Sustainability Commission Vacancy

Next week will be my last meeting as a member of the Juneau Commission on Sustainability, as I will be leaving Juneau for several years.

The Commission is a great opportunity to explore ways for Juneau to become more sustainable, whether it is encouraging local food production, reducing greenhouse gases, improving the livability of our community or developing a more economically sustainable future. The commission takes energy, dedication, and hard work, but the rewards can be well worth it.

If you or someone you know might be interested in serving on the Commission, now is the time to submit an application. For information go to: Board Application.

Cheers,

Sally Schlichting

Juneau Returns to Diesel Power Following Avalanche Monday

Photo from April 2008 showing tower locations. Photo by Bill Glude, courtesy of AELP's website archive.

It's time to pull together, Juneau. Remember all those great energy saving tips you employed last May? Well, it looks like we'll be needing those again.

As you've heard, an avalanche took out Tower 3/5 (see photo for the location), one of the more vulnerable towers supporting the transmission line from Snettisham to Juneau.

While AELP works to repair the damage, we need to work to conserve our electricity consumption as much as possible. And obviously, it will be more difficult than last spring because of the colder weather and shorter daylight hours.

Still, everything each of us can do will make a difference.

So let's:

• keep the lights and appliances we're not using turned off
• limit the hot water usage
• get creative with cooking in the kitchen
• if we can, shift to other sources of heat (wood, oil)
• and most importantly, check on our friends and loved ones who may need extra support and assistance to see them through a possible extended period of higher electricity costs.

Concerned about LANDFILL ODOR?

Come to the meeting this Tuesday, January 13, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Hickel Room at Centennial Hall.

The Alaska Dept. of Environmental Conservation will hold a Public Information Workshop on Juneau landfill odor issues.

In addition, CBJ will provide an update on progress to implement the solid waste plan, which includes expanding the recycling program.

If you have questions, please contact Weld Royal, Information Officer, DEC at 465-5009.

Tell your friends and neighbors!

A 50-Year Farm Bill

Thoughts on a sustainable agricultural future by Wes Jackson and Wendell Berry for the New York Times








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