bottom of the page. For more information, contact Jean Marie at jeanmarie@greenstarinc.org or 278-7869.
Unlike other online exchanges, the Alaska Materials Exchange is “Alaska Made” and focused on business-to-business transactions. This is not where you find used bicycles for free -- it’s where you find quality commercial and industrial materials at reduced or no cost. If you have materials that are available or wanted, AME is the place to go! Below is a highlight of new listings, but be sure to visit the website to see all that is available or wanted.
Successful Exchange:
The National Park Service in Denali National Park and Preserve posted three listings on the Alaska Materials Exchange in June, after listing them for eligible agencies with no takers. Within days, three discontinued maintenance products, valued at $1500, found a new home. Not only did the National Park Service save on disposal costs, but it also received a generous donation for the Park Kennels. Another successful Alaska Materials Exchange.
Available: Steel Supply Cabinet
Steel supply cabinet for home/office use, taupe color, four fixed shelves. Used to store basic office supplies. Excellent condition - no scratches or dents.
Location: Anchorage
Asking price: $100.00
Email:AKorganizer@aol.com
Phone: 245-3524
Available: Dog Kennels
Several dog kennels -- airline approved, can be outdoor or indoor. Large, medium, small. Also have pads to go inside. Heated pads for winter, others for warmer weather.
Location: Anchorage
Asking price: Large $50, Medium $35, Small $20
Email:iica@alaska.net
Phone: 646 7600
Wanted: Interior hollow-core ash doors
Looking for two interior hollow-core ash doors and jambs. Needs one door that is 18 inches wide and approximately 19.25 inches wide including the frame. Needs another door that is 30 inches wide and approximately 31.25 inches wide including the frame.
Location: Anchorage
Email:aksourdough@hotmail.com
Phone: 345-2739
Wanted: Sheets of styrofoam insulation
Looking for sheets of styrofoam insulation that might be leftovers from projects.
Location: Anchorage
Email:aksourdough@hotmail.com
Phone: 345-2739
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BIONEERS CONFERENCE ON OCTOBER 13-15: SAVE THE DATE!
The 2nd annual “Bioneers in Alaska: Creating Sustainable Communities” conference will be held on the UAA campus on October 13-15, 2005. Alaskans who are interested in sustainable community development and environmental health are invited to attend. Save $40 on the three-day conference if you register by September 21st.
A diverse group of Alaskans are again hosting, via satellite, the plenary speakers from the 16th annual national Bioneers Conference in California. These sessions will feature internationally known innovators, such as Bill McKibben, Janine Benyus, Thom Hartmann, Diane Wilson and Carolyn Raffensperger, who will share working models for restoration and vital keys to environmental and cultural renewal.
In addition to the "virtual" plenary sessions, local organizers will offer more than 20 local workshops. Workshop topics include sustainable energy systems, the future of the Alaskan economy, ecological design, holistic health care, healing racism, safe food, and many more.
The annual Bioneers Conference has been held in California since 1990, and assembles a unique cross-cultural and global gathering of "biological pioneers." These Bioneers are leading the development of practical environmental solutions and innovative social strategies for restoring our communities and the ecosystems.
Bioneers in Alaska: Creating Sustainable Communities follows the Bioneers tradition of highlighting the good news by celebrating Alaskan success stories in the areas of ecological restoration, social justice, and health.
Last year more than 300 people – from Juneau to Kotzebue and representing incredibly diverse backgrounds – attended the first conference! Organizers expect many more this year. This is an excellent opportunity to network with other Alaskans who share the same commitment to community development, environmental health, and social justice.
For workshop descriptions and conference details, please visit www.sustainak.org. Questions? Contact Mark Masteller at 373-0909 (Valley) or m.masteller@acat.org, or Terri Pauls at 345-6152 (Anchorage) or tpauls@alaska.net.
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AIR QUALITY IN ANCHORAGE – SERIES KICK-OFF
In honor of our cooling weather and fall colors, Green Star is kicking off a series of E-News articles focusing on air quality issues. During the upcoming months, we will discuss a variety of Green Star initiatives and local programs that focus on improving cold weather air quality in Anchorage.
We also will highlight how we can individually, and collectively, have a significant impact on the quality of the air we breathe.
This month’s article provides information about Anchorage’s air quality history, and the research that has led up to our current status as a cold climate city. In addition, since the school year is starting, it will explore several options available to parents who want to try a new approach in taking their children to school.
Anchorage’s Air Quality History
The Clean Air Act, which was originally passed in 1970, and most recently updated in 1990, authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for pollutants considered harmful to public health and the environment. The standards currently cover six principle pollutants: carbon monoxide, airborne particulates, airborne lead, sulfur dioxide, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide. Data relating to these pollutants have been collected in Anchorage since 1980.
Currently, Anchorage and the surrounding areas are considered well within the ambient air quality standards for sulfur dioxide, ground level ozone, and nitrogen dioxide.
In addition, airborne lead levels in Anchorage dropped quickly once lead was removed from gasoline, with Anchorage falling well below the NAAQS by 1987. For all of these pollutants, the USEPA considers Anchorage an “attainment” area for meeting its standards. The two remaining pollutants that still bear some watching are particulate matter and carbon monoxide.
Particulate Matter
Airborne particulates are composed of dust, ash, soot, and smoke. In addition, particles stirred up during construction activities, while driving on paved and unpaved roads, and from natural sources such as volcanoes and wind blown silt also are categorized as airborne particulates.
Particulates with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 microns, called PM10, are of concern because they can be inhaled into the thoracic or lower regions of the respiratory tract where they can do harm. This is often an issue for those who suffer from asthma or upper respiratory illness. In addition, recent studies show that particulates at 2.5 microns or smaller may have a greater impact on human health than the coarser particles. Due to these findings, in 1997, USEPA established a new NAAQS for particulates less than 2.5 microns in diameter.
According to local studies, paved and unpaved roads account for more than 90% of the airborne particulates in Anchorage and Eagle River. Anchorage is considered an attainment area for PM10. The only recent violations were due to natural events including the eruption of Mt. Redoubt in 1989 and Mt. Spurr in 1992, as well as a storm in 2003 with gale force winds. Eagle River in turn has not had any violations since 1987, when a major paving and resurfacing effort that eliminated a number of unpaved roads, which were known to be the major source of particulates.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is produced by incomplete combustion of carbon in fuels. Ambient levels of carbon monoxide are of greatest concern to those who suffer from cardiovascular disease. In 2004, Anchorage was reclassified as a “maintenance” area after being considered a serious carbon monoxide “nonattainment” area for more than 25 years.
Fortunately, due to a variety of efforts, carbon monoxide concentrations in Anchorage have dropped by approximately 60% since the peak levels experienced in the early to mid-1980s. Anchorage has not violated the carbon monoxide standard since 1996 and is now considered an “attainment area” for carbon monoxide. The Municipality of Anchorage, Department of Health and Human Services has a USEPA-approved plan in place for maintaining compliance until 2023.
The most interesting fact about carbon monoxide is its source. According to the latest inventory completed for the Anchorage Bowl in 2004, 77% of winter season carbon monoxide (CO) pollutants come from motor vehicles. What is also well documented is that plugging in your engine block heater when parked outdoors and the temperatures are 20 degrees or colder reduces cold start emissions by an average of 60%. Further studies conducted in Anchorage found that the average warm-up idling period by drivers was 12 minutes, with the warm-up accounting for 21% of total CO emissions, and close to one-third of all vehicle emissions. In neighborhoods, the warm-up idling accounted for almost 50% of the carbon monoxide emitted from all sources in the area. These data clearly show that our driving patterns and transportation choices have a large impact on the level of carbon monoxide we’re exposed to during winter months.
Luckily, there is a lot we can do to reduce carbon monoxide levels in Anchorage during the winter months. The good news is that if you park outdoors, plugging in when it’s 20 degrees or colder will minimize engine wear, maximize fuel efficiency, and cut carbon monoxide emissions an average of 60% each time you start your automobile in the morning. In fact, research conducted in Canada shows that you can improve fuel consumption by 20-25% by simply plugging in for the recommended time of two to three hours before driving. To further improve our air quality, you can simply choose to carpool, bus, telecommute, or walk to work one or more days a week.
School & Children: Alternatives that Benefit You & Your Community
In line with the fact that a majority of Anchorage’s carbon monoxide pollutants come from vehicles, and that approximately one-third of these pollutants are generated during the cold start and idling phase (see above), let’s look at several ways parents can help reduce carbon monoxide in their neighborhoods, and around their schools.
The Walking School Bus is a program that encourages parents to leave their cars at home, and help lead their children on a walk to school. This initiative encourages school staff and parents to get involved, and organize a group willing to walk children safely to and from school using a pre-set route. This eliminates unnecessary vehicle starts and short drives, which have been shown to be more polluting than longer drives in the wintertime.
In addition, if the service is available, there is the option of having your child ride the bus to school. Although it seems to have fallen out of favor in recent times, school buses are still a safe and environmentally friendly way to transport children. In addition, the congestion and pollution that is generated by single occupancy vehicles around schools could be reduced or eliminated.
Sometimes walking a child to school, or taking the school bus is not possible. This is true in the case of children attending Optional Schools that don’t provide bus transportation, and are often a good distance from neighborhoods. In such instances, Green Star encourages parents to work with their school’s PTA and look into setting up a carpool program.
One of the leading reasons commuters give for not using alternative transportation is that they have to drive their child to school. Odds are that other parents at your school may live nearby, creating an excellent opportunity to double up and reduce vehicle traffic around schools and on our roadways. It will also free up more of your time, and provide the flexibility needed to take advantage of alternative transportation. All of which will help save money given the cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance these days.
Remember, these options may not be possible or practical for you every day but if each of us chooses not to use our vehicle one day a week, we would simply and effectively eliminate thousands of cars from our roadways, and make our air far cleaner to breathe.
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THIS MONTH’S HOT LINK: National Wildlife Federation’s Mercury Page
Mercury runs many processes in our lives, from automatically switching off an iron to keeping a vaccine fresh for use. But mercury is toxic to people and wildlife. This web site offers a virtual tour of a home and all the sources of mercury that can be found in it. The site also offers suggestions for reducing or eliminating mercury in your daily life. You will be surprised at where mercury is found in your home.
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THANK YOU 2005 SPONSORS, GRANTORS & CONTRACTORS
Green Star could not exist without the generous financial and in-kind support of many individuals and leading local businesses and organizations. To become a Green Star individual member or corporate sponsor, please call (278-7827) or visit our web site http://www.greenstarinc.org. A huge thank you to our 2005 sponsors!
Platinum ($10,000+): Anchorage Department of Health & Human Services, Anchorage Solid Waste Services, BP, ConocoPhillips Alaska, FedEx Express, Rasmuson Foundation, Total Reclaim, Inc., Totem Ocean Trailer Express, University of Alaska Anchorage, Weaver Brothers
Gold ($5,000-$9,999): Alaska Conservation Foundation, Anchorage Media Group, Carlile Transportation Systems, GCI, Harriett Fenerty, Horizon Lines of Alaska, Ivan Moore Research, Lynden Transport, Weaver Brothers
Silver ($2,500-$4,999): Airport Equipment Materials Handling Division, Anchorage Daily News, Denali Commission, Graphics Solutions, KTUU - Channel 2, Lynden Transport, Princess Tours
Bronze ($1,000-$2,499): Alaska Laser Wash, Alaska Public Interest Research Group, Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Arctic Ice Productions, Cellular One, Chugach Electric Association, Dorsey & Whitney LLP, Municipal Light and Power, Teamsters Local 959, United Freight, Wal-Mart “A” Street, Wal-Mart Wasilla
Green ($500-$999): Action Sign & Graphics/Warning Lites of Alaska, Air Van Lines, Alaska Power Association, Alaska Support Industry Alliance, Alaska Waste Transfer, Corporate Express Alaska, Delta Airlines, Dick Wilson, From the Fair Corners Photography, Independent Lift Truck of Alaska, Kotzebue Electric Association, Mettler Toledo Scales, Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria, Northern Air Cargo, Sierra Club, Thompson & Associates,
Supporter ($250-$499): 21 North Designs, Anchorage Maintenance & Operations, Arctic Circle Air, Northern Air Cargo, Smurfit-Stone Recycling Company, Spenard Builders Supply, Yukon Equipment
Contributor (up to $250): Alaska Center for the Environment, ALPAR, AWWU, Coca-Cola Bottling of Alaska (Odom Corporation), Costco Debarr, Great Harvest Bread Company, Green’s Enterprises, Habitat for Humanity, Hot Licks Ice Cream, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Group, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, VendAlaska
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Past issues of E-News are available on our web site, sorted by topic or date: http://www.greenstarinc.org/enews/enewsindex.php. Please send comments, questions, or suggestions for future E-News topics to us at enews@greenstarinc.org. Forward this newsletter freely. Send us any email addresses you wish us to add to our mailing list. If you wish to unsubscribe, please email a request to unsubscribe to enews@greenstarinc.org. Thank you!
The staff of Green Star, Anchorage:
Sean Skaling, Executive Director
Jeanne Carlson, Program Director
Beth Verrelli, Program Director
Jean Marie Doherty, Member Relations
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Additional Links:
Green Star Award
Green Events
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Site Assessments
Electronics Recycling
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AME Listings
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