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

info@iagreenstar.org

Executive Director

Kalee Meurlott

kalee@iagreenstar.org

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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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