Alaska Conservation Solutions

Recycling

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Department of Solid Waste asks that “you think recycling before you throw.” For recycling locations, hours and a list of what you can recycle visit their recycling website.

Transportation

Catch a ride with Central Area Transit System, Inc. (CARTS).

If CARTS services are not available in your area, visit the Sustainable Homer Transportation webpage for ideas on alternative transportation and carpooling.

Walk or ride your bike! This page has information on the Peninsula bike club. This website has great how-to info for winter bicycling. Read here about the health benefits of riding your bike instead of driving.

Energy Efficiency

Visit Homer Electric's energy efficiency page for tips on how to save money on your household energy bills.

Alaska 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 on the Kenai Peninsula, visit the AHFC website or call The Home Energy Rebate & Weatherization Hotline at 1.877.325.2508.

Renewable Energy

Produce 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 the Kenai Municipal Airport.

If you are thinking about solar power, check out this table showing the average hours of daylight by month in Seward.

Homer Electric Association (HEA) recently surveyed 300 randomly selected members to get their opinion about future energy sources for power generation. The survey results indicate a clear preference for renewables, but also reflect a concern about increasing rates. Currently, HEA’s total generation capacity is 55.0 MW, of which 14.0 MW are received from renewable energy, specifically the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric.

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. 

 More Information

In December, 2007 the Homer Global Warming Task Force released its Climate Action Plan, which calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Homer 12 percent by 2012 and 20 percent by 2020, using 2000 as a baseline.

The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Notebook Series provides weekly articles addressing a variety of wildlife and fisheries topics, including impacts from climate change.  

Climate, global warming, and daylight charts and data for several Kenai Peninsula locations in 2007 are available here.

Alaska Youth for Environmental Action (AYEA) has a Homer chapter.