|
 |
Green Star E-News
Green Star E-News Vol. 7, No. 7 July 9, 2006
Recognizing Alaska organizations committed to environmental responsibility.
In this issue:
* Shining Stars
* Happy Birthday Green Star!
* Recertification is Coming Your Way
* Green Star Shifts Sector Focus to Restaurants
* Learn About People Mover
* LEED Meeting at the Muni
* Alaska Railroad Uses Recycled Glass
* This Month’s Hot Link: Maine’s Sector Approach
* Thank you 2006 Sponsors
==================================
SHINING STARS
Congratulations to out newest Green Star Award Recipients!
Sierra Club, Alaska Field Office receives its Green Star Award on July 17 at the Chamber of Commerce “Make It Monday” forum. Sierra Club staff members go above and beyond by collecting all kitchen waste for composting and recycling all possible materials. They also are working with their building manager to establish building-wide recycling services, as well as to investigate the feasibility of a lighting retrofit that could save thousands of dollars.
Oasis Environmental receives its Green Star Award on July 24. As part of its Green Star program, Oasis Environmental offers $25 REI gift certificates to employees as an incentive to take alternative transportation to work. If an employee bikes or takes the bus at least twice per week, his or her name is put into a hat and a winner is pulled for the monthly prize.
=================================
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GREEN STAR!
Green Star turned ten years old in June! Although the organization is ten years old, the Green Star program is even older than that. The Green Star Award was created as a program of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce in 1990. With assistance and input from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and the Alaska Center for the Environment, the Green Star award standards were developed and businesses were recognized through the Chamber for environmental responsibility.
The first two businesses to receive a Green Star Award were Alaska Community Share and Pepsi-Cola Bottling of Alaska. These two organizations continue to maintain their membership and Award status today. Other businesses and organizations, as well as schools and the military, soon followed in earning Green Star Awards.
In 1992, the Green Star program received the U.S. EPA’s Administrator Award for Excellence in Pollution Prevention. By 1993, 25 Anchorage businesses had become awardees and 160 more have enrolled in the program to work toward achieving an award.
By 1996, the innovative program to reward environmentally minded businesses had evolved and become the independent non-profit organization -- Green Star, Inc.
Since incorporation, Green Star has grown from a one-person office focusing on the core Green Star Award program, to a thriving five-person organization providing technical assistance to the business community through numerous successful programs.
Today, 130 businesses and organizations throughout Alaska have earned a Green Star Award and maintain their memberships annually. Ten more have earned an Air Quality Award, the newest award offered by Green Star.
Green Star is supported by its members, as well as donations and contributions from about 125 businesses, organizations, and individuals above and beyond our membership base. In addition, Green Star is striving to offer new ways for individuals to support Green Star’s programs in the future.
Besides maintaining the award programs, Green Star now offers many other services that support the core program. Over the years, Green Star has:
* Worked with businesses to increase glass recycling in Anchorage and encouraged placement of additional community drop-off bins for glass,
* Created the Green Events program to offer recycling bins to special events, which has assisted more than 200 events over the past five years, capturing close to 100 tons of recyclables and exposing more than one million people to recycling in Alaska,
* Implemented a multi-pronged Air Quality program to reduce winter air pollution in Anchorage through education and outreach in schools and to the community,
* Organized the largest single electronics recycling event in the country, recycling more than 1,000 tons of electronics (101 trailer loads) over the past four years,
* Hosted the Pacific Northwest Region Pollution Prevention Roundtable,
* Facilitated numerous workshops and education programs on a variety of topics for the business community,
* Developed outreach materials, including a monthly electronic newsletter, a waste prevention guide, and a series of tip sheets, to assist organizations in implementing the most current recycling, waste reduction and energy efficiency initiatives, and
* Saved money for countless businesses by creating a more efficient workplace.
As Green Star looks to the next ten years, we plan to continue to offer an expanding array of pollution prevention assistance tools and services to help Alaska businesses run more efficiently, with less environmental impact and with a stronger triple bottom line (economic, environmental, and social). Our focus over the next twelve months will be on energy conservation measures and increasing our technical assistance capacity.
We hope to continue to cultivate the numerous collaborative partnerships that are flourishing between Green Star and countless businesses within the community; numerous organizations such as the Municipality of Anchorage, University of Alaska Anchorage, and nonprofits such as Renewable Energy Alaska Project, Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling, Alaska Center for the Environment, and the U.S. Green Building Council – Alaska Chapter; and the more than five hundred individuals who volunteer to help with programs each year.
Your input about the types of services you desire is welcome. Contact Sean Skaling, executive director, at sean@greenstarinc.org or 278-7809 with your comments.
==================================
RECERTIFICATION IS COMING YOUR WAY
It’s time for Green Star’s biannual recertification. Thank you to all of our Green Star Award winners whose continued commitment to environmental excellence makes Green Star membership a model for Anchorage environmental and economic sustainability. It is important to our members and the community that Green Star Award winners hold themselves to high environmental standards and continuously work to improve their environmental programs, which is why Green Star Award winners are required to recertify biannually. Recertification forms are already in the mail. Upon returning the forms, all recertified members will receive the following benefits:
A New Green Star Award Certificate Signed by Mayor Mark Begich -- Mayor Begich is proud of Anchorage businesses, agencies, schools and organizations that are committed to environmental quality. He is demonstrating that support by signing all new Green Star Award certificates.
A Link on Green Star’s Website -- Recertified members will have an active link from our website to yours so that Green Star members and the community can more easily find and support each other through our website. Within the next year, we plan to further develop our outreach programs to encourage the public sector to support Green Star business.
A Current 2006-2007 Green Star Window Decal -- We want the public to know that Green Star Award winners are as dedicated to waste prevention, energy efficiency, and pollution prevention today as they were when they first earned the Green Star Award, so Green Star Award window decals now include recertification years. Proudly show off your new window decal!
A New Site Assessment – Green Star Award Winners are entitled to additional site assessments to keep their environmental efforts up-to-date. Green Star knows when more energy efficient technologies come to market, when new pollution prevention tools emerge and can make recommendations by visiting your facility.
Every two years, we also like to check in with our current enrollees who are still working toward achieving a Green Star Award to confirm contact information and provide additional assistance as you strive to earn your Award. Look for your enrollee verification forms in September.
==================================
GREEN STAR SHIFTS SECTOR FOCUS TO RESTAURANTS
Green Star’s recently implemented “sector approach” will shift from health care facilities to restaurants for the rest of this year.
Health Care Sector a Success
Green Star worked with several health care facilities during the first half of 2006. Providence Alaska Medical Center earned its award in March. As part of the health care sector focus, PAMC opened its doors and offered a tour, sharing its environmental initiatives with other healthcare facility managers. During the tour, Mr. Darin Hargraves revealed to the nearly 40 people in attendance that Providence achieved savings in excess of $55,000 during 2005. These savings were obtained by working closely with Alaska Waste and other vendors to implement a variety of programs including recycling, paper shredding, and reduced waste hauling.
Other successes in the health care sector included a well-attended workshop demonstrating U.S. EPA’s Portfolio Manager. This Energy Star tool helps facilities track and evaluate energy costs. Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center is actively pursuing a lighting retrofit and is entering data into Portfolio Manager to determine the impacts of the changes to lighting.
Restaurants Offer Lots of Waste Reduction Potential
Restaurants will be the focus of Green Star’s waste reduction and energy efficiency efforts from July through December of 2006. Restaurants generate primarily food waste and packaging waste, depending on the type of establishment. Several waste prevention and recycling opportunities are currently in the works that will greatly benefit the restaurant industry. This includes potential expansion of composting to include food waste, the introduction of cost-competitive compostable serviceware, increased demand for recyclable glass and cooking grease/oil, as well as efforts to create cooperative cardboard recycling collection locations downtown.
Workshops May Shed Light on Issues
Green Star is planning two workshops during the restaurant sector focus. The first will present information about Environmentally Preferable Purchasing. On September 6th, speakers will share details about how to get the most environmental product for the lowest cost. On November 29th, Green Star will present a panel discussion specifically for restaurants. The participants will update the restaurant community about the latest recycling and waste prevention programs and services available.
Tentative topics include cooking oil, glass, and cardboard recycling; composting and biodegradable take-out containers; and energy-efficient and water-conserving commercial kitchen appliances. If you would like more information or are interested in attending either of the workshops, please contact Jean Marie at 278-7869 or jeanmarie@greenstarinc.org.
=================================
LEARN ABOUT PEOPLE MOVER
People Mover is offering two ways to get to know the bus this summer. People Mover is a great way to do your part to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion.
People Mover Introduction
Friday, July 21, noon – 2pm, and Monday, July 24, 6-8pm.
At the Downtown Transit Center
People Mover training staff will show you how the bus system works. Learn how to access the bus routes, schedules, pay fares, and get yourself around town. Pre-registration required. $3 Call Amanda Beck at 343-4247 for more information.
People Mover Adventure
Fridays, July 14 – Aug 18, Sept 1 Times vary.
At the Downtown Transit Center
After the intro course, explore Anchorage! Trips include Goose Lake Park, Loussac Library, Alaska Botanical Garden, and Chester Creek Trail, among others. Pre-registration required. $7/trip or $29 for the whole session. Contact Amanda Beck at 343-4247 for specifics about the schedule.
Check the Municipality of Anchorage Parks & Recreation Summer Activity Guide at www.muni.org/parks for more information.
=================================
LEED MEETING AT THE MUNI
The Municipality and the U.S. Green Building Council – Alaska Chapter are hosting the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Working Group on Wednesday, July 12th from noon to 1pm. The meeting will be held in the Mayor’s Conference Room, 8th Floor of City Hall (6th and G St.). The working group is being formed to develop green building design standards and incentives for public buildings in Anchorage. A follow-up meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 25th from noon to 1pm to continue the discussion.
LEED is a national certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to rate new buildings and remodel projects based on their environmental impact. At the Working Group meeting, local USGBC chapter board members will present information about LEED and what projects have been certified in Alaska.
The goal of the Working Group is to move toward developing an ordinance with incentives for including sustainable building initiatives in local building code standards. As part of this discussion, the group will consider whether LEED should be a standard in public buildings in Anchorage or whether Alaska should develop Alaska-specific criteria.
=================================
ALASKA RAILROAD USES RECYCLED GLASS
The Alaska Railroad recently began replacing costly imported traction sand with locally produced recycled glass. The move gives a much-needed boost to Anchorage’s glass recycling plant, owned by Polar Supply Company, which has been struggling to find new markets and make a profit. It also puts Anchorage’s glass recycling collection program on more solid ground. Without local markets, glass recycling in Anchorage would be in jeopardy.
On June 2, the first full load of glass grit was transferred into the Railroad’s storage facility. Maintaining good traction is a primary concern for railroad engineers. The locomotives are designed to spread traction control media on the tracks in slippery conditions or when climbing steep grades.
Earlier this spring, engineers conducted a variety of tests to make sure the glass passed muster. Jay Boggess, Chief Locomotive Reliability Engineer for the Railroad said, “So far, the glass is performing well on the track and is superior to the sand for its ability to flow easily as it feeds through the applicators.”
In operation since the mid 90’s, the glass recycling plant has grappled with high maintenance costs, worn equipment and limited markets for its mainstay product, sandblasting media.
In 2000 and 2001, Green Star worked with local restaurants to increase glass collection through Alaska Waste’s commercial glass collection route. In addition, Green Star established several more public drop-off locations around Anchorage.
Since then, both the Municipality of Anchorage and Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling (ALPAR) have stepped in to help keep the drop bins available and make much needed improvements to the plant.
The recycled glass option is expected to yield a number of benefits for the Railroad. Glass is cost competitive when considering shipping and it is available on an “as needed” basis. In addition, Polar Supply has worked with the Railroad to configure a new delivery system that creates a safer working environment and boosts efficiency.
Mayor Mark Begich, who has been working on ways to improve Anchorage’s recycling system, hailed the Railroad for using an environmentally friendly local product. “This is a win-win for Anchorage’s recycling system and the Railroad,” said Mayor Mark Begich. “It’s a significant new use for a locally manufactured product that will help create local jobs and reduce waste.”
ALPAR’s executive director, Mary Fisher, is excited about the Railroad’s effort to use recycled glass. ALPAR has been working on glass recycling issues for many years from providing assistance with plant improvements to managing the collection system and marketing to potential customers. Fisher said that glass is perhaps the most challenging material to recycle because of its low value as a raw material and high processing costs. However, it also yields a great product with a reasonably high value. Fisher said that Anchorage has experimented with shipping waste glass to Seattle for processing in the past but that option has not been economically feasible particularly for mixed cullet (all colors together), which is what we collect in Anchorage.
Polar Supply owner, Don Dunavant, said he applauds the Railroad for its leadership in testing and developing the glass product as an option for traction. He expects the new market will help move the glass recycling operation toward sustainability.
Mixed cullet ground glass is gaining respect internationally as a comparable, if not superior, replacement for natural resources such as stone or sand. The primary market in Alaska has been as a high-quality sandblasting medium used by Seward Ship Drydock and other sandblasting operations. Other potential uses besides traction media include using the product for filtration and making glass tiles and countertops.
Currently Anchorage residents and businesses recycle more than 1,200 tons annually of mostly glass bottles and jars at community drop bins and through the commercial glass route operated by Alaska Waste. The Railroad could use as much as 350 tons of the new glass traction material each year.
=================================
THIS MONTH’S HOT LINK: Maine’s Sector Approach
Check out some resources that the State of Maine has compiled for a variety of business sectors, including Restaurants, Hospitality, Eco-Tourism, Printing, and Forestry, just to name a few.
==================================
THANK YOU 2006 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 2006 sponsors!
Platinum ($10,000+): Alaska Conservation Foundation, Alaska Energy Authority, Anchorage Department of Health & Human Services, Anchorage Solid Waste Services, BP, Bullitt Foundation, ConocoPhillips Alaska, FedEx Express, Municipality of Anchorage, Oak Foundation, Peak Oilfield Services, Rasmuson Foundation, Totem Ocean Trailer Express, University of Alaska Anchorage
Gold ($5,000-$9,999): Anchorage Media Group, Carlile Transportation Systems, GCI, Horizon Lines of Alaska, Total Reclaim, Inc., Weaver Brothers
Silver ($2,500-$4,999): Anchorage Daily News, Denali Commission, Graphics Solutions, Lynden Transport, Princess Tours
Bronze ($1,000-$2,499): Alaska Public Interest Research Group, Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Alaska Waste, Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility, Arcticom, Cellular One, Chugach Electric Association, Independent Lift Truck of Alaska, Interior Wiring and Field Maintenance, Municipal Light and Power, REI, Teamsters Local 959, United Freight
Green ($500-$999): ACS, Action Sign & Graphics/Warning Lites of Alaska, Alaska Power Association, Alaska Printing, Alaska Support Industry Alliance, Alaska Waste, Corporate Express Alaska, Costco-Debarr Rd., Delta Cargo/Arctic Circle Air, Dick Wilson, From the Fair Corners Photography, Kotzebue Electric Association, Mettler Toledo Northwest, Polar Supply Company, Sierra Club, Smurfit-Stone Recycling Company, Thompson & Associates,
Supporter ($250-$499): Alaska Warehouse Specialists, Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility, Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria, Salvation Army, Terra Bella Organic Coffee, Yukon Equipment
Contributor (up to $250): Alaska Bagel Resaurant, Alaska Center for the Environment, Alaska Mill & Feed, ALPAR, American Credit Card Systems, American Fast Freight, Anchorage Maintenance & Operations, Anchorage Municipal Park Cemetery, Bear Tooth Theater Pub & Grill, Bus11 Design, Carrs-Safeway, Chugiak Dog Mushers Association, Coca-Cola Bottling of Alaska, Great Harvest Bread Company, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Hot Licks Homemade Ice Cream, Iditarod Trail Committee, Middleway Café, Municipality of Anchorage Department of Health & Human Services, NorthWest Handling Systems, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Group, Princess Tours, Snow City Café, Spenard Builders Supply, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Tesoro Iron Dog, Title Wave Books
==================================
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 Guzzetti, Member Relations Coordinator
Tara Callear, Office Manager/Program Assistant
|
|
Additional Links:
Green Star Award
Green Events
Green Star Schools
Site Assessments
Electronics Recycling
AK Materials Exchange
AME Listings
|
|
home about programs participate membership events resources