SUCCESS STORIES

Phillips Petroleum
Drawer 66
Kenai, Alaska 99611
(907) 776-6053

55 Employees

Coordinator: Peter A. Micciche
Award Date: September 14, 1994

Through the standards of Green Star, Phillips Petroleum in the Alaska Area introduced the "Reclaim" program on May 11, 1994. "Reclaim" was designed to enhance the positive impact Phillips has on the community and it's environment, by encompassing environmental issues which are not confronted on a State and Federal Regulatory basis.

The first phase of the program was designed to reduce waste generated by Phillips through a simple and effective recycling program. The facilities at the onshore LNG plant in Nikiski and the Tyonek Platform in North Cook Inlet are both included in the program. In the first twelve months after the introduction of "Reclaim", Phillips recorded a 35% reduction of facility waste volume. Although the economics of recycling was not originally considered, the savings realized due to the reduction in waste removal service was an unexpected payoff.

Phillips is presently recycling aluminum, glass, newspaper, cardboard, batteries, white office and computer paper, glycol, and scrap metals. "Reclaim's" recycling phase includes, conveniently located, material-specific receptacles for the various recyclables, a long-term storage area where full receptacles are emptied, and a system to remove full, long-term storage containers and deliver them to the recycling area of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Landfill facility. In the twenty-four months since the program was Initiated, Phillips has recycled 16,000 lbs. of cardboard, 9,100 lbs. of aluminum, 1,600 lbs. of batteries, and over 350,000 lbs. of scrap metal, for a total of 380,600 lbs. of material that was eliminated from Phillips waste steam and returned as raw material to be recycled.

The other phases of "Reclaim" comply with a litter-free zone surrounding the facility. Pre-cycling while procuring materials, replacing hazardous materials presently In use with similar non-hazardous products, insuring that hazardous and semi-hazardous materials are properly contained and disposed. They also converted from Styrofoam drink containers to permanent mugs and glasses. The Purchasing Department purchases products manufactured from recycled materials whenever possible, replaced lighting systems with energy efficient fixtures, and encouraged vendors to initiate a similar program at their places of businesses.

"Reclaim", through the standards of "Green Star," is an excellent opportunity for Phillips Petroleum to become the industry leader in the pressing issues of waste reduction, pollution prevention, and energy savings. Since receiving the Green Star Award, Phillips has received extensive community recognition and positive support by the media which has resulted in a significant quality of positive corporate exposure.

Kenai Chamber of Commerce
Home of the Snow Goose Classic 402 Overland
Kenai, Alaska 99611
(907) 283-7989

3 Employees

Coordinator: Laura Measles
Award Date: November 16, 1994

As a small, non-profit organization, the Kenai Chamber of Commerce found it initially difficult to establish a plan which could improve their waste situation. They were of the impression "we had no room for improvement."

After investigating their habits, they found the amount of trash was considerable, and after separating recyclable items they were able to reduce the need for refuse pick up from once a week to once monthly. This resulted in a monetary savings of $122 per year. In addition, by reducing the size of the paper used for the monthly newsletter, they were able to reduce the cost of not only the paper, but the postage required for mailing.

Other items were discovered regarding energy efficiency--the Kenai Chamber found that by turning out lights when leaving during the day, as well as other office equipment, the amount of energy consumed was lessened.

The Kenai Chamber of Commerce staff also established a litter-free zone around the Chamber cabin, and the employees are constantly aware of the need to keep this area clean.

Peninsula Sanitation
P. 0. Box 1209
Soldotna, Alaska 99669
13 Employees
(907) 283-9390

Coordinator: Pamela Malone
Award Date: February 28, 1995

In November of 1994, a waste assessment was performed by the Green Star

Coordinator, Pam Malone, on both the administrative and operational components of Peninsula Sanitation.

Although some recycling was already being done (aluminum, cardboard and some office paper), there were several ways observed in which waste could be reduced.

The following procedures were implemented:

A plain paper fax machine was purchased.

Waste/recycling receptacles were purchased to place at every desk to facilitate 'painless recycling'.

When new print job, forms etc., recycled stock is requested.

Review copying practices to see what can be omitted, i.e., copies in customers' files.

Double-sided copying, whenever possible.

Reducing the amount of hazardous materials used in the shop, i.e. hand cleansers.

Extending the life of glycol used in operations by mixing new with old instead of replacing all of it.

Putting ceramic mugs in shop to reduce use of paper cups.

The policy of Peninsula Sanitation is to Improve environmental quality throughout our community. They are committed to reducing or eliminating waste where possible, recycling, and disposing of waste properly. They also feel that being in the refuse removal business, they can be a model for other organizations in our community, and take that responsibility seriously.

National Bank of Alaska - Soldotna Branch
P. 0. Box 509
Soldotna, Alaska 99669
(907) 262-4435

22 Employees

Coordinator: Connie R. Hocker

Award Date: April 25, 1995

The policy of National Bank of Alaska, Soldotna Branch, is to improve environmental quality throughout their daily business. They are committed to reducing waste by recycling whenever possible and reducing the amount of products purchased as well as in the conservation of energy.

"Make it easy" is their motto. Collection containers are provided where waste is most likely to occur. They have provided everyone with paper collection containers on their waste baskets, and collection containers in the employee lunch room for the collection paper, aluminum cans and newspapers.

Newspaper, corrugated cardboard, aluminum cans, office paper, glass, toner cartridges and brown paper bags are currently recycled.

They have greatly reduced waste by purchasing a new computer system that provides on-line business forms, manuals and telephone messages. This has eliminated over 60 forms and manuals that were previously purchased. In addition, energy costs were reduced by converting lighting to fluorescent bulbs, putting thermostats on timers, and reducing the use of hot water through a more efficent system.

One of their biggest challenges is finding uses for shredded paper. They are currently providing it to their customers for packing material and animal bedding.

Goals include working with their local mortgage branch to assist their efforts toward becoming a Green Star member.

PTI Communications
35126 Kalifornsky Beach Road
Soldotna, Alaska 99669
(907) 262-1251

50 Employees

Coordinator: Dawn Robinson

Award Date: April 26, 1995

PTI's Green Star endeavors have been two-fold and wide-spread in addressing environmental issues, they have realized savings in their operating budgets

A team was formed consisting of a representative from each department, a coordinator was appointed, a Green Star Policy Statement was adopted, posted and circulated throughout local PTI buildings and a waste assessment conducted.

Incentives, such as personalized coffee mugs, insulated water bottles, and travel mugs were provided for all employees to draw them into the team concept and to make them feel a part of PTI's change and commitment. Committee members are encouraged to attend Green Star workshops.

PTI has reduced energy consumption by eliminating/reducing lighting in low-traffic areas, weather-stripped doors, and by encouraging employees to turn off all computers and printers when not in use.

Paper consumption decreased with the use of E-Mail and all employees now enter their time via computer.

They have installed SmartTech, a computerized monitor that tracks all telephone traffic in all of their central offices, eliminating a minimum of four cases of computer paper per month. Feeder sheets from computer generated reports are now recycled through the copy machine and double-sided copying is encouraged.

PTI also recycles cardboard, scrap cable, pallets, cable reels and packing material.

A Green Star suggestion box has been implemented with rewards offered for beneficial ideas. Fund raisers are in place to fund the reward concept.

In addition to the work-place efforts, they have signed up for the Adopt-a-Highway Program on a voluntary employee basis.

PTI believes their greatest accomplishment has been establishing a recycling program. They have gone from an organization operating with tunnel-vision to one that has not only made the commitment to change, but making the effort to change.

They are proud of their team approach and on-going commitment to the environment. PTI's goal is to continue looking for ways to reduce the amount, as well as the type, of waste they currently generate.

Kenai Peninsula Food Bank
P. 0. Box 1267
Soldotna, Alaska 99669
(907) 262-3111
3 Employees

Coordinator: Linda S. Parker

Award Date: May 9, 1995

To earn their Green Star Award, the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank uses both sides of the paper to copy long reports, used discarded paper as scratch pads, installed ceiling fans for better air/heat circulation to reduce heating costs and recycles paper, cardboard and aluminum cans.

They collect cardboard and when they have their big truck going to Anchorage, they load the truck with cardboard to take and recycle. The money received pays for the cost of the gas for the trip. They have salvage food items they make available for local families that raise pigs and chickens. They provide this on a daily basis and receive three cents per pound for the food. They have completely eliminated any food going into the landfill, all is being used in the food chain.

The Kenai Peninsula Food Bank is very committed to the mission of the Green Star Program. They will continue working with all areas of the food industry and will get more donors to work with them to provide food to those in need and to use their resources wisely. They set a goal of 900,000 pounds of food to receive in 1996 and to use all of the food for people or animals.

Greater Soldotna Chamber of Commerce
P. 0. Box 236
Soldotna, Alaska 99669
(907) 262-9814

5 Employees

Coordinator: Sue Hensler/Randi Smith

Award Date: May 23, 1995

Soldotna Chamber of Commerce worked extremely hard on the implementation of the Green Star Program into the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Information Center.

They set up labeled trash cans by the desks and labeled bins in centrally located areas that encouraged use by Chamber and Visitor Information Center staff and visitors. Glass, aluminum, newspaper, office paper and cardboard are all sorted and recycled. Copying two-sided is encouraged, the back of discarded paper is used for drafts, and discarded white paper is used for note pads. Leftover mailing labels are used for file labels and file folders and manila envelopes are reused.

The Greater Soldotna Chamber of Commerce proudly displays its Green Star Award and is fully committed to the Green Star principals.

Alaska Anvil
HCO I Box 375
Kenai, Alaska 99611
(907) 776-5870

10 Employees

Coordinator: Cheryl Hamann

Award Date: June 22, 1995

Alaska Anvil has been recycling for several years and proudly displays the Green Star on the front door of their office. Alaska Anvil's Green Star Program is constantly growing with the influx of new ideas and the use of recycled products. They are currently tracking recycled products based on the amount purchased and the amount that is being recycled back into the system.

In the past six months, Alaska Anvil has purchased 300 pounds of recycled copy and writing paper products. To date. they have recycled 284.5 pounds back into the system giving them an 85% success rate in the recycling of paper. Along with tracking paper products, they are also tracking newspaper, aluminum and cardboard with the same success rate.

Alaska Anvil hopes to carry this procedure over to other products currently being used as well and earning a 100% accuracy rate in recycling all products they are using back into the system.

MACtel Cellular Inc.
44260 Sterling Highway
Soldotna, Alaska 99669
(907) 262-3500

8 Employees

Coordinator: Theresa Colton

Award Date: July 25, 1995

MACtel and its employees have been committed to protecting the environment. They are proud to have implemented the Green Star Standards and strive to continue to be conscious of all waste and office procedures that affect our environment.

MACtel eliminated waste by buying as many products as possible In limited packaging. This not only greatly reduced cardboard and plastic packaging, but also shipping charges coming from their suppliers. They also buy in bulk reducing their cost even more. Paper is recycled in many ways: from using the shredded paper for shipping fragile items to making note pads from other used paper. What is left is taken to the solid waste facility along with cans, bottles, newspaper and any left-over cardboard boxes that they were not able to recycle elsewhere.

The employee incentive program is to encourage employees to think of and put into action new ideas of recycling, reusing and reducing.

Goals for the following year are to continue implementing the Green Star Standards, to always be open to new ways of doing business that protect our environment,and to beautify the grounds in front of the MACtel Office.

UNOCAL Agricultural Products
P. 0. Box 575
Kenai, Alaska 99611
(907) 776-8121

340 Employees

Coordinator: Michelle Deitering

Award Date: August 17, 1995

The UNOCAL Agricultural Products Plant has focused for many years on finding new ways to reduce wastes and cut emissions. Much of their efforts has gone into waste reduction through process modifications. For example, one of the steps in producing anhydrous ammonia is removing carbon dioxide from the synthesis gas stream. In years past, to do this they used an organic fluid called sulfinol which required as an additive an arsenic-containing corrosion inhibitor.

Over time the sulfinol solution would break down, forming a compound called oxazolidone that needed to be continually removed from the stream. The oxazolidone became a hazardous waste because of its arsenic content. Last fall UNOCAL replaced sulfinol with a new process solution that will not break down and does not require a corrosion inhibitor, so no waste (hazardous or non-hazardous) is generated.

This process modification has resulted in a 750,000 pound reduction In hazardous waste generation per year and a savings of $160,000 per year in disposal costs. In 1997, a second ammonia plant will be switched over to the new process solution, thus doubling their savings in hazardous waste generation and disposal costs.

UNOCAL has also been reducing ammonia emissions. - Since 1986, the amount of ammonia released from the plant has been reduced 93%. Part of this reduction came from installing equipment to capture ammonia that was previously vented, and to recycle it back into the process. Further reductions were achieved by changing operational procedures and by adjusting process conditions.

New instrumentation was also installed to better monitor and control the ammonia and urea processes. Last fall, UNOCAL installed flares to burn rather than vent the remaining ammonia. The new flares eliminated nearly all ammonia releases from the ammonia storage system and from two production plants. With the addition of the flares, UNOCAL is on the cutting edge of emission control in the urea fertilizer industry - there are no other known urea plants in the world who are using flares. Two more flares are planned for installation in 1997 to service the two remaining production plants.

UNOCAL is continuing to recycle office paper, cardboard, aluminum cans and insulation covers, spent catalysts, copier cartridges, and scrap metal. UNOCAL is proud to be a Green Star Award Winner.

Byron McCord, M.D.
265 Binkley Street
Soldotna, Alaska 99669
(907) 262-5472

2 Employees

Coordinator: Byron McCord

Award Date: October 10, 1995

At their small, professional office, they have done the following with enthusiasm:

1) Copy machine - turned off when substantial time between planned periods of utilization: double-sided copying whenever possible.

2) Obtaining a "cardboard only" recycle container from Peninsula Sanitation for their use and nearby offices.

3) Bulletin board in the break room to better inform and share recycling literature.

4) Non-confidential, one-sided, "Junk" mail Is used for copies,

transcription, and letters to "recycle aware colleagues" (their paper Is definitely what you might call bi-cycled paper).

5) Use of scraps as note pads, either by stapling together or gluing.

6) Reuse of manila folders, envelopes, and three ring binders that are received in the mail or from vendors.

7) Recycling Styrofoam peanuts in boxes they receive from vendors.

8) Sensitive/confidential paper is shredded and taken to Kenai Peninsula Borough Baling Facility.

9) Thermostat programmed to 60 degrees from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

10) Use of screw-in, compact, fluorescent lights in typically incandescent desk lamps and bathrooms. Installation of a shower to encourage the use of alternative transportation (particularly bicycle) to work.

11) Purchase of recycled letterhead, copy and computer paper, toilet paper, "tissue," and envelopes.

12) Always request recycled paper for printing jobs and use ceramic mugs in the office instead of Styrofoam.

13) Have recycle containers for aluminum cans, glass bottles, "office pack" paper.

14) Use rechargeable batteries.

15) Have their copier and printer cartridges refilled rather than purchasing new each time.

16) Print on "draft" for much of in-house materials to increase the life of printer cartridge.

All these efforts add up to the type of momentum that helps direct an office toward being as earth-friendly as possible. Their particular goals for next year are to identify a source of recycled exam table paper and more earth-friendly cleaning substances for the bathrooms and counter tops. Trying to be earth-friendly is evolutionary, not static, and the opportunities and products continue to increase. They extend "Good Luck" to everyone for their efforts no matter how small or large the organization.

Tesoro Alaska
Kenai, Alaska 99611
(907) 776-8191

150 Employees

Coordinator: Norman Edelman

Award Date: February 14, 1996

A team of five employees volunteered for Tesoro's Green Star Committee.

They first outlined how they would implement a recycling program since the "recycling" aspect was their common interest. They submitted their plan to management and received full and total support, which they now believe is the only way a program like this can work.

Tesoro eliminated the need for one dumpster right after their recycling program started at a savings of $1,833 per year. After the recycling program was in place, they started looking for areas where they could reduce the use of paper.

Committee members were surprised what they found when they looked at how paper was being used. It was easy to find areas that needed improvement.

A Daily Operating Report was being faxed from Long Beach, California to the Kenai refinery where it was being copied and widely distributed. Several people that received a copy of the report only needed a small amount of information from the document, or only needed to review it and most of the copies ended up in the trash. Tesoro sent computer support personnel to Long Beach to install an E-Mail system on the computer network. Now Daily Operating Reports are sent by E-Mail to everyone who needs one and a person can retrieve any information needed without the use of any paper.

Daily Quality Control stream data sheets were being copied and distributed. The stream data sheets have been incorporated into a share directory on their computer network the Work Order, Inventory Control, and Material Ordering and Disposition system has been computerized.

Printers in the control rooms were only capable of using track feed paper. They found a lot of paper being thrown away from memo, notes, etc. that had only one side used. New printers were purchased that used single sheets of paper so they could print on the back side of used paper.

Tesoro documented that paper use was reduced by 882,545 sheets per year. Tesoro also recycles newspaper, copper wire, cardboard, and aluminum (pop cans, scrap, and pipe insulation jacketing) with an estimate of 14,200 pounds of material.

Tesoro also switched from chlorine water treatment to purifying with bromine pellets.

The money saved from recycling aluminum cans went to buy the employees mugs and Jackets printed with the logo of the company's Green Star committee "Recoup."

Mountain View Elementary School
315 Swires Road
Kenai, Alaska 99611
(907) 283-6148

47 Staff Members
435 Students
175 Parents

Coordinator: Jim Dawson, Principal

Award Date: May 29, 1996

In 1992, Mt. View's student council, seeing the need for recycling in their building, began extensive research into ways to improve their waste situation. The students researched ways to recycle newspapers, aluminum cans, milk cartons, copy paper, etc., generated at Mt. View Elementary.

After much research, the student council purchased recycling tubs for paper to be placed in each classroom. Receptacles for collecting aluminum cans were placed in the lunch room, the teachers' lounge, and by the main doors of the building. Every Friday afternoon, students went around to each classroom collecting paper, including newspaper, to be recycled and then loaded it into Mr. Dawson's pickup to be taken to the recycle bin. Before beginning to recycle, they estimated 210 newspapers were thrown away each week, now they are recycled. Approximately ten pounds of aluminum was thrown away, as opposed to one pound or less now. Also 50 pounds of paper was thrown away each week, now less than ten pounds per week.

To improve Mt. View's energy efficiency the custodian has, in several locations throughout the building, changed four-tube light fixtures to two tubes, thus reducing their electricity consumption. Lights are turned off evenings and weekends and other times when the rooms are not in use. The lights in the teachers' lounge are not used in the early fall or spring, when there is sufficient sunlight to illuminate it.

Rather than use Styrofoam or other disposable hot cups, each staff member has a ceramic mug with their name on the bottom, made by Libby Berezin.

Mt. View Elementary School has a three-month calendar painted on the wall by the office, on which they write dates and up-coming school events with dry erase makers. As a month passes, the old dates and events are erased and a new month put up. They also have dry erase message boards where daily messages for students, staff, and parents are listed. The PTA bought a large, blue Velcro message board which is set up in the main hallway.

Mt. View school-wide emphasis for 1996 - 97 school year will be on Caring for the Kenai Contest.

The Mt. View School Community Is proud to be a Green Star recipient, being the first school on the peninsula to qualify, and to be able to make a difference in protecting our environment.

Kenai Peninsula Borough
Administration Building
144 North Binkley
Soldotna, Alaska 99669
(907) 262-9667

90 Employees

Coordinator: Catherine Mayer

Award Date: January 16, 1996

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Administration Building has had waste reduction, recycling and energy-efficient programs in place for many years. However, many areas needed improvement and the Green Star Program provided the incentive to expand efforts.

A Green Star Team (15 people) was formed to help disseminate information to employees and as a mechanism to obtain feedback, recommendation, answer questions, and incorporate changes at their department level.

Recycling stations to collect newspaper, office paper, aluminum cans, cardboard, etc. are in place throughout the building. The materials are collected daily and transported to two, 30-cubic. yard, compartmentalized recycling bins.

A few examples of office paper conservation include making scratch pads from used paper, making double-sided copies, using computers for proofreading and to access financial data, and electronic mail and fax via modem whenever possible.

Equipment changes which dramatically reduced the amount of paper and hazardous material consumed included:

Copy Shop Installed new equipment that eliminated the use of many hazardous materials and which has allowed for efficient printing high volumes, stapling, collating and making double-sided copies. Eliminated type-setting and other services requiring special paper and equipment.

Data Processing eliminated most printing done on a continuous feed printer. Xerox printer is now used for forms and reports that previously required purchasing specialized forms. Most duplicate and/or carbonless forms (three sheet forms) have been eliminated and single sheet white bond is now used for forms such as property tax and purchase orders. It is estimated that up to $30,000 may be saved annually due to printer changes.

Planning Department eliminated an electrostatic plotter that had maintenance costs of approximately $12,000 per year and used hazardous material. The department purchased a new $9,000 plotter with minimal maintenance costs.

Finance Department now recycles approximately 58,000 tax bin envelopes that were formerly thrown away.