Sustainable Juneau

Christmas lightbulb recycling program

2011-12-08T17:09:00.000-08:00

Wondering what to do with all those old burned-out Christmas light bulbs? Look no further! A Christmas light company based in Texas started a lightbulb recycling program. Instead of sending the old copper, glass, and plastic to the landfill, Christmas Light Source sells them to a Texas recycling program. All the proceeds will be used for purchasing Usborne books and donating them to the Marine Tots for Toys Foundation.

Here's how you can participate:

Box up your old Christmas lights in the smallest possible box they'll fit into and send them (via the slowest, cheapest shipping method) to:

Christmas Light Source Recycling Program

1923 6th Avenue

Fort Worth, TX 76110

Climate Action Plan Public Session

2011-09-22T15:16:00.000-07:00

Join us for a public information and participation session.

Wednesday Oct. 5th from 5:30 - 7:30 at the Mendenhall Valley Library.

To view the draft Climate Action Plan and get more information about the project go to www.juneau.org and follow the link under hot topics.

2011 Local Food Festival

2011-08-02T17:01:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Juneau Local Food Festival will be held August 27 from 9am to 2pm at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center. We are looking for vendors wishing to sell locally grown produce, fruits, berries, flowers, eggs; fresh baked goods containing local ingredients; local seafood; homemade jams, jellies, honey, herb vinegar or syrup; locally produced artisan foods; indigenous plant products; composting supplies; and items related to food growing, gathering, preparing or serving.

Table fees are $30 for an indoor table and $15 for an outdoor table. Registration forms are available at http://jedc.org/foodfestival.php. Be sure to read the Frequently Asked Questions before you register.

As we've done in the past, we will have workshops during the event and an “Ask the Expert” gardening corner. If you have any suggestions for speakers, or would like to give a presentation this year, please let us know.

We look forward to seeing you at a great 2011 Festival!

Juneau Sunday Market

2011-07-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

Locally harvested. Locally produced. Locally created.

Come visit the Juneau Sunday Market every Sunday from noon 'til 3pm at the JACC.

For questions or to register as a vendor visit:

http://www.juneausundaymarket.org/

Climate Action Plan Public Meeting

2011-05-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

There will be a public information and participation session for the CBJ's Climate Action Plan May 25th. The plan focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the local government's operations and from the community as a whole.

We hope you'll join us Wednesday, May 25th from 5:00-7:00 at the Assembly Chambers.

At this meeting, the 2010 Juneau Emissions Inventory and the Draft Climate Action Plan will be presented.

For more information about the Climate Action Plan, visit: http://www.sheinbergassociates.com/proj_cap.html

Living in a Tiny Home

2011-03-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

Ever read The Boxcar Children series growing up? I did, and always had a fantasy about converting a boxcar into a cozy getaway. Modern designers have caught on to that attraction too, and a simple approach to living green is becoming more popular. Building and living in small houses—including a converted rail car—is the subject of the Tiny House Blog. It's just $150/month to lease the boxcar. Juneau-raised Tristan McAllister films this video tour, Life in a Rail Car, of the train-home. The rail car is listed at $225,000—probably more than the boxcar children—Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden—could afford.

Another small living story focuses on Jay Shafer, who lives in an 89-square foot home he built himself. In an interview, Jay discusses with Tiny House author/builder Deek Diedricksen that in the U.S. we operate on a much larger scale than elsewhere in the world. On average, Americans' homes are four times the size as our international equals’. Jay, a designer specializing in sustainable architecture and urban planning, says it makes sense to live more compactly. We pour tons of time and money improving the energy efficiency of our larger homes, but smaller designs decrease the space to heat from the start. Jay touts the sustainable habits that stem from living in a small home, such as double-using something. A saucepan, for example, can double as your tea kettle to save storage space and materials (then use it as an iron while it’s hot). Jay owns Tumbleweed Tiny Houses Company, where you can buy small house plans to build yourself, or have a ready-made home delivered to you (yep, they’re so small they fit on a trailer).

Check out these websites for innovative ideas starting from scratch, building plans, or for tips on how to maximize current space:

Tiny House Blog by Kent Griswold.
Small House Society Dedicated to the promotion of smaller housing alternatives which can be more affordable and ecological.
Small House Style Web magazine dedicated to everything small house.

Juneau Adopts Green Building Standard

2011-03-01T18:00:00.000-08:00

Juneau has a green building standard now. The Juneau Assembly passed an ordinance in January that mandates new construction of CBJ buildings achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. The requirement applies to buildings with a price tag of $5M or more.

Nationally, buildings use 39% of primary energy, 72% of all electricity, and account for 38% of CO₂ emissions. In Juneau, buildings emit 41% of total carbon emissions. Green building is expected to support 7.9M jobs and pump $554 into the U.S. economy between 2009 and 2013—Juneau should see a similar boost in our local economy.

LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system established by the U.S. Green Building Council that provides third party verification. A report card for buildings, the point-based system awards projects for energy and cost savings, indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources.

There are high performance buildings in Juneau already. Harborview and Glacier Valley Schools were recently renovated to meet LEED certification. The Juneau School District earned the EPA’s Energy Star rating (a separate distinction). Just with energy efficiency efforts throughout the district, they expect to save $1 million in three years on their energy bill.

Juneau joins over 442 local governments nationwide to take the initiative on LEED. In Alaska, three local governments have a green building policy: Anchorage, the Mat-Su Borough, and now Juneau. The ordinance will help CBJ achieve its objective of reducing carbon emissions 20% by 2012.

'No Impact Man' film screening Jan. 3rd

2010-12-27T10:39:00.000-08:00

Start the New Year by watching No Impact Man and be inspired to live more simply during 2011.

Join the Juneau Commission on Sustainability and Southeast's Slow Food group at the Juneau Unitarian Universalist Fellowship's Conscientious Projector's screening of No Impact Man January 3rd at the Nickelodeon Theatre. A panel disussion will follow. Admission is free. See you there!

Douglas community garden work party on 10/10/10

2010-10-08T08:54:00.000-07:00

Join the Juneau Commission on Sustainability to work on the Douglas community gardens on Sunday, October 10^thfrom 10am-2pm. The event is to do our part to prevent negative effects of climate change as part of the 350.org global action day. Meet at the downtown Douglas parking lot on the corner of St. Ann’s and ADF&G. Bring work gloves, and durable, waterproof clothing.

Researching Organic Potatoes

2010-07-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

Research at Washington State University is supporting the idea that organic potato farming methods can better control pests. Check it out! http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2012250093_taters01m.html

Plant some potatoes - they are easy to grow in Juneau. These were planted in large potting buckets, laying the potatoes in between dirt and straw.

Earth Day Celebration in Juneau April 17, 2010

2010-04-07T15:28:00.000-07:00

Think Spring!

2010-03-18T17:18:00.000-07:00

Energy Fair October 10, 2009

2009-10-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

Need some suggestions for reducing home heating costs?
Are you wondering what an Energy Star appliance is?

Join us Sat, Oct 10 at the Nugget Mall, 10am - 4pm for this FREE community event to provide you information, ideas, and more!

Another Awesome Farmers Market

2009-10-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

More than 2,000 people attended the market on a blustery Saturday morning, August 30, 2009. A rich variety of seafood, fresh produce, home-made preserves, and gardening/growing information was available.

Thanks to the presenters of the mini-seminars for sharing your knowledge and experience. Your topics were all so interesting, and well received.

And thanks to the collaborative planning committee that made the event possible: Juneau Commission on Sustainability, Juneau Economic Development Council, Juneau Arts & Humanities Council, UAF Cooperative Extension Service, and the Alaska Division of Agriculture ('Alaska Grown' Program).

Earth Day Celebration April 18, 2009

2009-04-06T12:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to members of the Juneau Sustainability Commission and other community participants for making the day so meaningful.

Seattle Bans Styrofoam

2009-03-11T16:24:00.000-07:00

Full Circle Farm's "Farm Notes" Newsletter this week notes, "On Jan. 1, 2009, a ban on the use of expanded polystyrene food containers in Seattle restaurants and grocery stores went into effect... Seattle's ban is similar to those used in San Francisco, Portland OR, and Albany NY." Read more from UW's "The Daily" at http://dailyuw.com/2008/8/13/styrofoam-go-containers-go

Ban the Bottle

2009-03-03T15:26:00.001-08:00

Juneau is fortunate to have a clean public water system that is available to most residents. Give up the bottle and go for the glass. Take our great H2O with you in a safe drinking container.

See the film, EATING ALASKA, March 1 at the JACC

2009-02-20T11:45:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to Ellen Frankenstein of Sitka for recently sharing her new documentary Eating Alaska with Juneau-ites. If you missed this film about the choices and challenges we face in eating locally, you can check out the web site www.eatingalaska.com. Stay tuned for future showings. This movie is an official selection of the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival.

Thanks also to Amanda Rutledge at Southeast Alaska Conservation Council, and the table participants who shared information about growing, harvesting, hunting, fishing, etc. in Juneau.

Juneau Commission on Sustainability - UPDATE

2009-02-08T12:30:00.000-08:00

The Commission is currently working on initiatives in three main focus areas:

Energy and Greenhouse Gases
Food Security
Community Outreach

Under Energy and Greenhouse Gases, the Commission is finalizing a baseline inventory of Juneau's greenhouse gases. The inventory is expected to be completed and presented to the Assembly soon. We will then be able to set targets for reductions, and develop a Climate Action Plan to proceed toward making those reductions.

Other initiatives that the Commission is exploring include:

A revolving loan program for landlords and businesses to implement energy-efficient improvements to apartment buildings and commercial structures;
An "Energy Card" to receive a sales tax exemption on energy-efficient products; and
Legislation to provide a municipal property tax credit on energy-efficient improvements.

On the Food Security side, the Commission is planning the 2nd annual Farmers Market ,August 29, 2009. This year, the Commission is applying for a grant from the Division of Agriculture to help expand the Farmer's Market. Let us know if you'd like to help organize, or if you have ideas for mini-seminar topics.

Under Community Outreach, the Commission builds partnerships with other organizations in Juneau to further sustainability projects (eg participant in 2008 Earth Day forum), maintains this blogsite, puts on public events such as the Re-Energizing Juneau Forum (May 2008), and engages in general promotion via radio and the press. In the future, the Outreach committee hopes to start a recognition program to showcase the sustainability efforts of local businesses.

To get involved in any of these projects, come to the next Juneau Commission on Sustainability meeting, March 4 at 5:15 pm in the downtown Library conference room.

Juneau: One of the top 10 low-tax places to retire

2009-02-01T13:35:00.000-08:00

From the Anchorage Daily News:

RAIN? WHAT RAIN? . . . U.S. News and World Report has listed Juneau as one of the top 10 low-tax places to retire in America. Here's the list, from msn.com: Billings, Mont.; Cheyenne, Wyo.; Doral, Fla.; Henderson, Nev.; Juneau; Manchester, N.H.; Nashville, Tenn.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Spokane, Wash.; Stafford, Texas.

So, maybe marketing Juneau as a retirement destination is not a ridiculous notion. With a little work, it could have real economic and socially sustainable potential. With draws like the local arts community, the permanent fund dividend program, great outdoors, indoor fitness facilities (including four athletic clubs, three yoga studios, a pool and a new aquatic center), a regional hospital, the university, and lots of community volunteering opportunities, it’s a possibility.

As a neighbor suggested to me recently, why not have a booth down at the docks in the summer providing some information on retiring in Juneau?

Sustainability Commission Vacancy

2009-01-27T14:58:00.001-08:00

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

2009-01-13T08:41:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-01-11T21:30:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-05T08:37:00.000-08:00

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

(blog.americanfeast.com)

Emphasis on Weatherization Represents Shift on Energy Costs

2008-12-30T20:39:00.000-08:00

Did you know that spiderwebs around intrusions in your basement ceiling may indicate an energy leak? I didn't.

Read on in today's New York Times for more on the topic of the season: WEATHERIZATION.

Passive Houses

2008-12-27T13:14:00.000-08:00

New York Times: No Furnaces but Heat Aplenty in 'Passive Houses'

Innovative homes pioneered in Germany are encased in such an airtight shell that barely any heat escapes.

For more information on passive houses in the U.S. Click on PHIUS.

Learn more about similar design principles in Alaska at the Cold Climate Housing Research Center

Next Administration Choices for Climate, Energy and the Environment

2008-12-11T06:55:00.000-08:00

Carol Browner, Steven Chu, Lisa P. Jackson

(photo courtesy of the New York Times)

Juneau Non-Motorized Transportation Plan Update

2008-11-17T20:19:00.000-08:00

Hey Walkers and Bikers!

The Non-Motorized Transportation Plan is all about you!

COMMENTS ARE DUE BY DECEMBER 31ST!

The current plan was completed in 1997 and needs updating to reflect today’s conditions and priorities for biking and pedestrian routes. The purpose of this plan is to provide safe and efficient links between community destinations and to encourage the community to choose active forms of transportation.

What you can do....

Come to a public meeting in your neighborhood!

Five public meetings will be held between December 1st and December 15th, 2008. Each meeting will focus on a specific Juneau sub-area as well as area-wide commuting routes. At each meeting, we will discuss current non-motorized routes, review recommendations from existing plans, and ask residents about walking and biking destinations, missing links, safety concerns and other obstacles along the routes.

Mendenhall Valley to Echo Cove area – Monday December 1, 2008
Floyd Dryden Middle School Library, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Douglas Island – Wednesday December 3, 2008
Douglas Library, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Downtown and Thane Road – Wednesday December 10, 2008
CBJ Assembly Chambers, 155 S. Seward St, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Mendenhall Valley to Echo Cove area – Saturday December 13, 2008
Mendenhall Mall, Mendenhall Library, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Twin Lakes and Lemon Creek area – Monday December 15, 2008
Dzantik’l Heeni Middle School Library, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm

COMMENTS and Planning Schedule
After the meetings during the first part of this coming December, comments will be accepted by the public through DECEMBER 31. A draft of the plan will be completed and available for public review in February 2009.

The final plan is set to be completed for adoption by the CBJ Assembly by April 2009.

Contact Information
If you have questions, comments or wish to be added to a project contact list, please call Zoë Morrison at Sheinberg Associates at 586-3141 or zmorrison@gci.net. For more information, go to www.juneau.org/parkrec and click on the link under ‘plan updates’ or download the current Non-Motorized Transportation Plan.

UAS EVENING AT EGAN NOVEMBER 14 7PM

2008-11-09T19:40:00.000-08:00

An Energy Plan for Alaska without Oil:

The Technology. The Possibilities. The Plan

PRESENTED BY: Greg Brown

This easy to understand presentation will show the possibilities for Alaska and the rest of the United States to get off our oil addiction by using alternative energy. History, practical applications of alternative energy, and basics for a plan in Alaska that can be implemented and completed within ten years.

Presentation includes pictures, diagrams and demonstrations.

Egan Lecture Hall, University of Alaska Southeast Campus

Want to Know What's Going on in Your Local Government?

2008-11-09T16:05:00.000-08:00

Check out the new blog, http://assemblydiary.blogspot.com/. A great way to keep track of what's happening at City Hall!

Host and Assembly Member Jonathan Anderson writes:

"Juneau citizens sometimes feel they are not informed about what goes on in the Borough. While some information gets into the news, a lot does not. To partially meet this need I have been keeping a Assembly Diary/Blog which will try to note the various issues I am aware of happening. It won't get everything, but I think you will find it useful to track."

Thanks, Jonathan!

Eco-Activist Fritz Haeg will speak at Silverbow Back Room on Oct 8

2008-10-07T16:25:00.000-07:00

Free Autumn Harvest Festival on Oct 18 at JACC

2008-10-01T15:52:00.001-07:00

Celebrate National Public Lands Day Saturday, Sept. 27

2008-09-16T12:32:00.000-07:00

One of every three acres of land in the U.S. – 600 million acres in all – belongs to each and every one of us. These lands represent the country’s special, one-of-a-kind natural resources – the national parks, monuments, wildlife refuges, coastal preserves, forests, grasslands, marine sanctuaries, lakes and reservoirs that all of us use to hike, bike, climb, swim, explore, picnic, or just simply relax.

Every September, Americans by the thousands come out for a day-long, coast-to-coast effort to preserve and improve the lands they love as part of National Public Lands Day. The volunteers build trails and bridges, plant trees, clear brush, and remove trash. This year, Juneau will be cleaning and trail building at Mendenhall Glacier to join in the preservation of our nation’s public lands on Saturday, September, 27.

There are a few features that will distinguish National Public Lands Day 2008 from previous years. This year National Public Lands Day will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Famous for planting over 3 billion trees in the 1930’s, the Civilian Conservation Corps played a leading role in restoring America’s deteriorating forests. Their legacy continues as the newest generation of conservationists work to plant one million trees in the weeks leading up to National Public Lands Day.

This country-wide effort is coordinated by the National Environmental Education Foundation. Chartered by Congress in 1990, the National Environmental Education Foundation is a private nonprofit (401c3) organization that develops and supports environmental learning programs to meet social goals.

More information about this event and it’s history, along with a list of sites across the country can be found at National Public Lands Day. Get involved by lending a hand to America’s lands, specifically the Mendenhall Glacier area. Please contact SAGA to get involved in this special day.

Farmers' Market Survey

2008-09-08T08:41:00.001-07:00

Did you attend or participate in the Juneau Farmers' Market and Food Festival on August 30?

Well, we're looking for your feedback on this event!

Please complete this short SURVEY and tell us how we can make it an even better event next year!

PHOTO: Produce from Rick Bellagh's garden on Shelter Island on display at the
Juneau Farmers' Market and Food Festival

Juneau's Farmers' Market and Food Festival-- A Success!

2008-08-31T19:49:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the following businesses and agencies whose generosity helped make this event possible for the community:
Juneau Arts and Humanities Council
SAGA
Don Kurilec - Graphic Artist
Cooperative Extension Service
Capital City Weekly
Heritage Coffee
AK Dept. of Fish & Game
City & Borough of Juneau

FARMERS' MARKET AND FOOD FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND!

2008-08-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

THIS SATURDAY-- 9am to 2pm

AT THE JUNEAU ARTS AND CULTURE CENTER

Admission is free!

Buy locally grown and produced seafood, baked goods, vegetables, preserves and more!

Farmer's Market/Food Festival
Juneau Arts & Culture Center Gallery
Presentation Schedule

	Topic
In the JACC Conference Room:
9:00am - 9:30am	How to Grow & Process Garlic in SE Alaska
9:30am -10:00am	Backyard Greenhouse Construction & Operation
10:00am-10:30am	Making Cheese
10:30am-11:00am	Creating Flavored Vinegars
11:00am -11:30am	BREAK
11:30am - 12 noon	Wild Edible Medicinal Plants
12:00noon-12:30pm	Raising Chickens for Eggs
12:30pm - 1:00pm	Free Local Resources for Gardeners
1:00pm - 1:30pm	Composting

Under the Outdoor Tent:
11:00am-12 noon	You Caught the Fish, Now What?!

Fillet Demonstration and Tips on Smoking Fish

For more information, please contact 586-ARTS or sustainablejuneau@gmail.com
See you there!!

Environmental Cost of Transporting Food

2008-08-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

This article on the environmental impact of globalized food appeared in the New York Times earlier this year, but bears another read in light of the rising costs of bringing food to our table.

To learn how to eat closer to home, come to the
Juneau Farmers' Market on August 30!

See a demonstration by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game on how to clean and preserve deer and fish. ADF&G will be cleaning a deer and filleting fish in a tent outside the Juneau Arts and Culture Center.

Inside the building, you can enjoy browsing the booths of produce, seafood, and baked goods for sale!

Photo credit: www.alaskakenairiverfishing.com

From Grist: How to Green your Grocery List

2008-08-08T08:26:00.000-07:00

Keeping with the theme of promoting greater food sustainability, Grist offers some suggestions on how to choose healthier and greener at the grocery store. Check out:

How To Green your Grocery List

Sitka Public Markets this Month

2008-08-06T11:59:00.000-07:00

Seems everyone is getting into the Farmers Market swing!

Check out the three market events scheduled in Sitka this month, by visiting:

Sitka Farmers Markets

Featuring Locally Grown Produce, Fresh and Frozen Seafood, Food Vendors, Roasted Coffee, Kids Activities, Crafts, Entertainment and More!

Photo courtesy of http://roadmarx.wordpress.com/2007/01/24/heads-up/

POLL: Should the Juneau Farmers Market Include Produce from Around the State?

2008-08-01T14:44:00.001-07:00

No doubt you've noticed the particularly cold, wet, dreary summer we've been having. Recognizing too, that starting a farmers market tradition takes time to catch hold, we have a question for you:

Should we open up the market to produce from other communities around Alaska?

Post your response here!

Either way, the Farmers Market is shaping up to be a great event, so don't miss it! Remember to save Saturday August 30th.

Offerings will include:

Individuals selling locally grown and harvested foods and products
Local Businesses showcasing their locally produced foods and garden products
Non-Profits Organizations offering garden products and baked goods with local fruits
Door Prizes
Informational tables on gardening and harvesting resources

Presentations and Demonstrations!
Backyard Greenhouse Construction (Art Chance)
Local Edible and Medicinal Plants (Carol Biggs)
Dressing Wild Fish and Game (Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game)
Local Resources for Gardeners (Ed Buyarski)
Edible Bulbs: Growing Garlic and Onions (Joe Orsi)
How to Make Your own Cheese (Missy McMillan)
Using Flowers for Vinegar Flavoring (Sonja Koukel, UAF Cooperative Extension Service)

Our Neighbors in Sustainability

2008-07-25T09:02:00.001-07:00

Juneau isn't the only Alaska community striving to become more sustainable. Grass roots efforts are underway in several other cities, including Kodiak, Homer, Sitka and Haines.

Check out these links to learn more:

KODIAK

SITKA

HOMER

HAINES

July 14: Assembly approves Sustainability Fund

2008-07-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

From KINY NEWS ONLINE:

"The CBJ Assembly has approved the creation of a fund within the CBJ general fund to receive donations earmarked for energy savings projects. Private donations would initially stock the Sustainability Fund.

"At Monday night's Assembly meeting Mayor Bruce Botelho said that amount could be between $500,000 and $1 million dollars depending on the number of participants. The fund would be used as a source of capitol for energy conservation devices and projects that the city manager forwards to the Assembly for consideration. The money that's saved would be deposited back into the fund to replenish it along with the private funding sources. Private donations would initially stock the Sustainability Fund.

"At last night's meeting Finance Committee Chair David Stone said several private companies have expressed interest in contributing to the fund but he was not at liberty to identify them. However, last night, Kirby Day of Princess Cruises spoke in support of the fund."

Energy Efficiency Can Pay for Itself

2008-07-07T11:46:00.000-07:00

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation has $100 million set aside for energy rebates to help homeowners of all incomes make their homes more energy efficient. Another $200 million has been set aside to provide weatherization assistance to low and moderate income renters and homeowners. See article in today's Anchorage Daily News.

For more information on how to take advantage of these programs that will help you save on energy costs, go to AHFC.

Image courtesy of All Cape Insulation, MA

Home Depot will collect CFLs for recycling

2008-06-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

Today in Grist:

"Home Depot announced Tuesday that it will collect compact fluorescent light bulbs and send them off to be recycled. The home-improvement behemoth hopes the new program will keep the bulbs, which contain a small amount of mercury, out of household trash and recycling bins. IKEA also collects CFLs for recycling but doesn't have the market saturation of Home Depot; more than three-quarters of U.S. households are estimated to be within 10 miles of a Home Depot store. The company's 1,973 U.S. stores will also switch to CFLs in light-fixture showrooms by the fall, a move expected to save it $16 million annually in energy costs."

See http://www.grist.org/ and sources: Atlanta Business Journal and New York Times

TerraPass Carbon Offsets

2008-06-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

The first step you can take to fight global warming is to reduce your carbon footprint through conservation. Drive less. Turn down the thermostat. Buy locally produced goods.

Then use TerraPass to balance the emissions you can't reduce. When you buy a TerraPass, your money funds clean energy and efficiency projects such as wind farms. These projects result in verified reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

JCOS comments on the Parking Garage/Transit Center Project

2008-06-16T10:31:00.000-07:00

The Juneau Commission on Sustainability outlines eight sustainability challenges for this project and offers solutions to meet those challenges. Click here to see the Commission's comments.

Draft 2008 Capital Transit Development Plan Open House June 16

2008-06-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

On Monday June 16, from 5-8pm, an Open House presentation on the draft Transit Plan will be held at Centennial Hall.

Come learn about what is planned to improve public transportation in Juneau!

For more information, see the CBJ Transit Plan website.

Eating Alaska

2008-06-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

Sitka Film Maker Ellen Frankenstein is putting the finishing touches on a fascinating new film, Eating Alaska.

Eating Alaska is a serious and humorous film in progress about connecting to where you live and eating locally. It is about trying to break away from the industrial food system when that means not only buying fresh seasonal food from local farmers, but taking part in a world of hunting and gathering. Made by a former city dweller now living on an island in Alaska and married to fisherman and deer hunter, it is a journey into regional food traditions, our connection to the wilderness and to what we put into our mouths.

Stay tuned for details about a screening of this film in conjunction with the Juneau Sustainability Commission's Farmers Market and Food Festival on August 30, 2008 at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center.

For more information about the film visit Eating Alaska.

Making Energy Security Affordable and Permanent

2008-06-05T22:21:00.000-07:00

The Cooperative Extension Service is hosting a presentation by Richard Seifert, UAF Energy and Housing Specialist titled "Making Energy Security Affordable and Permanent". He will give an overview of Juneau's conservation successes, an update on the $300 million weatherization and energy conservation program and how to take advantage of it, appliance efficiencies, preparing for future high energy costs and renewable energy sources.

June 6th at 5:30 -7:00pm at the Bill Ray Center, 1108 F St. room 154.

For more information please contact the Juneau District Cooperative Extension Service office at 796-6221.

Should Juneau Consider a City-wide Phase-out of Plastic Bags?

2008-06-02T12:21:00.000-07:00

Why or why not? Post your comments here.

Read about bag-reduction efforts in other Alaska communities:
Soldotna
Haines

For statewide initiatives, take a look at Senator Elton's Bill, SB 118.

photo credit: www.waterencyclopedia.com

UAS Seminar on Climate Advocacy and Activism, June 9-15

2008-05-15T23:02:00.000-07:00

Join UAS professor Kevin Maier in a week‐long, action‐oriented conversation aimed at bringing concerned citizens and students together to explore potential solutions to the pressing environmental problem of climate change. The class will read prominent case studies and reports on climate change, but the primary goal will be to explore creative ways to facilitate social change for our community, region, and, ultimately, our planet.

Thanks to a grant from the International Polar Year, UAS is pleased to offer this 1-credit course free of charge. For more information on the course and how to enroll, see the Flyer.

Hurry, the class is filling up quickly!

Start planting now for Juneau's FIRST ANNUAL FARMERS MARKET AND FOOD FESTIVAL!

2008-05-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

The Commission on Sustainability is sponsoring a Farmers Market and Food Festival to support and celebrate local food production. The event is scheduled for Saturday August 30, to give growers and food gatherers the summer to prepare. This event is open to individuals, families, groups, as well as businesses and non-profits to reserve a table to sell their locally grown and prepared foods.

More information and the table registration form - Word document

More information and the table registration form - PDF document.

Join us for the next planning meeting on Monday, May 12, noon at the Silverbow backroom.

RE-ENERGIZING JUNEAU! Saturday May 10

2008-05-08T14:39:00.000-07:00

A Community-Wide Conference on Energy Use
Sponsored by the Juneau Commission on Sustainability

See the FLYER

And AGENDA

DATE: May 10, 2008
PLACE: Mendenhall Mall and Library
TIME: 10 AM to 6 PM

Message from Alaska Electric Light and Power Company

2008-04-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

Call for Energy Conservation

After last week's avalanches damaged five transmission towers near the Snettisham Hydroelectric facility, AEL&P immediately began supplying Juneau's energy needs with diesel-generated power. Due to the high cost of oil, we will all see a dramatic increase in energy rates. It is therefore extremely important that we all make a serious and concerted effort to curtail our energy use.
AEL&P's energy checklist

Energy Efficiency and Financial Assistance

2008-04-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

Please check out our energy-efficiency section (see right)on financial assistance programs that are available to help individuals cope with high home-energy costs, make energy-efficient upgrades and to weatherize homes.

Included are funding opportunities for small businesses to undertake independent alternative and renewable energy projects.

Check back as we update this section to include more tips and information.

USDA Offers $221 Million in Clean Energy Loans and Grants

2008-04-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

USDA Offers $221 Million in Clean Energy Loans and Grants
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on March 6 that it will accept $220.9 million in loan and grant applications under the agency's Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program. Loan guarantees and grants are available to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Since 2001, the USDA has invested $674 million in more than 1,763 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, including renewable fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel and renewable energy sources such as methane gas recovery systems and wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass energy systems.

Eligible applicants may seek loan guarantees to cover up to 50% of a project's cost, not to exceed $10 million. Grants are available for up to 25% of a project's cost, not to exceed $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements and $500,000 for renewable energy systems. Grants will be awarded through two separate competitions, with the deadline for the first being April 15 and the deadline for the second being June 16. Applications for loans or loan and grant combinations are due by June 16.

EARTH DAY AT THE GLACIER THIS SATURDAY!

2008-04-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

Join in the Earth Day festivities this Saturday, April 19, from 11am to 3 p.m. at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center.

Events include:

11:00: Opening Ceremonies:Rep. Andrea Doll, District Ranger Pete Griffin, Cy Peck
11:30: ”Plastics In The Ocean” Presented by Turning the Tides
12:00: ”Heartstrings” concert
12:30: ”The Lorax” Tim Miles
1:00: Liz and Leif Saya
1:30: All Nations’ Children dancers
2:00: Daughters of the New Moon

KID’S FUN!
Woodsy Owl”
Recycle Crafts
Scavenger Hunt

MAKE A “PLASTICS PLEDGE”

DISPLAYS AND DEMONSTRATIONS BY LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
Juneau Alaska Youth for the Environment. SAGA. Oceana. Turning the Tides. SEACC.Juneau Audubon. Nat’l Weather Service. Juneau Raptor Center. Friends of Recycling.Alaska Biofuels Alliance. Juneau Watershed Project. Friends of Berners Bay. Carol Biggs.Dick Callahan. Sandy Harbanuk. Trentyn Days. Bill Leighty.USFS Wilderness Rangers. Juneau Commission on Sustainability. AEL&P.Waste Management.

"What U.S. Energy Policy Should Be" Wednesday April 16, 5:30 PM

2008-04-13T12:34:00.000-07:00

Sponsored by the Juneau World Affairs Council, speaker Robert Ebel currently heads the Energy and National Security Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. He has held leadership positions in the CIA, Interior, Energy and directed ENSERCH and the Washington Export Council. He has an almost unsurpassed knowledge of energy and energy policy and can speak on the world oil supplies, oil prices, OPEC, energy security, imports, renewable energy, and world energy supplies.

The event begins at 5:30pm, Wednesday, April 16 at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center (Formerly the Armory).

For more info visit the The Juneau World Affairs Council.

Juneau Commission on Sustainability Retreat April 12

2008-04-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

The Commission meets next for a retreat on Saturday, April 12, from 1-4pm at the Glacier Visitor's Center. The retreat is open to the public. Visit our home page on the City and Borough of Juneau website for more information.

UAS Spring Forum This Friday April 4

2008-04-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

The UAS Forum on Sustainability and Juneau Energy is scheduled for this Friday, April 4 from 8 AM to 5 PM in the Egan Lecture Hall on the university campus.

Speakers will present on the following topics:

*Local and global perspectives on sustainability
*Peak oil
*Hydroelectric Power vs. Fossil Fuel Burning
*Prospects for renewable energy in Southeast Alaska
*Impacts of climate change on runoff and hydro-electric potential in Juneau
*Biodiesel Production
*University of Alaska Southeast efforts toward becoming sustainable

For more information visit Sustainability Forum.

And don't forget to take the UAS Energy Survey! Results will be presented at the forum.

Question for the week: Carbon Tax?

2008-03-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

Carbon taxes have their supporters and detractors. Both sides have merit. What do you think? Would a carbon tax in Juneau work? Are carbon taxes an effective way to reduce carbon emissions?

For one view, read On Carbon, Tax and Don't Spend and share your comments here.

How Do You Envision Juneau Becoming Sustainable?

2008-03-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

Post your thoughts! Click on the Comments link below.

Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission: Final Report

2008-03-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

The Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission today released its final report of the social, environmental and economic impacts of climate change on Alaskan communities and resources. To read the report, click here.

Take the UAS Energy Survey!

2008-03-14T21:19:00.000-07:00

The University of Alaska Southeast is conducting an energy survey. The results will be presented on April 4, during their Energy Forum, an event of speakers on a wide variety of energy issues.

To take the survey, click here: UAS Energy Survey