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Congratulations, Juneau!Juneau captured nationwide attention after an avalanche knocked out their relatively cheap hydroelectric power in April, 2008, and electricity suddenly became five times more expensive. The US Department of Energy's Berkeley Laboratory praised the city's dramatic conservation accomplishments in an article entitled "Juneau Unplugged: Live More, Use Less." Juneau should serve as a lesson to us all as to how we can cut energy consumption, on both the individual and the community level. RecyclingJuneau’s numerous green initiatives are testament to the City’s strong sustainability ethic. For example, the Pubic Works Department asks citizens to “Remember - Everything that you and your family do to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair, Rethink, and Reject is creating and preserving a better environment for ourselves, our children, and for the future generations." To learn more about where and what to recycle, click here. Energy EfficiencyAlaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) offers financial assistance to help Alaskans reduce their energy bills and make their homes more energy efficient. For more information on current programs in Juneau, visit the AHFC website or call The Home Energy Rebate & Weatherization Hotline at 1.877.325.2508. Renewable EnergyProduce your own, clean energy and live off the grid! Alaska Energy Authority's "Renewable Energy Atlas of Alaska" shows potential renewable energy resources all over the state. Order a free copy by contacting Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP) at 907.929.7770 or download a version here. Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) has also prepared a Wind Resource Summary specifically for Juneau. If you are thinking about solar power, check out this table showing the average hours of daylight by month in Juneau. Alaska Sun is a coalition of solar businesses, academics, and interested individuals working toward a renewable energy future for Alaska. Established in May 2001, its funding originally came through the National Million Solar Roofs Coalition monies from the U.S. Department of Energy. Its site is now maintained by UAF's Cooperative Extension Service and is dedicated to promoting renewable energy for Alaska. ABS Alaskan, Inc. maintains a site that discusses renewable energy options, remote power products, tax credits and intertie incentives throughout Alaska. TransportationJuneau’s Capital Transit Program has made it easier than ever to Bike and Ride to work or play, with bicycle racks on each bus. Capital transit can be reached at 907.789.6901. Walk or ride your bike! Visit the website of the Juneau Freewheelers Bicycle Club. More InformationClimate, global warming, and daylight charts and data for 2007 in Juneau are available here. Be sure to visit the Juneau Sustainability Commission website for announcements on local meetings and climate change developments. The Alaska Youth for Environmental Action has a Juneau chapter. |