Alaska Conservation Solutions

General Information 

RurAL CAP is one of over 1,000 "Community Action Agencies" nationally. As part of the agency's purpose (to ensure that all Alaskans have equal access to a high quality of life), RurAL CAP offers a variety of programs and services dealing with energy and environmental issues.

Alaska Environmental Resource Hub On-Line (AERHO) is a great place to find resources and build an online community for those who are working on environmental issues in rural Alaska.

7 Generations is an organization devoted solely to addressing village environmental issues.

Recycling

All communities in Alaska that are off the road and can connect to Anchorage via Northern Air Cargo are eligible to participate in the Flying Cans backhaul program. The program is sponsored by Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling (ALPAR), Smurfit-Stone Recycling, Northern Air Cargo and numerous other members of the Alaska Air Carriers Association.  ALPAR currently pays 35 cents a pound for aluminum cans, and there is no cargo charge! For more information contact ALPAR at 907.644.7968 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Most NAPA Auto Parts stores accept car and boat batteries. Visit the NAPA Auto Parts website to locate a store near you. 

Click here for a tip sheet on dealing with your recyclables and keeping them out of your landfill.

Solid Waste

Solid Waste Alaska Network provides great information on a variety of solid waste issues such as removing junk vehicles and banning plastic bags. 

Download the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation's tip sheet for solid waste management in rural Alaska.  

Backhauling Services

Crowley Shipping Services ships backhaul materials in areas they service.

Northland Marine Transportation will also assist rural communities they service in backhauling materials to lower-48 recycling plants.

Energy Efficiency   

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

Rural Energy Enterprises, a wholly owned subsidiary of RurAL CAP, is a wholesale distributor of energy-efficient and money-saving products to rural residents. 

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 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

Resolutions are a very effective way to demonstrate consensus among a community or organization on a particular issue, such as promoting renewable energy. Great examples of renewable energy resolutions are available on the Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference (SWAMC) website. For example, SWAMC passed a resolution calling for a demonstration biomass boiler in Dillingham, which will burn waste generated by the seafood industry including cardboard, pallets, and fish byproducts.