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Green Star E-News
Green Star E-News Vol. 5, No. 1 January 9, 2004
Recognizing Alaska businesses committed to environmental responsibility.
In this issue:
* Shining Stars
* Air Quality Reminders
* Alaska Forum on the Environment Coming Up
* Christmas Tree Recycling
* Help Needed At Landfill Recycling Site
* This Month’s Hot Link: Alaska Building Science Network
* Thank you 2004 Sponsors
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SHINING STARS
Happy New Year! Green Star would like to recognize and thank our newest sponsors. Thank you to The Denali Commission and Emerald Alaska.
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AIR QUALITY REMINDERS
Plug It In! Now that it has finally gotten cold, remember to plug in your vehicle at night when the temperatures are below 20 degrees F. This will greatly reduce wear on your vehicle’s engine, shorten warm-up time for both you and your vehicle, and reduce harmful air emissions. To save energy too, plug in using a timer so that you can plug in when you get home at night but set the timer to turn on the heater two hours before you leave for work in the morning.
Engine Block Heater and Timer Program Update More than 1,300 engine block heater installations may still be performed at Agen’s Automotive by appointment. If you already have a block heater installed, programmable electric timers are available at the Department of Health and Human Services. For information about co-payments, qualifications, and appointments, call 343-4003 or visit www.careaboutair.com. Remember to bring your vehicle registration for timers or installations.
Indoor Air Quality Study Sampling of homes for the USEPA-sponsored Anchorage Indoor Air Study will take place this month and next. Volunteers are still wanted to ensure a representative sample of homes. The study is designed to collect detailed information about the infiltration of contaminants from garage air into living areas. Residents of single-family homes with attached garages used for parking vehicles are invited to participate. Detached homes (no duplex, zero lot, or condominium styles) with non-smoking residents may be included. For more information, call 343-4715.
Air Quality Display Anyone interested in hosting a stand-alone air quality informational display in their lobby or public area for a week or two, please contact Green Star at 278-7827.
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ALASKA FORUM ON THE ENVIRONMENT COMING UP
This year’s Alaska Forum on the Environment (AFE) will be held at the Egan Center during the week of February 9-13, 2004. The AFE is an annual gathering of city, state, and federal agencies; military personnel; nonprofit organizations; and interested citizens who want to protect the environment. Workshop and presentation topics include air quality, water quality, solid waste management, hazardous waste and chemical spill response, climate change, environmental justice, environmental education, energy, wildlife management, and sustainability.
On Monday, February 9th, 10:45-11:45 am, Green Star’s executive director, Sean Skaling, will present “Electronics Recycling in Alaska.”
Also on Monday, February 9th, Green Star will host its Annual Meeting, starting at 4:15pm. All are welcome to attend. Come meet the Green Star staff and board members, and provide feedback about Green Star’s role in assisting the business community. Your thoughts are appreciated to help us provide the best, most effective services we can. After the meeting, from 4:45–5:30pm, join Green Star at the evening Social event for free food and beverages.
Green Star is also hosting an Air Quality Summit on Wednesday, February 11th, from 9:15 to 10:40 am. The purpose of this think-tank session is to brainstorm new actions and collaborations for Anchorage agencies to improve local air quality cost effectively.
For additional information about speakers, the full agenda, accommodations etc., visit www.akforum.com.
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CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING
Recycle your Christmas tree for free at any Carrs store in Anchorage, Eagle River, or Palmer through January 18th. Look for the signs in the parking lots saying “Christmas Tree Recycling.”
Please remove any ornaments, lights, tree stands, and plastic bags. Do not bring wreaths. Boy Scout Troops 186 and 268 will be available at some stores to help unload trees, and they will pick up trees from homes for a small donation. Call the Scouts at 868-8899.
The trees will be processed into wood chips and distributed to local nonprofits and government agencies for use on trails, paths, and gardens.
This program is sponsored by ALPAR, Carrs supermarkets, the Municipality of Anchorage’s Solid Waste Services, the Anchorage Daily News, and radio stations 103.1 FM (the Mix), and 104.1 FM (KBRJ). For more information, contact ALPAR at 274-3266.
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HELP NEEDED AT LANDFILL RECYCLING SITE
ALPAR is looking for assistance in keeping the recycling area at the landfill clear of snow. The Municipality plows the roadway to the drop-off site but volunteers are needed to shovel the area around the bins. If you live in the Chugiak/Eagle River area and are interested in helping with shoveling after big snows, contact Mary Fisher at 274-3266 or alpar@gci.net.
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THIS MONTH’S HOT LINK: Alaska Building Science Network
The Alaska Building Science Network (ABSN) is a non-profit member-supported association of individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to promoting energy efficiency as an essential component of durable, safe and affordable housing in Alaska. Members include builders, energy raters, material suppliers, weatherization contractors, and other building industry members throughout Alaska and North America.
ABSN publishes a quarterly newsletter and provides technical training workshops throughout Alaska. Many ABSN courses earn continuing education credits through the Alaska State Homebuilders Association and other certification agencies. ABSN also can put together teams of experts to perform energy audits, make energy efficiency recommendations, and train construction crews, building owners, maintenance workers and occupants.
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THANK YOU 2004 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 2004 sponsors!
Platinum ($10,000+): Anchorage Department of Health & Human Services, Anchorage Solid Waste Services, BP, ConocoPhillips Alaska, Rasmuson Foundation, University of Alaska Anchorage, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10
Gold ($5,000-$9,999): Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
Silver ($2,500-$4,999): Anchorage Refuse (A Waste Management Company), Denali Commission, Princess Tours
Bronze ($1,000-$2,499): Cellular One (formerly AT&T Wireless), Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Green ($500-$999): Corporate Express Alaska
Supporter ($250-$499):
Contributor (up to $250): Alaska Center for the Environment, Alaska Process Industry Careers Consortium, Carrs-Safeway, Coca-Cola Bottling of Alaska, Emerald Alaska, graphXgirl, Great Harvest Bread Co., Pepsi-Cola Bottling Group, Wal-Mart Store #2074
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Past issues of E-News are available on our web site, sorted by topic or date. 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 to add to our mailing list. Thank you!
The staff of Green Star, Anchorage:
Sean Skaling, Executive Director
Beth Verrelli, Membership & Communications Coordinator
Jeanne Carlson, Program Coordinator
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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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