green star annual report 2012
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Interior Alaska Green Star Annual Report
2012
Physical Address: 565 University Avenue, Suite 4, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709
Mailing Address: PO Box 82391, Fairbanks, Alaska 99708
(907) 452-4152
www.iagreenstar.org
Executive Director
Kalee Meurlott
Mission Statement
Interior Alaska Green Star is a non-profit organization which encourages households and
businesses to practice waste reduction, energy conservation and pollution prevention
Interior Alaska Green Star – 2012 Annual Report
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Message from the Executive Director
In April 2013, I took over for Andrea Miller as
Executive Director of Interior Alaska Green Star.
Fortunately for us, Andrea is still involved with
IAGS as an active board member, and we are
lucky to have her expertise and energy as part of
our organization.
I moved to Fairbanks in 2010 to work for
Calypso Farm and Ecology Center’s Farm to
School Program. I am very passionate about
education, waste reduction, and energy conservation. My passions align with Green Star’s mission,
making me a perfect fit for this job. One thing that has impressed me about IAGS in my short time here
is the dedication and passion of everyone who is involved with the organization. It is refreshing to see
the enthusiasm for volunteering in the Fairbanks community. With over 100 IAGS volunteers, I get to see
that enthusiasm almost on a daily basis. These volunteers have an opportunity to show their passion and
commitment to recycling and living green in the Interior by supporting us – coming out to help with our
outdoor events (often in cold or inclement weather) and cheerfully assisting with every task at hand to
ensure that these events are successful. Our special events could not go on without all the hard work of
these amazing volunteers! In addition to our volunteer force, IAGS is fortunate to have a working board,
who give so much of their time, energy, and expertise to help IAGS realize its mission and goals; they
consistently go well above and beyond expectations to ensure our continued development and success.
Finally, IAGS is grateful for the ongoing financial support of our generous donors and supporters,
without whom none of this would be possible. These community-minded businesses and organizations
support our mission of helping to keep the Interior green, and we appreciate their contributions to our
efforts. Overall, I am just so thankful for all the inspiring people I have met through my association with
IAGS, and look forward to many more great experiences ahead!
Here’s to another successful year!
Interior Alaska Green Star – 2012 Annual Report
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Electronics Recycling Events
WHY WE CARE ABOUT ELECTRONIC WASTE
According to the EPA, 3.19 million tons of electronic waste was generated in the U.S. in 2009; only
600,000 tons of this electronic waste (e-waste) was recycled. This means that over 82% of our e-waste –
or 2.59 million tons – ended up in our landfills in a single year. That number continues to grow as
Americans now own on average 24 electronic products per household.
E-waste contains toxic materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium and brominated flame retardants. For
example, an old CRT monitor can contain between four and eight pounds of lead. It is estimated that nearly
40% of the heavy metals in landfills comes from discarded electronic equipment. Aside from the toxic issues
surrounding electronics disposal, much of the material present in computers and other electronic devices is
recoverable, such as gold, copper, metal, and plastics. According to the EPA, for example, for every million
cell phones we recycle, 35,274 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold, and 33 pounds of
palladium can be recovered. Recovering metals from used cell phones can reduce extraction of raw metals
from the earth. Rather than throwing away these valuable resources, it makes sense to recycle the devices
and reuse as many of these materials as possible.
IAGS TAKES ACTION IN FAIRBANKS
IAGS opened the Electronics Recycling Depot in 2011. This depot continues to be open to collect old and
unwanted electronics for recycling on the third weekend of every month – Friday and Saturday. In 2012
IAGS diverted a total of 166,202 pounds (83.1 tons) of electronic waste from the landfills of Interior
Alaska. Collecting 33.8 tons of electronics in 2011 confirms that IAGS was able to collect 50 tons more in
2012! The depot served a total of 1,188 customers during that time period – 843 more households and
businesses than 2011.
Recycling Round-Up
IAGS decided to discontinue the Recycling Round-Up Program this year due to the high use of our
monthly electronic recycling depot. In addition, the introduction of the Recycling Guide is intended to
answer frequently asked questions regarding recycling options in the Interior and to help residents to
recycle year-round, rather than waiting for an annual event.
ELECTRONICS RECYCLING PARTNERS
Total Reclaim, Inc. (TRI) continues to be our electronics recycling partner based on their high
recovery rate of e-waste materials and their responsible handling of toxic materials. TRI
researches all of their downstream vendors to ensure they are environmentally responsible.
They hold ISO:14001, R2:2008, and E-Steward certifications for all of their facilities.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Recycling Commission approved funding for the Interior
Alaska Green Star (IAGS) Electronics Recycling Depot in the amount of $25,000 on November 16,
2011. By 2012, the Mayor approved this request, granting IAGS $25,000, in two installments.
This funding allowed IAGS to offer free electronics recycling for all residents and businesses in
the Fairbanks North Star Borough for most of 2012.
Interior Alaska Green Star – 2012 Annual Report
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The Fairbanks North Star Borough Solid Waste Division was a key partner in the 2012 Electronics
Recycling collections. Although the funding for this program was based on the recommendation
of the Recycling Commission, the actual funds came from the Solid Waste Division. That being
said, their monetary contributions were essential to the increased success of this program over
the past year.
Air Land Transport continues to be a critical partner for our Electronics Recycling program; they generously donated the shipment of eleven trailers full of electronics recyclables to Anchorage during 2012.
Alaska Waste continues to provide us with a location for monthly collections at the Electronics
Recycling Depot by generously donating the use of warehouse space at their Phillips Field Road
location. This partnership provides space for our monthly collection activities and storage of
electronics between shipments to Anchorage. In addition, they provide us with necessary
equipment and labor services at reasonable rates.
Compost Bin Sales – Alaska Feed Company
IAGS launched our compost bin sale program in April of 2010. Backyard composting is an easy way to
turn a large portion of household waste into a valuable product. IAGS regularly provided information
about composting at our outreach events throughout the year. In addition, we continue to sell the Earth
Machine compost bins through a consignment partnership with Alaska Feed Company at a price of $75.
These easy-to-use compost corrals are made of 50% post-consumer recycled plastic, and are an
excellent way to get into composting for people who are just starting out with this activity. A portion of
the sales of these bins goes to support IAGS programs and events.
Alaska State Gaming License – Application Submitted
In September, IAGS submitted an Alaska State Gaming License application with the hopes to implement a raffle fundraiser at the 2013 Tanana Valley State Fair.
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Special Events Recycling Program
In 2012, IAGS began a small-scale pilot program to extend our services by providing various levels of recycling assistance to several special events within the community. In light of the ongoing changes to the recycling scene in Fairbanks, the importance of establishing and sustaining recycling opportunities for our community has never been more apparent.
One important component of a successful community recycling program that is largely missing in the Fairbanks area is support for recycling at special events. Interior Alaska Green Star (IAGS) has partnered with the Tanana Valley State Fair Association to run a recycling program for the annual fair every year since 2006. However, much more is needed in order to expand special event recycling opportunities beyond this single event.
Tanana Valley State Fair Recycling – August 2-11
IAGS partnered with the Tanana Valley State Fair Association (TVSF)
and several local organizations to coordinate the recycling efforts for
the ten full days of the Fair. K&K Recycling generously provided the
collection dumpsters and hauling for the plastic and aluminum. At the
end of the Fair, 1,536 pounds of aluminum and 1,024 pounds of
plastic were delivered to K&K Recycling. A huge thank you goes out to
our dedicated recycling volunteers who dig through trash bins to
recover recyclables, carry bags of collected recyclables to the central
recycling dumpster, and sort and separate all the plastic bottles and
aluminum cans. We could not do this work without them.
Midnight Sun Festival – June 21
Interior Alaska Green Star and the Fairbanks Rescue Mission (FRM) partnered together to provide
recycling, sorting and collection service for the 2012 Midnight Sun Festival (MSF). We were delighted to
be invited to partner with the Downtown Association and the Fairbanks Rescue Mission (FRM) Recycling
Center to coordinate a Recycling Program for the Festival this year. With teamwork and a great working
partnership, IAGS and FRM recruited, trained, and supervised 25-30 volunteers to staff the recycling
efforts during the 12-hour event. Each of these dedicated and hard-working volunteers generously gave
their time walking up and down the streets of the Festival, rescuing recyclable bottles and cans from
trash bins, and emptying recycling bins as needed. All recyclables were sorted and transported to the
central recycling dumpster generously provided by Alaska Waste. Through these outstanding volunteer
efforts, we were able to collect 102 pounds of aluminum cans and 154 pounds of plastic bottles for
recycling over the course of the Festival.
Equinox Marathon (September 21) & Tour de Cure (June 9) –
IAGS also provided a recycling, sorting and collection service for the 2012 Equinox Marathon and Tour
de Cure events. We were delighted to be asked to provide this service and look forward to expanding
the Special Events Recycling Service in 2013.
Interior Alaska Green Star – 2012 Annual Report
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Public Outreach and Education
Fairbanks Recycling Guide
IAGS first launched the Fairbanks Recycling Guide in
August of 2011. Thanks to a generous grant from the
FNSB Recycling Commission, we distributed an updated
guide to approximately 14,000 recipients of the
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner on Sunday, February 26th,
2012. This guide provides updated information about
how and where to reuse and recycle many different
materials in our community. It includes charts, lists, and
a map to help residents navigate the somewhat complex
recycling scene in Fairbanks.
One of IAGS’s primary missions is to encourage
residents and businesses in the Fairbanks North Star
Borough to practice waste reduction and recycling. The
Fairbanks Recycling Guide provides us with a powerful
educational tool in order to continue working towards
this mission. We hope that future editions of the guide
will include additional topical and/or seasonal articles to help residents find ways to live more
sustainably at home, school, and work.
Tanana Valley State Fair – August 2nd – 11th
IAGS staff, board, and volunteers enjoyed
time spent at the Tanana Valley State Fair
hosting an informational booth in the
Borealis Pavilion. The Tanana Valley State
Fair represents the perfect opportunity for
IAGS to reach out and connect with our
community, so this is always an important
event for our education efforts. Thanks to
many hours put in by IAGS volunteers and
board members, we were able to educate
Fairbanks area residents on our mission,
programs, and events.
Interior Alaska Green Star – 2012 Annual Report
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Informational Booths
IAGS is often invited to participate in events coordinated by other local organizations. We appreciate
these opportunities to share information with community members about our organization’s mission
and activities – as well as the chance to meet and network with other local organizations.
In 2012, IAGS hosted informational booths at the following events:
North Haven Communities (Fort Wainwright) – “Life 101” Education Fair – February 7th
Fairbanks Rollergirls – Roller Derby Bout – March 19th
North Haven Communities (Fort Wainwright) – Earth Day Event – April 22nd
Randy Smith Middle School – Garden Bazaar – April 23rd
GVEA Annual Meeting – Earth Day Event – April 25th
Downtown Association – Midnight Sun Festival – June 21st
Tanana Valley State Fair – August 2-11th
Community Involvement
Clean Up Day – May 11th
IAGS partnered with the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, United Way of the Tanana
Valley, Boy Scouts of America Midnight Sun Boy Scout Council, & the 2013 Chamber investors to
clean up trash around the community. IAGS had 15 volunteers (including 3 kids) – split into two
teams to cover several areas
● First team cleaned up University Ave between Airport/Geist (and some south of Airport)
● Second team cleaned up Phillips Field Rd near Spenards and near AK Waste Recycling Center
● Good effort for our first year – we will keep working to find better spots for our cleanup team
First Friday Events
In February, IAGS acquired a new office space (location: 565 University Avenue). To celebrate our
relocation, IAGS hosted a First Friday Art Event and IAGS Office Open House on June 1st. The theme was
“Art of the Obsolete”. The art, food, decorations, and company were all wonderful and we look forward
to doing this again. IAGS also planned and executed a First Friday at the Morris Thompson Center on
October 5th.
Volunteer Appreciation Party In an effort to thank our dedicated volunteers, IAGS hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Party to extend our gratitude to our organization’s hard working volunteers. The party was a success and will be instituted as an annual event.
Interior Alaska Green Star – 2012 Annual Report
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Board of Directors
Pam Seiser
Alaska Biological Research, Inc.
Bill Smyth, Secretary
Department of Environmental Conservation
Carol Ann Varner, Treasurer
Tanana Valley League of Women Voters
Darcie Warden, President
Alaska Wilderness League
David Weissman, Vice President (Through June 2012)
Design Alaska, Inc.
FNSB Recycling Commission
Dianne Porter (From March 2012)
GVEA
Interior Alaska Green Star – 2012 Annual Report
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Volunteers
Thank you to all our dedicated IAGS volunteers!
Megan Allen Steven Frazer Joy Morrison Janelle Sweeney
Sharon Baker Regina Frazer Mary Ann Nickles Ann Swift
Ruby Baxter Morgen Frazer PJ O'Riley Carolyn Tallant
Sue Beckley Beverly Frey Jenny Patch Amy Tanna
Karl Bergman Dave Frey Patty Pitka Kristen Thomas
Alexander Bergman Bryana Garcia Dianne Porter Carol Ann Varner
Carey Brink Rusty Gesin Barbara Powell Laurie Walton
Becca Bryan Tristan Glowa Alfredo Quiroga Norm Warden
John Bunten Tiffany Green Erika Richards Shelly Warden
Reece Burke Brian Grinston Kathy Richmond Darcie Warden
Bev Byington Rebecca Hardcastle Ian Rogan Walt Weese
Barb Carlin Molly Hautman Sue Royston David Weissman
Lou Catinella Irene Holak Brenda Sadler Frank Williams
Deven Centner Nancy Hummel Gerald Sam Marv Wilson
Taylor Centner Jean James Michele Scouten David Withoff
Catherine Chandler Edna Johanson Tami Seekins Betsy Woolley
Karine Chingliak Anne Johnson Pam Seiser Jeff Yarman
Missy Corrigan Doug Kenney Robert Shields Ayse Yeager
Katherine Culp Leslie Kitchen Danelle Small Jayme Zeimer
Andrew Cyr Hal Kitchen Jane Smith Kyle Ziegler
Melody Debenham Jane LeBlond Judy Rae Smith Tom Zimmer
Mary Jane Derendoff Will Lentz Bill Smyth
Carol DeVoe Ian Ludwig Eli Sonafrank
Mary Dokken Marci Lynch Yvette Soutierre
Justin Dunn Margo Matthews Amy Spairs
Art Eveland Sue McHenry Sue Sprinkle
Alex Everett Susan McInnis Sebastion Stewart
Christy Everett Jasmin Mercer Oliver Stewart
Davya Flaharty Annie Meurlott Ashleigh Strange
Jimmy Fox Pat Moodie Jen Stutesman
Interior Alaska Green Star – 2012 Annual Report
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Sponsors
Thank you to all our generous IAGS sponsors!
Yukon Sponsors – 20,000 and greater
FNSB Recycling Commission
Kuskokwim Sponsors – $10,000 – 19,999
Air Land Transport
Copper Sponsors – $7,500 – $9,999
Golden Valley Electric Association
Tanana Sponsors – $5,000 – $7,499
Design Alaska
Koyukuk Sponsors – $2,500 – $4,999
Alaska Waste
North Haven
Teklanika Sponsors – $1,000 – $2,499
ALPAR
Interior Graphics & Printing
Sani-Can
Total Reclaim, Inc.
Nenana Sponsors – $500 – $999
American Seafoods
Birchwood Homes
Downtown Association of Fairbanks
Fairbanks Gold Mining, Inc.
Fairbanks Rollergirls
Princess Cruises
Schnieder & Shillings CPAs
Tanana Valley State Fair Association
Tukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council
Usibeli Foundation
Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council
Interior Alaska Green Star – 2012 Annual Report
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Chena Sponsors – $100 to $499
ABR, Inc.
B-Line Construction
HDR Alaska, Inc.
MAC Federal Credit Union
NORTECH
North Star Children’s Dentistry
SimplexGrinnell
Sourdough Transfer
Spirit of Alaska Federal Credit Union
Tanana Valley Television
Totem Ocean Trailer Express
Noyes Slough Sponsors – Up to $99
Dalton Construction
Golden North Motel of Fairbanks
Home Depot
Law Office of Rita T. Allee
Prenesti CPA
Interior Alaska Green Star – 2012 Annual Report
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2012 Financial Statement
Balance Sheet
2011 2012
Cash, savings, and investments $17,662 $6,177
Land and buildings $0 $0
Total assets $17,662 $6,477
Total liabilities $221 $307
Net assets or fund balances $17,441 $6,170
Statement of Activities
Revenues
Contributions, gifts, and similar amounts received $39,962
Program service revenue $42,297
Membership dues and assessments $0
Investment income $7
Gross profit (or loss) from sales of inventory $0
Total Revenue $82,266
Expenses
Salaries, other compensation and employee benefits $32,005
Professional fees and other payments to independent contractors $5,340
Printing, publications, postage and shipping $6,751
Office expenses $678
Conferences/meetings $1,789
Promotion and public awareness $7,760
Recycling expenses $34,341
Dues and subscriptions $199
Insurance $1,975
Supplies $557
Licenses and permits $243
Internet Expenses $603
Total Expenses $93,537
Assets
Excess or (deficit) for the year $(11,271)
Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year $17,441
Net assets or fund balances at end of year $6,170