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Green Star E-News
Green Star E-News Vol. 7, No. 9 September 8, 2006
Recognizing Alaska organizations committed to environmental responsibility.
In this issue:
* Shining Stars
* Green Star’s Deadlines
* The Alaska Materials Exchange – Another Successful Trade
* Bioneers in Alaska Hosts A Fun-Raiser
* Early Registration for Bioneers
* Municipal Advisory on Fluorescent Lamp Disposal
* Chugach Electric Seeks Renewable Energy Committee Volunteers
FOCUS ON AIR QUALITY
* Cold Weather Here Already?
…And What Does That Have To Do With Anchorage’s Air Quality?
* Advertise With Us and Support Green Star Air Quality Efforts
* A Free Ticket to Ride
* The Bus Goes Wireless
* This Month’s Hot Link: AirNow
* Thank you 2006 Sponsors
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SHINING STARS
The American Lung Association of Alaska was presented with its Green Star Award on August 21st. Presenting the award was Al Parrish, the Chief Executive for Providence Health System in Alaska. As a fellow Green Star Award winner and a peer in the field of health care, Parrish was pleased to present the award to an organization dedicated to reducing tobacco addiction, improving air quality, and fighting asthma and other lung diseases. For more details about the Lung Association’s activities toward earning the Green Star award, as well as highlights about other recent awardees, visit www.greenstarinc.org/latestawardees.php.
In August, four organizations enrolled in the Green Star program. We look forward to working with them.
Total Reclaim
Pacific Northern Academy
St. Herman Seminary in Kodiak
Rural Energy Enterprises
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GREEN STAR’S DEADLINES
Don’t forget to complete your Green Star recertification or verification paperwork. It’s just a few pages to help us know you are still involved and to measure the effectiveness of many Green Star initiatives. If you are an awardee or enrollee but did not receive a recertification or verification notice, please contact Jean Marie Guzzetti at 278-7869 or jeanmarie@greenstarinc.org.
This quarter’s Green Star Award Achievement Report deadline is September 30th. If you would like to receive your Green Star Award this fall, please be sure we receive your report by this date.
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THE ALASKA MATERIALS EXCHANGE - ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL TRADE
In August, the Analytica Group posted unopened hydrochloric acid on the Alaska Materials Exchange. By posting it on AME, Analytica kept the hydrochloric acid out of the hazardous waste stream and it was used right here in Anchorage by Nature’s Jewels. Nature’s Jewels is a precious stone and lapidary shop that will use the acid as a cleaning material. This exchange was estimated to have a $300 value.
Could you use or donate any of the following items? For more listings, please visit the Alaska Materials Exchange at http://www.greenstarinc.org/ame/index.php or sign up for a weekly notification of the new AME listings at http://www.greenstarinc.org/ame/subscribe.php.
Construction Materials
Available: Insulation boards
2' x4' x 2 3/8" tongue and grooved insulation with a layer of 3/8" concrete glued to the blue insulation board. View this listing: http://greenstarinc.org/ame/index.php?listing=e94c33ef
Office Supplies and Furniture
Needed: Small conference table with five-six chairs. We need a small conference table for volunteers to work. View this listing: http://greenstarinc.org/ame/index.php?listing=5a56123c
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BIONEERS IN ALASKA HOSTS A FUN-RAISER
Sunday, Sept. 17th at Organic Oasis from 5-8 p.m.
Please join Bioneers in Alaska on Sunday, Sept. 17th, at Organic Oasis from 5 to 8 p.m. for a FUN time to help support efforts to promote social, economic and environmental sustainability in Alaska. All money raised will help cover costs for the “3rd Annual Bioneers Conference: Creating Sustainable Communities.”
Music, organic food, wine, a short presentation, and an incredible silent auction are all on order! There will be a suggested $10 donation at the door. Event organizers are currently accepting art donations up to and including the day of the event. For questions regarding art donations, contact Janice Nyman at 244-ARTY or omicagreenquartz@hotmail.com
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EARLY REGISTRATION FOR BIONEERS
Early Registration Deadline October 1st for Third Annual Bioneers in Alaska Conference: October 19-22, 2006
Bioneers in Alaska is excited to feature two keynote speakers -- Jeffrey Smith and Andrea Carmen – and more than 24 workshops on local issues and topics at this year’s conference. Jeffrey Smith "Standing up to the Biotech Goliath" will address the threats associated with genetically modified crops and the impacts to our health and environment. He also will share success stories from his 10-year campaign to stop genetic engineering of our food supply and suggest important steps to protect our food and community.
Andrea Carmen "The Spirit of Food: Understanding Food Sovereignty and Cultural Rights of Indigenous Peoples & All Peoples" will be addressing what is Food Sovereignty, how are indigenous peoples worldwide addressing this issue, and what does that mean to us?
Local workshops will educate and inspire. They include: Restoring ecosystems, Eco-nomics, Sustainable Energy Systems, Food and Farming, Ecological Medicine, Nature, Culture & Spirit, the Arts, Traditional Wisdom, Social Justice, Youth Leadership, Ecological Design & Traditional Wisdom Renewable Energy, Green Building, and Environmental Health & Justice.
Early conference registration fee of $90 for all three days will end October 1st; late registration is $130. Discounts available for students, seniors, and low income. For more information on workshops, keynotes, conference schedule, and registration, go to http://www.sustainak.org or call 677-9087.
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MUNICIPAL ADVISORY ON FLUORESCENT LAMP DISPOSAL
The Municipality of Anchorage recently issued an advisory to residents and local businesses about hazards associated with improperly disposing of fluorescent lamps and other similar products. These products contain mercury and lead that can be hazardous to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly.
Fluorescent lamps typically contain 12 mg of mercury if manufactured after 1999 and between 15 and 50 mg if manufactured before 1999.
Improper disposal of fluorescent lamps includes discarding them in a landfill, which leads to intentional crushing. Crushing or breaking a lamp can release mercury to the atmosphere or into soil or water. If a lamp is crushed or broken, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency strongly recommends leaving the area for at least 15 minutes to allow mercury vapors to dissipate.
Proper handling and disposal includes placing a spent lamp in its original packaging or a long cardboard box. Do not tape lamps together. Store them in a dry place. Deliver or ship them to a lamp recycler.
Some types of lamps that container mercury include:
* Fluorescent (straight, tubular, U-tubes, compact fluorescents)
* High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps
* “Green Tip” (low mercury or green end-cap) lamps
* Neon lamps
For information about fluorescent lamp recyclers, visit www.greenstarinc.org/guide/appendixC.php.
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CHUGACH ELECTRIC SEEKS RENEWABLE ENERGY COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS
Chugach Electric Association is looking for volunteers to serve on a Renewable Energy Committee. Chugach members appointed to the committee will work with Chugach staff to:
- identify methods of reducing electric demand,
- help develop recommendations on a renewable portfolio pledge to increase the renewable energy in Chugach's generation mix, and
- help develop information on the viability of wind, geothermal, hydroelectric tidal and wave generation.
Interested Chugach members with knowledge of renewable energy resources should submit a resume and a committee conformance form to Chugach by close of business, Friday, Oct. 6. For more information or for the committee conformance form, visit http://www.chugachelectric.com or call Patti Bogan, Manager, Public Relations, at 762-4736. Chugach is the largest electric utility in Alaska, providing power for Alaskans throughout the Railbelt through retail, wholesale and economy energy sales.
FOCUS ON AIR QUALITY
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IS COLD WEATHER HERE ALREADY?
...AND WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH ANCHORAGE’S AIR QUALITY?
Once again, fall is upon us. What this means for a lot of parents is an increase in vehicle usage getting children to and from school as well as all those additional sports and activities. It also means our vehicles will be facing colder temperatures. As winter starts to slowly settle in, it is a good idea to start reminding ourselves of some air-friendly options and tools we have available that can make a significant difference in the quality of the air we breath here in Anchorage.
Below are a few upcoming events to keep in mind. In addition to these events, you’ll notice that the rest of this issue of E-News is filled with articles that relate to Anchorage’s outdoor air quality.
Be Sure to Plug In: $25 Engine Block Heater Program & Timer Giveaways
The Engine Block Heater Installation Program is back! Once again, for only $25 (for most vehicles), residents of the Municipality of Anchorage can have an engine block heater installed in their vehicle for a fraction of the actual cost. As most are already aware, a majority of our carbon monoxide pollutants come from vehicles. In addition, a large percentage of the pollutants are generated when “cold starting” your vehicle. What this means is that if you have an engine block heater, and you park outdoors overnight, plugging in whenever it’s colder than 20 degrees will significantly improve our local air quality. In fact, studies show that plugging in reduces carbon monoxide emissions by an average of 60%, while at the same time improving fuel efficiency. It also helps to reduce engine wear, and increases driving visibility and comfort.
In addition, Green Star will be hosting several FREE outdoor timer giveaways this fall to make sure everyone can plug in their vehicles without having to get up in the wee hours of the morning to do so. According to statistics from the Municipality of Anchorage, Department of Health and Human Services, plugging in for two to three hours to warm your engine before your morning commute costs pennies in electricity. Contrast that with the price of gas these days, and savings can be achieved. Of greater benefit to most of us are the health effects of starting with a warm engine. Not only is carbon monoxide reduced by 2/3rds, but other pollutants such as hydrocarbons and fine particles also are minimized. Together, we can all help keep our air clean.
Walk Your Child to School Day: October 4th
Take part in a worldwide event and “Walk Your Child to School” on Wednesday, October 4th. The United States first became involved in this event in 1997, when the Partnership for a Walkable America sponsored the first National Walk Our Children to School Day in Chicago. By 2002, communities in all 50 states joined nearly 3 million walkers around the world to celebrate the second annual International Walk to School Day.
Over the last few years, a coalition of nonprofit and government agencies have helped promote the event locally by highlighting a school, and getting the word out. This year, the Safe Kids Program through Providence Alaska is collaborating with Alaskans Promoting Physical Activity (APPA) to highlight the Safe Routes to School Program at Ptarmigan Elementary School.
Whether your concern is safer and improved streets (www.walktoschool.org/why/safety.cfm), healthier habits (www.walktoschool.org/why/physical-activity.cfm), or cleaner air (www.walktoschool.org/why/environment.cfm), Walk to School Day events are aimed at bringing forth permanent change to encourage a more walkable America — one community at a time.
In 2005, new national legislation recognized the value of Safe Routes to School (http://www.saferoutesinfo.org) programs and is providing funding for states to establish programs. Politicians and other government officials are paying attention to the importance of safe walking and biking to school. Obesity, concern for the environment and the effects of urban sprawl on communities has led to the joining of efforts among those that care about these and other related issues like school sighting and traffic congestion.
The State coordinator for the Alaska Safe Routes to School program is Steven Soenksen, who can be reached at 907-465-4069.
Get Fit & Meet Your Neighbors: Start a Walking School Bus
Make a splash by starting a Walking School Bus at your child’s school this fall. The Walking School Bus is an old idea that has great, renewed potential today. Communities across the United States and around the world have found that having adults walk with groups of children along pre-determined routes to and from school is not only fun for everyone, but provides many benefits too.
The idea is simple to put into practice. By establishing a particular walking route to school, and picking children up at designated points along the way (similar to our bus system), not only does getting to school become safer, but healthier too. Studies show that when people walk in groups, not only are they more visible to motorists, but people being out and about on the streets actually reduces crime in neighborhoods – just by the presence of people. In addition, it’s healthier for young and old alike. This is particularly important given that the recent local study that revealed that 32% of students entering Anchorage kindergarten or first grade, and 36% of all Anchorage students are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. These statistics are especially troubling since the U.S. Surgeon General has found that 70-80% of overweight children will continue to be overweight or obese their entire lives.
Another benefit, which children and adults notice right away, is friendships that spring up and the increased sense of community that arises when activities such as this are undertaken. By leaving the car at home, and using our feet as alternative transportation when possible, we can have a positive impact on our children’s health by helping them be active, and reducing air pollution, which is known to affect asthma sufferers.
To learn more about Walk Your Child to School Day, or if you are interested in the Walking School Bus, please visit www.walktoschool.org and www.greenstarinc.org, call Beth Verrelli at 278-7819 or email beth@greensarinc.org.
For more information on Safe Routes to School, take a look at http://www.saferoutesinfo.org.
Community Involvement: Provide Feedback that Counts
The Municipality of Anchorage recently began working on a Non-Motorized Transportation Plan for our community that will help identify and prioritize projects funded through the Anchorage Metropolitan Area Solutions (AMATS) and the Capital Improvements Program. The Non-Motorized Transportation Plan will include three separate plans for pedestrians, bikes, and an update to the Area-wide Trails plan.
By establishing a plan for non-motorized activity, Anchorage will be able to create safer and easier ways to walk and bike to schools, work, and public parks and buildings. It will also help improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion, as more people are able to easily get around Anchorage without a car.
To create an effective plan, the Municipality needs public input. A Pedestrian Plan, which will be out this fall for public review, will emphasize sidewalks, walking routes, and safe routes to schools. It will ultimately identify projects for sidewalks, walkways and crossing improvements that will be constructed over the next 20 years as funds become available. A Bike Plan will be completed in 2006-07, followed by the Area-wide Trail Plan in 2007-08.
Everyone can become involved by participating in planning workshops, sharing your ideas, voicing your priorities, and learning what is proposed in your neighborhood.
To read the specific tasks and goals detailed in the Ten Year Plan on Obesity and Health, or to find out more information on obesity, activity and the built environment, please visit http://www.muni.org/healthchp/ObesityTaskForce.cfm.
To help shape the future of Anchorage’s pedestrian walkways, bike paths and hiking trails, visit http://www.muni.org/transplan/non-motorized.cfm, or contact Lori Schanche at 343-8368 or schanchele@muni.org.
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ADVERTISE WITH US AND SUPPORT GREEN STAR AIR QUALITY EFFORTS
Green Star is working with the Anchorage Press to publish a multi-page insert this fall that will cover a wide variety of winter air quality topics specific to the Anchorage area. This publication will be a fun and dynamic way to educate the public and the business community about winter outdoor air quality issues, promote the $25 Engine Block Heater Installation Program, provide event dates for FREE outdoor timer giveaways for engine block heaters, and pass along other related promotions such as our iPOD giveaway.
The insert is a collaborative effort with the Anchorage School District, UAA, People Mover, the State of Alaska, the Municipality of Anchorage and others. Partners will provide articles, tips and checklists for residents and businesses alike on the topics of winter car care and alternatives to winter driving. By sharing the latest information, everyone can save money and thrive during our upcoming winter months.
Jill Tillion from the Anchorage Press (644-5414 or email jwtillion@gci.net) will be calling Green Star Enrollees and Awardees to offer members the first opportunity to advertise in this insert. The publication is being compiled by Green Star, and funded by AMATS through Municipal Department of Health & Human Services, Environmental Quality Program.
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A FREE TICKET TO RIDE
All current UAA and APU students, staff and faculty have a “Free Ticket To Ride” People Mover with the U-Pass Program. University of Alaska Anchorage and Alaska Pacific University students, staff and faculty can ride the People Mover bus for free simply by showing their current university semester ID.
The U-Pass is perfect for the college student on a tight budget and for college faculty and staff who want to avoid parking hassles and the high price of gas.
Through a contractual arrangement between each university and People Mover, current full-time, as well as part-time, students and employees simply need to show their WOLFcard or APU ID to the People Mover bus driver when they board to ride FREE! The U-Pass Program offers unlimited bus rides anywhere in Anchorage, not just to and from university locations.
For more information, please contract People Mover Customer Service at 343-6543.
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THE BUS GOES WIRELESS
People Mover recently unveiled its new Mobile Hot Spot Bus, a 90-day pilot program on one bus that will allow riders at certain times on certain routes to access the Internet for free on their laptops using their commute time to update office e-mail or surf the Web.
“We are delighted to provide this service so riders can multi-task during their commute,” said Jody Karcz, Public Transportation Director. “More people are riding the bus, and it just makes sense to make their trip more beneficial and enjoyable.”
The hot spot bus will use portable wireless technology provided by Clearwire, a wireless high-speed Internet service provider that launched its service in Anchorage in October 2005.
The bus receives Clearwire’s signal transmitted to a special unit located near the driver, which is powered by the bus’ battery. The signal can then be accessed by wireless-ready laptops. Riders simply turn on their computer, start their web browser, then sign on to the welcome page and start surfing.
People Mover has dedicated this bus to certain routes, Monday through Sunday. Riders can identify the bus from exterior signs that say “Mobile Hot Spot Bus brought to you by People Mover.” The front destination sign will also indicate the specially equipped bus.
On weekdays the bus will divide its service among Routes 2, 7A, 36, 45, 65 and 102; on Saturdays, Routes 1, 2, 7, 9, 13, 15 and 60; and on Sunday, Routes 3, 13 and 60. Specific schedules for the Mobile Hot Spot Bus are available at www.peoplemover.org and the schedules will be on all buses by mid-September.
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THIS MONTH’S HOT LINK: AirNow
As this site says, Quality of Air Means Quality of Life. This cross-agency U.S. government web site offers a national overview of air quality, as well as state specific links, webcams, and updates all related to air. We’ve highlighted this link in the past but it’s worth another look as we enter the season when we experience our highest air pollution levels!
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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 Media Group, BP, ConocoPhillips Alaska, FedEx Express, Municipality of Anchorage Department of Health & Human Services, Municipality of Anchorage Office of Economic & Community Development, Municipality of Anchorage Solid Waste Services, Peak Oilfield Services, Rasmuson Foundation, Totem Ocean Trailer Express
Gold ($5,000-$9,999): Anchorage Daily News, Carlile Transportation Systems, GCI, Horizon Lines of Alaska, KTUU – Channel 2, Total Reclaim, Inc., Weaver Brothers
Silver ($2,500-$4,999): Alaska Center for Appropriate Technology, Lynden Transport, University of Alaska Anchorage
Bronze ($1,000-$2,499): Adobe, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Alaska Waste, Arcticom, Graphic Solutions, Independent Lift Truck of Alaska, REI, Teamsters Local 959, Thompson & Associates
Green ($500-$999): ACS, Alaska Printing, Alyeska Pipeline Services, American Credit Card Systems, Anchorage School District, Cellular One, Costco-Debarr Rd., Delta Cargo/Arctic Circle Air, Koahnic Broadcast Corporation, Municipal Light & Power, Polar Supply Inc., Warning Lites of Alaska
Supporter ($250-$499): Alaska Warehouse Specialists, Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility, Corporate Express Alaska, Dick Wilson, Frames Etc., KSKA, Mettler-Toledo Northwest, Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria, Salvation Army, Smurfit-Stone Recycling Company, Syntax, TATI Broadcast, Terra Bella Organic Coffee, Wal-Mart
Contributor (up to $250): Alaska Bagel Restaurant, Alaska Center for the Environment, Alaska Mill Feed & Garden Center, Alaska Mountain Bike Source, Alaska Mountaineering & Hiking, American Fast Freight, Anchorage Guest House, Anchorage Publishing, APIA, Bear Tooth Theater Pub & Grill, Blockbuster Video, Bus11 Design, Carrs-Safeway, Chugiak Dog Mushers Association, Clear Channel Radio, Coca-Cola Bottling of Alaska, Dark Horse Coffee, From the Far Corners Photography, Girdwood Ski & Cyclery, Glacier Brewhouse/ORSE Ristorante, Great Harvest Bread Company, Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, Hot Licks Homemade Ice Cream, Iditarod Trail Committee, Kathy Sarns/Free Spirit, Middleway Café, Municipality of Anchorage Maintenance & Operations Department, NorthWest Handling Systems, Partusch Plumbing & Heating, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Group, Princess Tours, Sack’s Café, Skinny Raven Sports, Snow City Café, Spenard Builders Supply, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Tesoro Iron Dog, Title Wave Books
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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 Guzzetti, Member Relations Coordinator
Tara Callear, Office Manager/Program Assistant
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Additional Links:
Green Star Award
Green Events
Green Star Schools
Site Assessments
Electronics Recycling
AK Materials Exchange
AME Listings
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